BusparŪ (buspirone) is an anti-anxiety medicine,
used to reduce fear, tension and anxiety associated
with anxiety disorders. Buspirone affects the
chemicals in your brain that may have become unbalanced
and are causing anxiety. Be sure to tell your
doctor about any other medications you are taking
(particularly MAOIs) to avoid potential drug interactions.
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BusparŪ
Important Note
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended
to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective
for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
Uses
Buspirone is used to relieve nervousness, anxiety and
tension.
Other Uses
This medication may also be used for premenstrual syndrome.
How to Use
Take this medication with food or milk if stomach upset
occurs. It is important to take this medication exactly
as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take more
often than prescribed. Symptoms will begin to improve
within 7 to 10 days of starting this medication. However,
it may take 3 to 4 weeks for the full benefit of the
medication to be apparent.
Side Effects
This medication may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness,
fatigue, weakness, vivid dreams, sleeplessness, dry
skin, blurred vision, altered sense of taste and smell,
weight gain, muscle aches, ringing in the ears, nausea,
headaches. If these effects persist or worsen, notify
your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: abnormal
movements or "twitches" of the face or neck muscles,
other involuntary movements or tremors, depression,
confusion, incoordination, chest pain, breathing difficulties.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before taking buspirone, tell your doctor your medical
history especially: kidney or liver disease, any drug
allergies. Limit alcohol intake as it may intensify
the dizziness and/or drowsiness effects of buspirone.
Use caution when engaging in activities requiring alertness
such as driving. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant
before using this drug. It is not known if this drug
is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Before taking buspirone tell your doctor of all over-the-counter
or prescription drugs you may use especially: other
drugs for anxiety or depression, MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine,
tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, selegiline, linezolid,
furazolidone), azole or macrolide antibiotics, haloperidol,
narcotic pain medications. Do not eat grapefruit or
drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs
you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms
of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness,
drowsiness, and decreased pupil size.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Missed Dose
Take any missed dose as soon as possible but not if
it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for
the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your
regular schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose. If more
than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist
to establish a new dosing schedule.
Storage
Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture
and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
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