Sign inBefore 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 have liver or kidney problems.
- If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take buspirone
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take buspirone tablets exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Try to take buspirone at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.
Getting the most from your treatment
- It may take up to two weeks before you feel the full benefit of buspirone. Do not stop taking it in the belief that it is not working.
- Avoid drinking alcohol with buspirone as the tablets may make you feel drowsy or dizzy and alcohol will increase these feelings.
- Do not drink grapefruit juice with buspirone as it can increase the levels of buspirone in your body.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- Keep any regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can buspirone cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These 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.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Drowsiness, dizziness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which would be dangerous if you were not fully alert |
| Feeling sick | Eat little and often and stick to simple foods until the feeling passes |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, tell your doctor |
| Excitement, nervousness | These feelings should soon pass |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store buspirone
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Buspirone Tablets 5 mg, 10 mg, Actavis UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated August 2008, accessed December 2009.
- British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.