Buspar

What should I tell my health care provider 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.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

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

procarbazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

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 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 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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving 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

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.