BuSpar ratings & reviews

BuSpar contains the active ingredient buspirone hydrochloride, which is an antianxiety agent. It is available in tablet form for oral administration with dosage strengths of 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, or 30 mg. Key inactive ingredients include lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and sodium starch glycolate. This medication is intended to help manage anxiety.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. You should always take it the same way. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Do not take this medication with foods or drinks that contain grapefruit.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication 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.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or expired:

• Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix it with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or another unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, which may be signs of serotonin syndrome

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

• Anxiety, nervousness
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to buspirone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Linezolid
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Methylene blue
• Procarbazine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Diazepam
• Digoxin
• Droperidol
• Grapefruit juice
• Haloperidol
• Metoclopramide
• Opioids
• Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• Some medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
• Some medication for migraines, such as sumatriptan
• Stimulant medications for ADHD, weight loss, or staying awake
• Supplements, such as St. John's wort or tryptophan
• Tetrabenazine

Other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider 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 should I watch for while using this medication?

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

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. 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.

Serotonin syndrome is when your body has too much serotonin in it. This happens when this medication is used with other ones that increase serotonin levels. Common medications that increase serotonin levels are antidepressants, some medications for migraines, and some antibiotics. The symptoms of serotonin syndrome include irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting and diarrhea. Contact your care team right away if you think you have serotonin syndrome.

Talk to your care team about this medication if you are breastfeeding. There are benefits and risks to taking medications while breastfeeding. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.