Buspar Tablets - Uses, Side Effects, Overdose, Warnings, Precautions and FAQs
Uses
How to use Buspirone HCL
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times a day. You may take this medication with or without food, but it is important to choose one way and always take it the same way so that the amount of drug absorbed will always be the same.
Buspirone may come in a tablet that can be split to get the correct dose for you. Follow the manufacturer's Patient Instruction Sheet or ask your pharmacist how to split the tablet to get your dose.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. When this medication is started, symptoms of anxiety(such as restlessness) may sometimes get worse before they improve. It may take up to a month or more to get the full effect of this medication.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to buspirone: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
chest pain;
shortness of breath; or
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.
Common buspirone side effects may include:headache;dizziness, drowsinesssleep problems (insomnia);nausea, upset stomach; ofeeling nervous or excited
Warnings
Do not use buspirone if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.
Overdose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
Precautions
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider
FAQs
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Buspirone belongs to the class of medications called anxiolytics, or anti-anxieties. Buspirone is used for the short-term relief of excessive anxiety for people with generalized anxiety disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder is believed to be caused by imbalances in certain brain chemicals. This medication works by bringing these chemicals back into balance.
Buspirone is not used for everyday anxiety and stress.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
This medication is available as a 10 mg tablet.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose starts at 5 mg 2 or 3 times daily. This may be increased by 5 mg every 2 to 3 days to a maximum of 45 mg daily in divided doses as directed by the doctor.
