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Generic Name: Buspirone
Brand Name(s): BuSpar
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
BuSpar is an anti-anxiety agent that is unrelated to benzodiazepines or other anti-anxiety medicines. It is prescribed for the management of anxiety disorders or for short-term relief of symptoms such as jitteriness, tremor, restlessness, heart pounding, sweating, dizziness, worry, fear, rumination, distractibility, or insomnia.
BuSpar does not seem to cause tolerance or dependence. Some results may be seen after a week of treatment, but optimum benefit is seen only after three or four weeks.
Side Effects and Interactions
Side effects associated with BuSpar often may include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, headache, and nervousness.
Do not drive, operate machinery or undertake any activity that requires close attention until you are certain that BuSpar has not impaired coordination or judgment.
Other possible reactions include insomnia, dry mouth, fatigue, visual problems, weakness, digestive distress, diarrhea, constipation, lightedheadedness, confusion, anger, excitement, or depression. Report any symptoms to your physician promptly.
BuSpar should not be taken within two weeks of an MAO inhibitor.
The herb St. John's wort might speed elimination of BuSpar from the body, which could reduce its effectiveness.
In general, BuSpar should be taken by patients on medicines for psychiatric conditions (antidepressants, antipsychotics) only if they are followed very carefully.
BuSpar may interact with Coumadin and Lanoxin.
Check with your pharmacist and physician to make sure BuSpar is safe in combination with any other medicines or herbs you take.
Special Precautions
BuSpar may lead to elevated blood pressure if taken with an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl, Nardil, Parnate). Such combinations should be avoided.
Taking the Medicine
BuSpar is taken three times a day. Food has some effect on the medicine, so be consistent in the way you take it.
The manufacturer suggests it is prudent not to drink alcohol while taking BuSpar.
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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000