Buspirone Description

Generic Name: BUSPIRONE

Pronunciation: (byoo spye' rone)

Trade Name(s): Buspar

Why it is prescribed: Buspirone is used to relieve anxiety.

When it is to be taken: Buspirone usually is taken two or three times a day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label. The drug may have to be taken regularly for three to four weeks before its full effect is felt.

How it should be taken: Buspirone comes in the form of tablets and must be taken regularly to be effective. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction:
1. This medication may decrease alertness and coordination. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how buspirone affects you.
2. Your dose may need to be adjusted occasionally.
3. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if you remember a missed dose at the time you are scheduled to take the next dose, take only the regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects:
1. Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, lightheadedness, excitement, weakness, numbness. If these effects are severe or persist, contact your doctor.
2. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal or stomach pain, diarrhea or constipation. Take buspirone with food or milk.
3. Dry mouth. Suck sugarless hard candy or chew sugarless gum.
4. Fast or irregular heartbeat, blurred vision. Contact your doctor. Skin rash. Stop taking buspirone and contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions:
1. Before taking buspirone, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine; haloperidol; other antianxiety medications; medication for seizures; sleeping pills; prescription pain medication or narcotics; muscle relaxant; medication for depression; tranquilizers; sedatives; antihistamines; and medication for asthma, allergies, or colds.
2. Ask your doctor for advice about drinking alcoholic beverages. Alcohol may add to the drowsiness and dizziness caused by buspirone.
3. Before taking buspirone, tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or Parkinson's disease.
4. Pregnant women, or breast-feeding women should inform their doctors.
5. Do not allow anyone else to take your medication.

Storage Conditions: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and protect it from light.