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Buspar
(Buspirone Hydrochloride) is used for the management of anxiety
disorders or the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety.
Buspar is an agent that is not chemically or pharmacologically
related to the benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium, Xanax) barbituates,
or other sedatives.
Take
Buspar with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. It is
important to take Buspar exactly as prescribed. Do not increase
your dose of Buspar or take more often than prescribed.
Symptoms will begin to improve within 7 to 10 days of starting
Buspar. However, it may take 3 to 4 weeks for the full benefit
of Buspar to be apparent.
Side Effects
Most
common side effects: mild drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia/dream
disturbances. Infrequent side effects: headache, nausea,
faintness, excitement. Rare side effects/Risks: tremors/rigidity(at
high doses), movement disorders, tingling sensations, increased
high blood pressure, sexual difficulties.
Precautions
Before taking Buspar, tell your doctor your
medical history especially: kidney or liver disease, any
drug allergies. Limit alcohol intake as it may intensify
the dizziness and/or drowsiness effects of Buspar. Use caution
when engaging in activities requiring alertness such as
driving. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using
Buspar. It is not known if Buspar is excreted into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Remember, always follow your physician's
recommendations on how to take your medication. Even if
you are taking one of the following substances, continue
taking your medication as prescribed and consult your physician.
Also, if you are taking any herbal remedies, vitamins, and/or
over-the-counter medications, be sure to tell your physician.
The following section offers some, but not necessarily all,
of the possible drug interactions. Do NOT take Buspar (buspirone)
with MAO Inhibitors; serious, even fatal, interactions can
occur. Luvox (fluvoxamine) when combined with Buspar may
cause a serious slowing of the heart, thus doses should
be lowered. Narcotics such as Percodan (oxycodone) may increase
sedation and may decrease breathing (respiratory depression).
It is advised to avoid alcohol in excessive amounts when
taking Buspar due to possible adverse reactions.
Missed Dose
Take any missed dose of Buspar as soon as
possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose.
If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
resume your regular schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose
of Buspar. If more than one dose of Buspar is missed, contact
your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule.
Overdose
If overdose of Buspar is suspected, contact
your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of Buspar overdose may include nausea, vomiting,
dizziness, drowsiness, and decreased pupil size.
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