| Why
is BuSpar prescribed?
Buspar is used to treat anxiety disorders or in the short-term treatment
of symptoms of anxiety.
Buspirone
is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more information.
How
should Buspar be used?
Buspar comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is
taken two or three times a day. Follow the directions on your
label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any
part you do not understand. Take Buspar exactly as directed. Do
not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed
by your doctor.
Continue
to take Buspirone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Buspar
without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large
doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose
gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before
its full effect is felt.
Buspar : Full
Prescribing Information
What
special precautions should I follow?
Before
taking buspar, --
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Buspar or
any other drugs.
-- tell your doctor and pharmacist what
medications you are taking, especially antihistamines; anticonvulsants
such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Barbita, Luminal,
Solfoton), and phenytoin (Dilantin); dexamethasone (Decadron, others);
diazepam (Valium); diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac); erythromycin
((E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin, others); haloperidol (Haldol); ketoconazole
(Nizoral); itraconazole (Sporanox); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil)
and tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; muscle relaxants; nefazodone (Serzone);
pain medications or narcotics; rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); ritonavir
(Norvir); sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; trazodone (Desyrel);
verapamil (Calan, Covera, Verelan); and vitamins.
-- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver
disease or a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
-- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Buspirone,
call your doctor.
-- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are taking Buspar.
-- you should know that Buspirone may make you drowsy. Do not drive
a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects
you.
-- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Buspirone.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it
is within 4 hours of 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.
What
side effects can Buspar cause?
Although side effects from Buspar are not common, they can occur.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
- drowsiness
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- headache
- dry mouth
- depression
- excitement
- fatigue
- nervousness
- difficulty sleeping
- lightheadedness
- weakness
- numbness
If
you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- skin
rash
- itching
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- blurred vision
- unusual movements or the head or neck muscles
What storage conditions are needed for Buspar?
Keep Buspirone in the container it came in, tightly closed, and
out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from
light, excess heat, and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away
any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What
other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response
to buspirone.
Do
not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have.
Buspar : Full
Prescribing Information |