What is the most important information I should know about Buspar?

It may be several weeks before you start to feel better, but do not stop taking Buspar without talking to your doctor first.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Although unlikely, it is possible that you will experience some drowsiness or dizziness at the start of therapy with Buspar. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness while you are taking Buspar.

What is Buspar?

Buspar is an anti-anxiety medicine. Buspar affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

Buspar is used to reduce tension, fear and anxiety associated with anxiety disorders.

Buspar may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Buspar?

Do not take Buspar if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Severely high blood pressure may occur if Buspar is taken with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

Before taking Buspar, tell your doctor if you

have had an allergic reaction to Buspar in the past;

have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the last 14 days;

have kidney disease;

have liver disease;

have a history of alcohol or drug addiction.

You may not be able to take Buspar, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Buspar is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Buspar without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

Buspar passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Buspar has not been approved for use by children younger than 18 years of age.

How should I take Buspar?

Take Buspar exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

It may be several weeks before you start to feel better, but do not stop taking Buspar without first talking to your doctor.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Buspar. The interaction could lead to potentially adverse effects. You should discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

Store Buspar at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical treatment.

The symptoms of a Buspar overdose include drowsiness, very deep sleep, nausea, vomiting, and unusually small pupils.

What should I avoid while taking Buspar?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Although unlikely, it is possible that you will experience some drowsiness or dizziness at the start of therapy with Buspar. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Buspar.

Buspar may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any prescription or over-the-counter medicine without first talking to your doctor.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Buspar. The interaction could lead to potentially adverse effects. You should discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Buspar?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Buspar and seek emergency medical attention:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; hives);

chest pain or an irregular heartbeat;

headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, slurred speech, confusion, or blurred vision;

numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, arms, or legs;

depression; or

uncontrollable movements of your arms, legs, tongue, or lips.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Buspar and talk to your doctor if you experience

drowsiness or fatigue,

dry mouth, or

an increase in nightmares or dreams.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Buspar?

Do not take Buspar if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Severely high blood pressure may occur if Buspar is taken with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

Before taking Buspar, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

nefazodone (Serzone);

itraconazole (Sporanox);

erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Eryc, others); or

selegiline (Eldepryl).

You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Buspar may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any prescription or over-the-counter medicine without talking to your doctor first.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Buspar. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.