BuSpar

Generic Name: buspirone (byoo SPYE rone)
Brand Names: BuSpar, BuSpar Dividose, Vanspar

What is BuSpar?

BuSpar (buspirone) is an anti-anxiety medicine that affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with anxiety.

BuSpar is used to treat symptoms of anxiety, such as fear, tension, irritability, dizziness, pounding heartbeat, and other physical symptoms.

BuSpar is not an anti-psychotic medication and should not be used in place of medication prescribed by your doctor for mental illness.

BuSpar may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

Do not use BuSpar if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

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Before taking this medicine

You should not use BuSpar if you are allergic to buspirone.

Do not use BuSpar if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

To make sure BuSpar is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:

kidney disease; or

liver disease.

BuSpar is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether buspirone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Buspirone is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take BuSpar?

Take BuSpar exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take BuSpar with or without food but take it the same way each time.

Some BuSpar tablets are scored so you can break the tablet into 2 or 3 pieces in order to take a smaller amount of the medicine at each dose. Do not use a tablet if it has not been broken correctly and the piece is too big or too small. Follow your doctor's instructions about how much of the tablet to take.

If you have switched to BuSpar from another anxiety medication, you may need to slowly decrease your dose of the other medication rather than stopping suddenly. Some anxiety medications can cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them suddenly after long-term use.

Buspirone can cause false positive results with certain medical tests. You may need to stop using the medicine for at least 48 hours before your test. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using BuSpar.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

See also: Dosage Information (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid?

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Drinking alcohol may increase certain side effects of BuSpar.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with buspirone and lead to unwanted side effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.

BuSpar side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to BuSpar: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

chest pain;

shortness of breath; or

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Common BuSpar side effects may include:

headache;

dizziness, drowsiness;

sleep problems (insomnia);

nausea, upset stomach; or

feeling nervous or excited.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

BuSpar dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Anxiety:

Initial dose: 7.5 mg orally two times a day or 5 mg 3 times a day.

Maintenance dose: The daily dose may be increased in 5 mg increments every 2 to 3 days up to 20 to 60 mg/day in divided doses.

Maximum dose: 60 mg per day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Anxiety:

6 to 18 years:

Initial dose: 2.5 to 10 mg daily.

Maintenance dose: The daily dose may be increased in 2.5 mg increments every 2 to 3 days to 15 to 60 mg/day given in 2 divided doses.

Study (n=26) Anxiety and Moderately Severe Aggression:

5 to 15 years: 5 mg daily, titrated upwards every 3 days by 5 to 10 mg, to a maximum of 50 mg daily dose.

Study (n=22) Anxiety and Irritability in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders:

6 to 17 years: 5 mg three times daily, titrated to a maximum of 45 mg/day within 3 weeks.

What other drugs will affect BuSpar?

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking BuSpar with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with buspirone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.