Buspar (buspirone)
$30.00 – $590.00
Buspar (buspirone) is an anti-anxiety medication that belongs to a class of drugs called azapirones. It is used to treat symptoms of anxiety, such as nervousness, tension, and irritability. Unlike the previous medications i mentioned, Buspar is not a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) or a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) it’s mechanism of action is different.
It works by increasing the levels of a chemical called dopamine in the brain, which helps to reduce symptoms of anxiety. Common side effects of Buspar include headache, nausea, dizziness, and nervousness. It can take several weeks for the full effects of the medication to be felt. It is important to consult a doctor before taking Buspar or any other medication, and it should be taken as prescribed by the doctor.
What is Buspar (buspirone)?
Buspar (buspirone) is an anti-anxiety medication that belongs to a class of drugs called azapirones. It is used to treat symptoms of anxiety, such as nervousness, tension, and irritability. Unlike the previous medications i mentioned, Buspar is not a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) or a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) it’s mechanism of action is different.
It works by increasing the levels of a chemical called dopamine in the brain, which helps to reduce symptoms of anxiety. Common side effects of Buspar include headache, nausea, dizziness, and nervousness. It can take several weeks for the full effects of the medication to be felt. It is important to consult a doctor before taking Buspar or any other medication, and it should be taken as prescribed by the doctor.
Buspar Dosage.
Buspar (buspirone) is a medication that is used to treat anxiety. It is available in tablet form and is typically taken 2-3 times per day. The usual starting dosage is 15 mg per day, with a maximum dosage of 60 mg per day. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider and to not exceed the recommended dosage.
How to use.
The usual recommended starting dosage for Buspar (buspirone) is 15 mg per day, taken in divided doses (i.e. 7.5 mg twice a day or 5 mg three times a day). Your healthcare provider may increase the dosage gradually over several days or weeks, as needed, to a maximum of 60 mg per day. The tablets should be taken with a glass of water and can be taken with or without food. It is important to take Buspar (buspirone) at the same time(s) each day to maintain a consistent level of medication in the bloodstream.
It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and not to change the dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting them first. It may take several weeks for the full benefits of the medication to be felt, so it is important to be patient and continue taking the medication as prescribed.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
It is important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbs you are taking, as well as any medical conditions you have, as Buspar (buspirone) may interact with other medications or be contraindicated for certain conditions.
How buspar works.
Buspar (buspirone) is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called anxiolytics, which are used to treat anxiety disorders. It is believed to work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters, which are responsible for regulating mood and emotions.
Specifically, Buspar is thought to increase the levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Serotonin is known to help regulate mood, while dopamine is involved in the regulation of movement, emotion, and motivation. By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters, Buspar may help to reduce symptoms of anxiety, such as nervousness, tension, and irritability.
It is important to note that Buspar takes a few weeks to start working and it’s not recommended to stop the treatment abruptly, it should be tapered off under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Also Buspar is not a benzodiazepine, which are commonly prescribed for anxiety, it has a different mechanism of action and is considered to have less potential for abuse and dependence.
Side effects.
Buspar (buspirone) can cause side effects, although not everyone who takes the medication will experience them. Some common side effects include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Tiredness
Other possible side effects include:
- Insomnia
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Nervousness
- Excitement
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- blurred vision
If you experience any of these side effects and they are severe or do not go away, you should contact your healthcare provider.
In rare cases, Buspar (buspirone) may cause serious side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately:
- An allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; hives)
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior
- seizures
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
It is important to tell your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects while taking Buspar (buspirone) and to report any new or unusual symptoms.
Buspar (buspirone) warnings & Precautions.
When taking Buspar (buspirone), there are some warnings and precautions that you should be aware of:
- Buspar (buspirone) should not be used in combination with an MAO inhibitor, a type of antidepressant medication, as this can cause serious side effects. You should wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before starting Buspar (buspirone), and at least 5 weeks after stopping Buspar (buspirone) before starting an MAO inhibitor.
- Buspar (buspirone) may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
- Buspar (buspirone) may cause an increase in blood pressure, so you should have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking the medication.
- Buspar (buspirone) may interact with other medications and supplements, so you should tell your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are taking before starting the medication.
- Buspar (buspirone) may worsen symptoms of depression, and it may not be appropriate for people with depression. If you have a history of depression, you should tell your healthcare provider before starting the medication.
- Buspar (buspirone) is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider about any medical conditions or medication you are taking to make sure that Buspar (buspirone) is safe for you to use.
Buspar (buspirone) Storage.
Buspar (buspirone) should be stored at room temperature, between 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit (20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not store in a bathroom or near a sink. Keep the medication away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the medication. Discard any expired or unused medication according to the instructions provided by your pharmacist.
Buspar (buspirone) Drug interactions.
Buspar (buspirone) may interact with certain medications, including:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine: Buspar should not be taken with MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI.
- Blood pressure medications such as clonidine, guanabenz and methyldopa: Buspar may increase the effect of these medications, potentially leading to low blood pressure.
- Sedatives and hypnotics such as diazepam and lorazepam: Buspar may enhance the sedative effects of these medications, increasing the risk of drowsiness and dizziness.
- Narcotics such as codeine, fentanyl and morphine: Buspar may increase the risk of drowsiness, confusion and other side effects when taken with these medications.
- Antidepressants such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline: Buspar may increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness when taken with these medications.
It’s important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you are taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal products) before you start taking Buspar.
Buspar (buspirone) vs Effexor (venlafaxine).
Buspar (buspirone) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are both medications, but they have different uses and mechanisms of action.
Buspar (buspirone) is an anxiolytic medication that belongs to a class of drugs called azapirones. It is used to treat anxiety disorders, and it works by increasing the activity of a chemical called serotonin in the brain. Unlike other anxiolytic medications, Buspar does not have sedative effects and is less likely to cause physical dependence or withdrawal.
Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant that belongs to the class of selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRI). It works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. It is primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders.
Buspar is less likely to cause sedation, sexual dysfunction, and weight gain, while Effexor can cause these side effects. Effexor is more likely to cause nausea, headache, and insomnia. Buspar is less likely to cause withdrawal symptoms.
Ultimately, the choice of medication should be made by a healthcare professional after taking into account the individual’s specific symptoms, medical history, and other factors.
Buspar overdose.
An overdose of Buspar (buspirone) can be dangerous and may cause symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, agitation, blurred vision, tremors, seizures, and irregular heartbeats. In severe cases, it can lead to coma or even death.
If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
If the overdose was recent, a healthcare provider may give certain medicines or place a tube into the stomach to “pump the stomach.” Treatment will also involve supportive care, which consists of treating the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose.
It is important to keep Buspar and all medications out of reach of children and to follow the recommended dosage as directed by a healthcare provider. If you have any concerns or questions about the medication, please consult your healthcare provider.
Additional information
| Form | Tablet |
|---|---|
| Dosage | 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg |
| Quantity | 30 tablets, 60 tablets, 90 tablets, 120 tablets, 150 tablets |
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