Buspirone

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used in the treatment of anxiety. It may take 3-4 weeks to feel better. Improvement may be seen in a week or so.
• It may decrease premenstrual symptoms such as aches, pains, feeling tired and irritated, and cramps.

How does it work?

• Buspirone alters chemicals in the brain which may cause anxiety or nervousness.

How is it best taken?

• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects.
• You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Limit caffeine (teas, coffee, colas) and chocolate intake. Can increase nervousness.
• Do not use this medicine with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. These include isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. Separate use by 2 weeks.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling tired, lightheaded, or dizzy. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• May feel nervous, excited, or restless when you first begin taking this medicine.

What should I monitor?

• Watch for change in symptoms. Is condition better, worse, or about the same?
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very nervous and excitable.
• Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
• Severe headache.
• Too tired or sleepy.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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