Uses

BUSPIRONE (Buspar) helps to relieve certain states of anxiety. It is chemically different from other medicines that treat anxiety and has very little effect on mental alertness. Buspirone does not produce dependency problems. Generic buspirone tablets are available.

How to take

Take buspirone tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You may take this medicine with or without food. However, to ensure that buspirone always works the same way for you, you should take buspirone either always with or always without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Side Effects

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:; blurred vision or other vision changes; difficulty breathing; chest pain; confusion; feelings of hostility or anger; muscle aches and pains; numbness or tingling in hands or feet; ringing in the ears; skin rash and itching (hives); sore throat; vomiting; weakness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):; disturbed dreams, nightmares; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; nasal congestion; nausea; restlessness or nervousness; stomach upset

Precaution

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be one or two weeks before your anxiety goes away. Do not stop taking buspirone except on your prescriber's advice. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how buspirone affects you. Alcohol can increase possible drowsiness and dizziness and may make you more anxious. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Drug interactions

alcohol; aspirin; carbamazepine; clarithromycin; digoxin; diltiazem; erythromycin; furazolidone; grapefruit juice (avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice); haloperidol; itraconazole; ketoconazole; linezolid; medicines called MAO inhibitors-phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Eldepryl); medicines for pain, like codiene or tramadol; medicines for sleep; other medications for anxiety; phenobarbital; phenytoin; primidone; procarbazine; rifampin; ritonavir; various medicines for mental depression or mood problems, like citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone, paroxetine, sertraline, trazodone or venlafaxine; verapamil; voriconazole; warfarin (rare). Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Missed Dose

If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date