Buspar

 Category: Mental Disorders

Generic name: Buspirone

Buspar tablets

What is Buspar?

Buspar is an anti-anxiety medication. The active ingredient in Buspar is buspirone which is dispensed as oral tablets (5mg, 10mg and 15mg).

Drug Uses

Buspar is prescribed to treat GAD (generalized anxiety disorder). The symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include tension, irritability, panic, pounding heart, and irritability. Buspar is used as short-term relief of these symptoms. The usual period of treatment is a maximum of four weeks, unless otherwise directed by a doctor.

Buspar is used to treat other medical conditions not listed in this information guide.

Dose

Buspar must always be used as directed. Do not make adjustments to the dose before speaking to a doctor. Buspar may be taken with or without food.

Do not suddenly stop taking Buspar without talking to your doctor. Sudden discontinuance can cause uncomfortable side-effects.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, it may be taken when you remember. However, do not take the missed dose near the time of the next scheduled dose. In this case, ignore the missed dose. Never double-up on a dose.

Warnings and Precautions

Do not use Buspar if you are allergic to buspirone.

Tell your doctor if you suffer with kidney or liver disorders.

Tell your doctor if you are using sedatives, flu medication or pain-killers because these may cause extreme drowsiness when taken with Buspar.

Discuss with your doctor the risks of eating grapefruit, or drinking grapefruit juice, while using Buspar because grapefruit has been known to react badly with Buspar.

Buspar should not be administered to anyone under the age of 18 years.

It is unlikely that Buspar will harm an unborn fetus, therefore women who are pregnant may use this drug. It is not known if Buspar passes into breast milk so women who are breast-feeding should use Buspar with caution, under directions of a doctor.

Before using Buspar, you must give your doctor full details of your medical history and other medications that you use. These include herbal medicines and vitamin supplements. Buspar can react badly with some medications.

Buspar may cause drowsiness so avoid driving or doing any dangerous activity while using Buspar. Avoid the use of alcohol while taking Buspar because alcohol can intensify certain side-effects.

Possible Side-effects

Call for emergency assistance if any of the following symptoms of allergy occur: difficulty in breathing, hives, or swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face.

Contact your doctor if any of the following side-effects occur: fainting, lightheadedness, depressed mood, fast or irregular heartbeat, changes in behavior, lack of co-ordination, or suicidal thoughts.

Less serious side-effects can include vision problems, dizziness, drowsiness, upset stomach, nausea, insomnia, or lack of concentration. These side-effects generally occur in the initial stages of treatment and do not last long.

Contact your doctor if any uncomfortable symptoms occur, or persist.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, call for emergency assistance immediately. Symptoms of overdose with Buspar can include vomiting or nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, stomach pain, or vision problems.

Storage instructions

Buspar must be kept away from children and stored in a dry, cool place away from sunlight and moisture.