Buspirone

About buspirone

This belongs to the group of medicines known as anxiolytics.

Buspirone is used for the short-term treatment of anxiety (worry).

Buspirone is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Buspar. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking buspirone

Before taking buspirone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from epilepsy
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to take buspirone

• Always read the manufacturer’s information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take buspirone exactly as directed by your doctor.
• It may take up to two weeks before you begin to feel buspirone is working.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of buspirone contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may want to adjust the dose that you are taking.
• Buspirone can cause drowsiness, dizziness and light-headedness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or were to become dizzy.
• Alcohol increases drowsiness. Try to avoid alcohol while you are being treated with Buspirone. If you do drink alcohol, drink only a little and be aware of its effects on you.
• If you wish to buy any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your doctor or pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Buspirone.
• Buspirone can occasionally cause a dry mouth. If this is a problem try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If a dry mouth becomes too troublesome, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking this medicine as it can increase the levels of Buspirone in the body.
• Buspirone may cause you to sweat more than you usually do. Take care not to become over-heated in hot weather and during exercise and drink plenty of water.

Can buspirone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Feeling sick, dizziness, headache, nervousness, light-headedness, excitement, a fast or thumping heartbeat, chest pain, drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth, tiredness or sweating.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store buspirone

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 13/09/2005