Buspar® (buspirone)
Brand
name:
BUSPAR®
Generic
name: buspirone (byoo SPYE rone)
Medication
class: anxiolytic (anti-anxiety)
What
is BUSPAR® and what does it treat?
Buspirone
is in a class of medications called anti-anxiety medications. Buspirone
is not related to other anti-anxiety medications, such as
benzodiazepines, barbiturates or other sedative/ anxiolytic drugs. It
is approved
for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Generalized
Anxiety Disorder (GAD) occurs
when a person experiences excessive anxiety or worry for at least six
months. Other symptoms include
-
Restlessness
-
Fatigue
(low energy, feeling tired all the time)
-
Difficulty
concentrating
-
Irritability
-
Muscle
tension
-
Sleep
disturbance (difficulty falling asleep or waking up in the middle of
the night)
What
is the most important information I should know about BUSPAR®?
Alcohol
may increase any drowsiness or dizziness when taken with buspirone.
You should avoid the use of alcohol while taking buspirone.
It
may take 3 to 4 weeks before you start to feel better. Initially you
may begin to notice a decrease in irritability and worry. Do not stop
taking this medication without talking to your healthcare provider
first. Only your healthcare provider can determine the length of
buspirone therapy that is right for you.
Unlike
other anti-anxiety medications, buspirone has very low abuse
potential.
Are
there specific concerns about BUSPAR® and
pregnancy?
If
you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your healthcare
provider to best manage your medications. People living with anxiety
disorders who wish to become pregnant face important decisions. It
is important to discuss this with your doctor and caregivers.
Regarding
breastfeeding, caution is advised since it is unknown whether
buspirone passes into breast milk.
What
should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking BUSPAR®?
-
Symptoms
of your condition that bother you the most
-
If
you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
-
Medications
you have taken in the past for your condition, whether they were
effective or caused any adverse effects
-
If
you experience side effects from your medications, discuss them with
your healthcare provider. Some side effects may pass with time, but
others may require changes in the medication.
-
Any
other psychiatric or medical problems you have
-
All
other medications you are currently taking (including over the
counter products and herbal and nutritional supplements) and any
medication allergies you have
-
Other
non-medication treatment you are receiving such as talk therapy or
substance abuse treatment. Your provider can explain how these
different treatments work with the medication.
-
If
you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
-
If
you drink alcohol or use drugs
How
should I take BUSPAR®?
Buspirone
should be taken twice a day with or without food.
Your
healthcare provider will determine the dose that is right for you
based upon your response.
Use
a calendar, pillbox, alarm clock, or cell phone alert to help you
remember to take your medication. You may also ask a family member a
friend to remind you or check in with you to be sure you are taking
your medication.
What
happens if I miss a dose of BUSPAR®?
If
you miss a dose of buspirone, take it as soon as you remember, unless
it is closer to the time of your next dose. Discuss this with your
healthcare provider. Do not double your next dose or take more than
what is prescribed.
What
should I avoid while taking BUSPAR®?
Avoid
drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs while you are taking
buspirone. They may decrease the benefits (e.g., worsen your
condition) and increase the adverse effects (e.g., sedation) of the
medication.
What
happens if I overdose with BUSPAR®?
If
an overdose occurs call your doctor or 911. You may need urgent
medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at
1-800-222-1222.
A
specific treatment to reverse the effects of buspirone does not
exist.
What
are the possible side effects of BUSPAR®?
Common
Side Effects
-
Nausea,
headache, or changes in dreams
-
Feeling
dizzy or lightheaded
Rare
Side Effects
Changes
in weight or appetite, fainting, changes in blood pressure, muscle
cramps or spasms, and redness or itching of eyes
Serious
Side Effects
Allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; hives; swelling of your lips, tongue
or face); chest pain or an irregular heartbeat; slurred speech;
confusion or blurred vision; numbness or tingling in your hands,
feet, arms, or legs; depression; or uncontrollable movements of your
arms, legs, tongue, or lips.
Are
there any risks for taking BUSPAR® for long periods of time?
To
date, there are no known problems associated with the long term use
of buspirone. It
is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.
What
other medications may interact with BUSPAR®?
If
you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, such as phenelzine
(Nardil®),
isocarboxazid (Marplan®),
selegiline (Eldepryl®,
EMSAM®)
or tranylcypromine (Parnate®),
within the past 2 weeks, do not take buspirone. The use of buspirone
with these agents can cause a severe increase in your blood pressure.
The
following medications may increase the levels and effects of buspirone:
-
Diltiazem
(Cardizem®,
Dilacor®,
Tiazac®)
-
Verapamil
(Calan®,
Covera-HS®,
Isoptin®,
Verelan®)
-
Erythromycin
(E-Mycin®,
E.E.S.®,
Ery-Tab®,
Eryc®,
others)
-
Grapefruit
juice consumption can also increase the effects of buspirone
The
following medications may decrease the levels and effects of buspirone:
How
long does it take for BUSPAR® to
work?
It
may take 3 to 4 weeks of taking buspirone every day before you start
to feel better.
Provided
by the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists
(January
2013)
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