BUSPIRONE
In this session, we will be discussing the consumer medication information for buspirone, trade name BusparTM.
What it’s for & How to take
Buspirone is used to treat anxiety. It works by affecting the level of a chemical in the brain.
Treating anxiety with buspirone may allow a patient to think more clearly, and feel less irritable. This medication may control symptoms of acute anxiety including sweating, difficulty sleeping, and a pounding heartbeat.
Buspirone is usually taken 2 or 3 times daily, with or without food, or as directed by your physician. When this medication is first started, symptoms of anxiety may get a little worse before they begin to improve. Your body will adjust to the medication. It may take 3 or 4 weeks before you feel the full effect of the buspirone.
Continue to take buspirone even if you feel better. Your doctor will decrease your dose gradually when you are ready to stop this medication.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, skip it and continue with your normal dose time. Do not take a double dose to make up the missed dose.
The dosage of buspirone is based on your condition and response to treatment. Take this medication exactly as prescribed and do not increase the dose without your doctor’s approval.
Warnings & Cautions
- If your anxiety symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor to discuss your options.
- If you are taking other medications to treat anxiety, do not stop them when the buspirone is started, unless your doctor tells you to.
- Do not drive or do any activity that requires focus and attention until you are sure you can do them safely. Limit alcoholic beverages while taking buspirone.
- Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking buspirone. Grapefruit may increase the level of this medication in your body and cause dangerous side effects.
- Let your pharmacist or doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking this medication.
Interactions & Side Effects
- Tell your pharmacist or doctor all your medication allergies so they may determine if buspirone is safe for you to take.
- Avoid dangerous drug interactions. Tell your pharmacist or doctor all the other medication you are taking, including over the counter supplements, even if you don’t take them very often.
- Ask your doctor if this medication is safe to take with your current health conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any kidney or liver problems, bipolar disorder, or any signs of Parkinson’s disease.
- While taking buspirone, you may feel some drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness and blurred vision. If these or any other unwanted side effects persist, call your doctor or pharmacist to talk about it with them.
- Call your doctor right away if you have any movement disorders such as shakiness, muscle stiffness or jerky movements.
If you have any questions about what you have heard, contact your pharmacist or doctor. This session does not include all potential interactions or side effects that this medication may cause. Ask your pharmacist how your medication should be stored and how you should dispose of it when you are done taking it. Do not share your medication with anyone, ever. Remember, this is not meant to replace your counseling session with your pharmacist. In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Updated 7/20