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| Generic Name: | buspirone |
| Pronounced: | byoo SPYE rone |
| Brand Name: | BuSpar |
What is the most important information I should know about buspirone? |
|
 | It may be several weeks before you start to feel better, but do not stop taking buspirone
without first talking to your doctor. |
|
 | Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Although unlikely, it is possible that you will experience some drowsiness or dizziness at the start of
therapy with buspirone. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. |
|
 | Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking
buspirone. |
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What is buspirone? |
| Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medicine. Buspirone affects chemicals in your brain that may
become unbalanced and cause anxiety. |
| Buspirone is used to reduce fear, tension, and anxiety associated with anxiety disorders. |
| Buspirone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. |
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking buspirone? |
| Do not take buspirone if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as
isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks.
Severely high blood pressure may occur if buspirone is taken with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. |
|
| Before taking buspirone, tell your doctor if you |
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have had an allergic reaction to buspirone in the past;
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have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as
phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the last 14
days;
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have kidney disease;
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have liver disease;
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have a history of alcohol or drug addiction.
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| You may not be able to take buspirone, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. |
| Buspirone is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an
unborn baby. Do not take buspirone without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. |
 | Buspirone passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this
medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
|
 | Buspirone has not been approved for use by children younger than 18 years of age. |
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How should I take buspirone? |
|
| Take buspirone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions,
ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. |
 | Take each dose with a full glass of water. |
|
| It may be several weeks before you start to feel better, but do not stop taking buspirone
without first talking to your doctor. |
|
| Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with buspirone. The interaction could lead to
potentially adverse effects. You should discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your
doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking
to your doctor. |
 | Store buspirone at room temperature away from moisture and heat. |
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What happens if I miss a dose? |
| Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. |
What happens if I overdose? |
 | Seek emergency medical treatment. |
|
| The symptoms of a buspirone overdose include drowsiness, very deep sleep, nausea, vomiting,
and unusually small pupils. |
|
What should I avoid while taking buspirone? |
| Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Although unlikely, it is possible that you will experience some drowsiness or dizziness at the start of
therapy with buspirone. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. |
|
| Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking
buspirone. |
|
| Buspirone may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including
antidepressants, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and
muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any
prescription or over-the-counter medicine without first talking to your doctor. |
| Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with buspirone. The interaction could lead to
potentially adverse effects. You should discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your
doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking
to your doctor. |
What are the possible side effects of buspirone? |
|
| If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking buspirone and seek
emergency medical attention: |
|
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; hives);
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chest pain or an irregular heartbeat;
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headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, slurred speech,
confusion, or blurred vision;
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numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, arms, or legs;
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depression; or
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uncontrollable movements of your arms, legs, tongue, or
lips.
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| Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take buspirone and talk to your doctor if you experience |
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drowsiness or fatigue,
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dry mouth, or
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an increase in nightmares or dreams.
|
| Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. |
|
What other drugs will affect buspirone? |
| Do not take buspirone if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as
isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks.
Severely high blood pressure may occur if buspirone is taken with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. |
|
| Before taking buspirone, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: |
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nefazodone (Serzone);
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itraconazole (Sporanox);
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erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Eryc, others); or
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selegiline (Eldepryl).
|
| You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. |
| Buspirone may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including
antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety
medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not
take any prescription or over-the-counter medicine without first talking to your doctor. |
| Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with buspirone. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. |
Where can I get more information? |
| Your pharmacist has additional information about buspirone written for health professionals that
you may read. |
What does my medication look like? |
| Buspirone is available with a prescription under the brand name BuSpar. Other brand or
generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this
medication, especially if it is new to you. |
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BuSpar 5 mg--white, rounded rectangular, scored tablet
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BuSpar 10 mg--white, rounded rectangular, scored tablet
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BuSpar 15 mg--two joined, rounded rectangles, forming a
white, scored tablet
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| Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. |
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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner
Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee
is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time
sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare
practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does
not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless
specifically indicated otherwise.
Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource
designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their
patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to,
and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of
healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug
combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug
combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum
does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered
with the aid of information Multum provides.
The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses,
directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions,
or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking,
check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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