Medication Information:
Buspirone (generic) - BuSpar (brand)

Manufacturer: Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
Classification: Anxiolytic
Common Usage: Chronic anxiety

Important Side Effects: Most patients will have few problems with adverse effects from buspirone. Some of these symptoms are worse if the dose is increased too rapidly and will subside if the dose is increased more slowly. Some symptoms that should be brought to your prescriber’s attention include: dizziness, restlessness, nausea, headache, chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeat, depression, confusion, sore throat or fever. Notify your prescriber or pharmacist of any symptoms that concern you that have occurred since you started taking this medication or increasing its dose. Take care when performing any task (for example, driving or operating machinery) that requires your attention until you have experience with buspirone and are confident that you can perform the task safely. If you experience any worrisome symptoms after starting this medication or increasing its dose, notify your prescriber or pharmacist.

Interactions with Other Medications: Buspirone may increase blood pressure if it is taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants. If you are taking another medication for anxiety when starting buspirone, the other medication should be tapered slowly several weeks after starting buspirone. This will avoid worsening anxiety from too rapid discontinuation of the other medication prior to buspirone beginning to work. Additionally, some antianxiety drugs such as the benzodiazepines require slow tapering over several weeks to avoid possible adverse effects. Ask your prescriber for specific instructions if you are taking another antianxiety medication. Digoxin (Lanoxin), a heart medication, could have increased effects when taken with buspirone. There are other drugs that could potentially interact with buspirone. This is not a complete list of all known or potential drug interactions. To help prevent avoidable problems, always make sure your pharmacist and all prescribers know all of the medications you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs and any dietary or herbal supplements or medications.

Common Dosages: The recommended initial dose is 15 mg daily given in two doses of 7.5 mg each or three doses of 5 mg each. The dosage may be increased after two to three days by 5 mg daily as tolerated. Buspirone usually takes two weeks to begin to have therapeutic effects. It should be used routinely for chronic anxiety and not taken on an "as needed" basis for situational anxiety, because it will not be effective. The maximum daily dosage should not exceed 60 mg. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose. Notify your prescriber or pharmacist if you change your dose or discontinue this medication for any reason.

Identification: Buspirone is available in 5 mg and 10 mg doses. The tablets are white.

Storage: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees in a tightly closed, light-and moisture-resistant container. Keep out of direct sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom or other areas that are warm and humid. Keep out of reach of children.

Edited by Stephen R. Saklad, Pharm. D.

A SERVICE OF…Psychopharmacology Update
Note: These guidelines are only for general information for more specific information, consult your physician or pharmacist.