What is BuSpar?
BuSpar and its generic equivalent buspirone are anti-anxiety medications. Symptoms that can be reduced by using this drug include the fears often associated with phobias. Since it works to reduce the anxiety chemically it can also serve to lessen additional fear-based symptoms such as elevated heartbeat, tension and dizziness. While designed for short-term use many have found help in using BuSpar.
Important information about BuSpar
If you use MAO inhibitors you should not take BuSpar. All MAO inhibitors need to be out of your system for at least two weeks before using BuSpar. Dangerous and sometimes fatal issues can arise from combining MAO inhibitors and BuSpar. Patients should also avoid the intake of grapefruit and grapefruit products while using BuSpar.
What to avoid while taking BuSpar
Beyond what is listed in the previous section you should know that BuSpar can make you drowsy so operating heavy machinery or driving could be problematic. Taking additional drugs that may contain medications that can make you drowsy is not recommended. Drugs such as cold medicines, muscle relaxants, sleeping pills and pain meds that are narcotic in nature should be avoided. Those who use BuSpar should also refrain from alcohol use.
Possible Side Effects of BuSpar
BuSpar can cause severe allergic reactions in some users. This reaction can include swelling of the face and/or tongue, hives and breathing difficulty. In severe cases the drug can constrict or even close the airways in the throat.
Other side effects include…
- Lack of concentration
- Dizziness
- Elevated or interrupted heart rates
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Restlessness
- Physical imbalance
Additional side effects may be present. You should consult your primary care physician for additional information.
What do I do if I overdose on BuSpar?
Please take a look at the side effect symptoms above. If these symptoms are pronounced it may be a sign that you have taken too much BuSpar or that your dosage may need adjusting. It is important that you seek medical attention in such cases.
Warnings
The following drugs have been listed as problematic for those who use BuSpar. If you take any of the following you should consult with your doctor who may be able to alter prescriptions to avoid drug interactions.
- Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol)
- Capreomycin (Capastat)
- Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
- Dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol)
- Diltiazem (Tiazac, Cartia, Cardizem)
- Erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Erythrocin)
- Haloperidol (Haldol)
- Itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- Mesoridazine (Serentil)
- Phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton)
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Pimozide (Orap)
- Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater)
- Ritonavir (Norvir)
- Thioridazine (Mellaril)
- Vancomycin (Vancocin, Vancoled)
- Verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan)
You are advised to inform your doctor of every prescribed and non-prescribed drug you may be taking. This includes vitamins. Full disclosure allows your doctor to completely review options prior to passing along a recommendation.
Where can I get more information?
There are two sources for comprehensive details related to the prescription drug BuSpar. The first is Bristol-Myers Squibb manufacturer of the drug and the second is an 18-page report from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Both require the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. In most cases your computer will have this feature. If not you can access free downloads of the software here.
