Gen-Buspirone

Brand Name:Apo-Buspirone, BuSpar, Novo-Buspirone, Nu-Buspirone, PMS-Buspirone

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Buspirone is used in the short-term to treat anxiety, the feeling of nervousness and other anxiety-related conditions. It is usually not used for long-term management because of the availability of other medications that work better in this situation.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

Do not take buspirone if you are allergic to it. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • a history of alcohol or drug abuse
  • seizures
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • recently stopped taking other medications for anxiety (e.g. alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam)
  • problems with your kidney or liver

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects to this medication include:

  • nausea
  • headache
  • feeling dizzy
  • feeling restless, nervous, excited
  • feeling weak
  • difficulty sleeping

Side effects may be related to dose and should go away with time.

Less common side effects include:

  • fast heartbeat
  • diarrhea
  • rash
  • unusual movements of the head or neck muscles (rare)
  • feeling numb in hands or feet

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:
  • Itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, cimetidine, HIV protease inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir), amiodarone, clarithromycin, erythromycin, diltiazem, verapamil - may see an increase in the amount of buspirone in the body
  • phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide, selegeline, pargyline, and other MAO-I inhibitors – may increase the chance for side effects; it is generally advised that you wait at least two weeks after stopping one before you can start the other
  • rifampin
  • drugs that can cause tiredness, sedation, dizziness - talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following drugs:
    • Antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine)
    • Other opioid pain medications (e.g. codeine, oxycodone, hydromorphone)
    • Antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline, trazodone) and antipsychotics (e.g. risperidone, haloperidol)
    • Muscle relaxants (e.g. cyclobenzaprine)
    • Drugs for epilepsy (gabapentin, phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, valproic acid)
    • Medicine for insomnia or anxiety (e.g. alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, temazepam)

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Children: Can be used in certain situations. Talk to your doctor

Seniors: Lower doses are necessary, especially at the start of therapy.

Pregnant women: Safety not established. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: Safety not established. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know how this drug will affect them personally. You may be dizzy, less alert and/or find that your reactions are slower than normal.

Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol while you are on this medication as it may increase sedative effects.

Overdose: Symptoms of overdose may include blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, upset stomach, and/or vomiting. If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug. Talk to your doctor first. This drug doesn’t normally cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped quickly. However, the symptoms for which you were taking the medication may recur.

If you miss a dose. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it unless it is within two hours of your next scheduled dose, in which case take the missed dose and skip the next scheduled dose. Never take a double dose of this medicine.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and direct light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: Avoid grapefruit juice.