Pronunciation:

byoo-SPYE-rone

Brand Names:

• Buspar
• Buspar Dividose
• Vanspar

Dosage Forms:

• Tablet

Classifications:

Therapeutic—

Antianxiety

Chemical—

Azaspirodecanedione

Uses of This Medicine:

Buspirone is used to treat certain anxiety disorders or to relieve the symptoms of anxiety. However, buspirone usually is not used for anxiety or tension caused by the stress of everyday life.

It is not known exactly how buspirone works to relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Buspirone is thought to work by decreasing the amount and actions of a chemical known as serotonin in certain parts of the brain.

Buspirone is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before Using This Medicine:

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Children—

Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of buspirone in children up to 18 years of age with use in other age groups.

Older adults—

This medicine has been tested in a limited number of older adults and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Pregnancy—

	Pregnancy Category	Explanation
All Trimesters	B	Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus.

Breast-feeding—

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Other medicines—

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Isocarboxazid
• Linezolid
• Phenelzine
• Tranylcypromine

Other interactions—

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems—

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Kidney disease or
• Liver disease—Buspirone may be removed from your body more slowly, which may increase the chance of side effects. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose

Proper Use of This Medicine:

Take buspirone only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of unwanted effects.

After you begin taking buspirone, 1 to 2 weeks may pass before you begin to feel the effects of this medicine.

Dosing—

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage forms (tablets):
  • Adults: To start, 5 milligrams (mg) two or three times a day, or 7.5 mg two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose by 5 mg a day every few days if needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 60 mg a day.
  • Children up to 18 years of age: Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
  • Older adults: To start, 5 milligrams (mg) two or three times a day, or 7.5 mg two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose by 5 mg a day every few days if needed.

Missed dose—

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Precautions While Using This Medicine:

If you will be using buspirone regularly for a long time, your doctor should check your progress at regular visits to make sure the medicine does not cause unwanted effects.

Buspirone may cause some people to become dizzy, lightheaded, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert.

If you think you or someone else may have taken an overdose of buspirone, get emergency help at once. Some symptoms of an overdose are dizziness or lightheadedness; severe drowsiness or loss of consciousness; stomach upset, including nausea or vomiting; or very small pupils of the eyes.

Side Effects of This Medicine:

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Chest pain

confusion

fast or pounding heartbeat

fever

incoordination

mental depression

muscle weakness

numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet

skin rash or hives

stiffness of arms or legs

sore throat

uncontrolled movements of the body

Symptoms of overdose

(may be more severe than side effects seen at regular doses or several may occur together)

Dizziness or lightheadedness

drowsiness (severe) or loss of consciousness

stomach upset, including nausea or vomiting

very small pupils of the eyes

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position

headache

nausea

restlessness, nervousness, or unusual excitement

Less common or rare

Blurred vision

clamminess or sweating

decreased concentration

diarrhea

drowsiness (more common with doses of more than 20 mg per day)

dryness of mouth

muscle pain, spasms, cramps, or stiffness

ringing in the ears

trouble in sleeping, nightmares, or vivid dreams

unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.