Buspirone

Buspirone is a medication that is used for treating anxiety. By affecting certain chemicals in the brain (serotonin and dopamine), the drug can help improve symptoms of anxiety disorders. Buspirone is available by prescription and comes in the form of a tablet that is generally taken two to three times a day. Potential side effects include headache, nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness.

 

What Is Buspirone?

Buspirone hydrochloride (BuSpar®) is a prescription anxiety medication. It is approved for the short-term treatment of anxiety symptoms and anxiety disorders.
 
(Click What Is Buspirone Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Buspirone?

It is made by Bristol-Myers Squibb. Generic buspirone is made by several different manufacturers.
 

How Does It Work?

Buspirone is not related to any other anxiety medications. Unlike most anxiety medications, it is not useful for preventing seizures, relaxing muscles, or treating insomnia. It is not known exactly how buspirone works to treat anxiety, although it is known that it affects several chemicals in the brain. In particular, buspirone likely affects serotonin and dopamine in the brain.
 

When and How Do I Take It?

General considerations for when and how to take buspirone include the following:
 
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth, usually two to three times daily.
     
  • Because food can affect the way your body absorbs buspirone, you should take the drug consistently (either always with food or always without) every day.
     
  • It should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • Buspirone 15 mg and 30 mg tablets are specially designed to be able to split easily into half or in thirds. However, many people find that a "pill splitter" is necessary to accurately split these tablets into halves or thirds, since they often split in the wrong places.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosage Information for Buspirone

The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • How you respond to buspirone
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Buspirone Dosing for more information.)
 

Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of buspirone include, but are not limited to:
 
(Click Side Effects of Buspirone to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
You can also read about specific buspirone side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
 

 

Drug Interactions

Buspirone can potentially interact with several other medicines (see Drug Interactions With Buspirone).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
 
  • Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Buspirone to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Buspirone?

People who take too much buspirone may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness.
     
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click BuSpar Overdose for more information.)
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your buspirone as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Strengths

Buspirone tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Buspirone 5 mg
  • Buspirone 10 mg
  • Buspirone 15 mg
  • Buspirone 30 mg.
     

Is There a Generic Version of Buspirone?

Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of the drug are licensed for sale (see Generic BuSpar).
 
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;