How it works
Buspirone is in a class of medications called anxiolytics. It is used to treat anxiety disorders. Buspirone works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that help maintain mental balance.
Safety
Buspirone is a non-controlled medication, which means that it is not classified as having euphoric or addictive properties. There are no cravings, no hazardous behaviors, and no examples of prolonged addictive behavior associated with it.
Buspirone may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication. Do not drink alcohol while taking buspirone.
How it should be used
It may take 2 to 4 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of buspirone. Continue to take buspirone even if you feel well.
Do not stop taking buspirone without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
What to do if you forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for 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.
Side effects
Buspirone may cause side effects. However, they tend to go away after an adaptation period. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dizziness
- nausea
- diarrhea
- headache
- excitement
- confusion
- fatigue
- nervousness
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- feelings of anger or hostility
- lightheadedness
- headache
- weakness
- numbness
- increased sweating
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience either of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING or SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS sections, call your doctor immediately:
- rash
- hives
- itching
- swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, throat, tongue, or lips
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- blurred vision
- uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- agitation, fever, sweating, dizziness, flushing, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, shivering, severe muscle stiffness or twitching, seizures, hallucinations, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Buspirone may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
In case of emergency or overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Disclaimer
The information about this medication is not intended to replace medical counseling. Please consult your pharmacist and/or health provider for more comprehensive information. You can also find the Medication Guide containing the manufacturer’s patient information approved by the FDA here.
Information Source
MedlinePlus
Last Revised on 04/15/2019