Buspar

The active ingredient in Buspar is buspirone hydrochloride. Its mechanism of action is not fully understood but is thought to help relieve symptoms of anxiety by regulating the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Buspar. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Buspar:

• Buspar can be taken with or without food, but it should be taken the same way every time.
• Some Buspar pills are scored, allowing you to break them into two or three pieces and take less medicine with each dose. Do not utilize a pill that has not been properly broken and the component is either too large or too little. Follow your doctor's directions for how much of the tablet to take.
• If you moved to Buspar from another anxiety medication, you may need to gradually reduce your dose of the old drug rather than stop it abruptly. Some anxiety drugs can produce withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using them after a lengthy period of use.
• Do not take Buspar if you have had any allergic reactions in the past or with the use of Buspirone.

The most common side effects of buspirone or Buspar include:

• Dizziness/lightheadedness or drowsiness.
• Headaches or nausea.
• Nervousness or anxiety.
• Dry mouth.
• Tiredness or weakness.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Blurred vision.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Buspar. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Serotonin syndrome - increased heart rate, fever, dizziness, sweating or shakiness, muscle stiffness, uncoordinated movements, hallucinations, coma, or seizure.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Buspar. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Buspar, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Do not take Buspar if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the last 14 days as you may develop extremely high blood pressure. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.
• You should avoid using Buspar if you are allergic to buspirone or experience any skin rashes, hives, or trouble breathing.
• If you have kidney or liver illness, you should tell your doctor before using Buspar.
• Buspar is not expected to damage an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant during treatment.
• It is unclear whether buspirone goes into breast milk or if it can affect a nursing baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding a child.
• Although Buspar is not FDA-approved for use by anybody under the age of 18, it has been used in children and adolescents under close physician supervision.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are taking this medicine.
• Alcohol use can worsen any CNS sedation, and its use requires strict monitoring as well.

Contraindications are certain health problems or situations in which a person should avoid taking a drug for safety reasons. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare professional since Buspirone is unsafe for you to consume.

• Currently take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken an MAOI within the past 14 days.

The effects of Buspar take at least two to three weeks to work and are not a first-line treatment option. It is important to trust the process that your healthcare provider has prescribed for you to see the results.

When Buspar is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Isocarboxazid
• Linezolid
• Phenelzine
• Tranylcypromine
• Rifampin
• Erythromycin
• Diltiazem
• Verapamil
• Nefazodone
• Itraconazole
• Medications that increase serotonin
• CNS depressants such as antihistamines, sedatives, sleeping medicines, prescription pain medicine or narcotics, barbiturates, seizure meds, muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines (diazepam, alprazolam), and alcohol

The typical starting dose of Buspar is 7.5 mg orally twice a day. Your doctor may increase your dose every few days depending on how you respond to the drug. The maximum daily dose is 60mg.

If you miss a dosage, take the next dose as soon as you recall. If your next planned dose is coming up soon, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medication to make up for the missing dosage.

Store the medication at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep out of the reach of children as well.

Buspar was initially manufactured and marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb, but it was withdrawn when generic alternatives became available.

There are multiple generic versions available of Buspar with the active ingredient of buspirone hydrochloride.

To safely discontinue Buspar (buspirone), follow your doctor's recommended tapering program. The time and technique of tapering will be determined by how long you have been taking the drug and your dosage. Your healthcare practitioner will alter your dosage to reduce withdrawal symptoms and promote a smooth transition.

There hasn't been enough research on people to tell whether Buspar is safe to take while pregnant. However, animal research suggests that it is unlikely to cause harm during pregnancy. Because animal studies may not always predict human outcomes, your doctor will most likely only recommend Buspar during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the hazards to your unborn child. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, see your doctor before using this drug.

Buspar should not be used while nursing unless clinically indicated. There is limited information about the usage of buspirone when nursing but it is thought to pass into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.