Andrey Nailor, M.D.·Published 1 October 2004·3 min read
Key points
BUSPIRONE (Busparreg;) helps to relieve certain states of anxiety.
However, to ensure that buspirone always works the same way for you, you should take buspirone either always with or always without food.
If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.
Buspirone tablets
What are buspirone tablets? BUSPIRONE (Busparreg;) helps to relieve certain states of anxiety. It is chemically different from other medicines that treat anxiety and has very little effect on mental alertness. Buspirone does not produce dependency problems. Generic buspirone tablets are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take buspirone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
if you are currently receiving other medications for the treatment of anxiety
liver disease
kidney disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to buspirone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine? Take buspirone tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You may take this medicine with or without food. However, to ensure that buspirone always works the same way for you, you should take buspirone either always with or always without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with buspirone?
alcohol
aspirin
carbamazepine
clarithromycin
digoxin
diltiazem
erythromycin
furazolidone
grapefruit juice (avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice)
haloperidol
linezolid
medicines called MAO inhibitors-phenelzine (Nardilreg;), tranylcypromine (Parnatereg;), isocarboxazid (Marplanreg;), selegiline (Eldeprylreg;)
medicines for pain, like codiene or tramadol
medicines for sleep
other medications for anxiety
phenobarbital
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
some antifungal medicines (examples: itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
various medicines for mental depression or mood problems, like citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone, paroxetine, sertraline, trazodone or venlafaxine
verapamil
warfarin (rare)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking buspirone?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
blurred vision or other vision changes
difficulty breathing
chest pain
confusion
feelings of hostility or anger
muscle aches and pains
numbness or tingling in hands or feet
ringing in the ears
skin rash and itching (hives)
sore throat
vomiting
weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
disturbed dreams, nightmares
dizziness
drowsiness
headache
nasal congestion
nausea
restlessness or nervousness
stomach upset
What should I watch for while taking buspirone? Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be one or two weeks before your anxiety goes away. Do not stop taking buspirone except on your prescriber's advice.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how buspirone affects you. Alcohol can increase possible drowsiness and dizziness and may make you more anxious. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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