Why is Buspar prescribed?

Buspar is used to treat anxiety disorders or in the short-term treatment of symptoms of anxiety. Buspirone is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Buspar be used?

Buspar comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken two or three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Buspar exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take Buspirone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Buspar without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking buspar,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Buspar or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antihistamines; anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Barbita, Luminal, Solfoton), and phenytoin (Dilantin); dexamethasone (Decadron, others); diazepam (Valium); diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac); erythromycin ((E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin, others); haloperidol (Haldol); ketoconazole (Nizoral); itraconazole (Sporanox); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; muscle relaxants; nefazodone (Serzone); pain medications or narcotics; rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); ritonavir (Norvir); sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; trazodone (Desyrel); verapamil (Calan, Covera, Verelan); and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease or a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Buspirone, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Buspar.
• you should know that Buspirone may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Buspirone.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is within 4 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Buspar cause?

Although side effects from Buspar are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• constipation
• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• headache
• dry mouth
• depression
• excitement
• fatigue
• nervousness
• difficulty sleeping
• lightheadedness
• weakness
• numbness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• skin rash
• itching
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• blurred vision
• unusual movements or the head or neck muscles

What storage conditions are needed for Buspar?

Keep Buspirone in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from light, excess heat, and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to buspirone. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.