Buspar  - Generic Name: Buspirone

What is/are BuSpar?

BUSPIRONE is used to treat anxiety disorders. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney or liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to buspirone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medicine with or without food. To ensure that this medicine always works the same way for you, you should take it either always with or always without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• procarbazine

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• diazepam
• digoxin
• diltiazem
• erythromycin
• grapefruit juice
• haloperidol
• medicines for mental depression or mood problems
• medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital and phenytoin
• nefazodone
• other medications for anxiety
• rifampin
• ritonavir
• some antifungal medicines like itraconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole
• verapamil
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blurred vision or other vision changes
• chest pain
• confusion
• difficulty breathing
• feelings of hostility or anger
• muscle aches and pains
• numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• ringing in the ears
• skin rash and itching
• vomiting
• weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• disturbed dreams, nightmares
• headache
• nausea
• restlessness or nervousness
• sore throat and nasal congestion
• stomach upset

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may take 1 to 2 weeks before your anxiety gets better.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.