Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert. This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
- However, the exact way buspirone works is not fully understood.
- When your doctor decides that you should stop taking BuSpar, the dose will gradually be reduced to help avoid the potential effects of withdrawal.
- Buspirone is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders.
- Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific buspirone products they stock.
- Clinical trials of buspirone didn’t report any differences in the type of side effects based on the drug’s strength or prescribed dosage.
What are buspirone’s side effects?
Your doctor will recommend the dosage of buspirone oral tablet that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but the dosage you receive will be determined by your doctor. Using this medicine with any of the following may cause an increased risk of certain side effects but may be unavoidable in some cases.
Plus, the doses needed to possibly make it more effective would also increase the drug’s side effects, limiting its use. For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking buspirone.
When your doctor decides that you should stop taking BuSpar, the dose will gradually be reduced to help avoid the potential effects of withdrawal. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. If you have digestive problems while taking buspirone, talk with your doctor. For example, your doctor may recommend an OTC treatment such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol). Nausea was one of the more common side effects in clinical trials of the drug. Keep in mind that buspirone may cause digestive problems, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Other treatments for anxiety may include benzodiazepines, SSRIs, or therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
- They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking buspirone.
- Serotonin and dopamine are two of these neurotransmitters.
- If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
- However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
How is buspirone supplied (dosage forms)?
The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. Buspirone is a generic prescription medication used to treat anxiety in adults, either short term or long term. Every 2 to 3 days, your doctor may increase your dosage by 5 mg, up to a maximum of 60 mg per day.
Anxiety Treatment and Management
It usually is taken twice daily and must be taken consistently, either always with food or always without food each time. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Do not take more or less of Buspirone effects it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. After you begin taking buspirone, 1 to 2 weeks may pass before you begin to feel the effects of this medicine. This medicine comes with a patient information insert.
Missed Dose
Clinical trials of buspirone didn’t report any differences in the type of side effects based on the drug’s strength or prescribed dosage. However, taking a higher dose of buspirone will expose your body to more of the drug. And having more medication in your system can increase the risk of side effects.
Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking buspirone. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Dosage for anxiety disorders
It is not known exactly how buspirone works to relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Buspirone is thought to work by decreasing the amount and actions of a chemical known as serotonin in certain parts of the brain. In addition, it is best to avoid using alcohol while taking BuSpar. Mixing alcohol and BuSpar can lead to increased drowsiness and feeling lightheaded.
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Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects. It balances the levels of dopamine and serotonin in your brain. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert).
Send a note of thanks to Mayo Clinic researchers who are revolutionizing healthcare and improving patient outcomes. Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter OTC) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements. If you do, you may develop extremely high blood pressure. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients.
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should keep taking buspirone. Do not suddenly stop taking other medicines you may take for anxiety without talking with your healthcare provider. Buspirone will not prevent a withdrawal reaction from certain other medicines.
Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first. If you have an anxiety disorder such as generalized anxiety disorder, your doctor may recommend BuSpar as a treatment option. There are also side effects and potential interactions you should be aware of before you begin taking this medication.