Buspar (Buspirone) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 3, 2012

Buspar

Anxiety »

Introduction to Anxiety

Generalized anxiety disorder (or GAD) is characterized by excessive, exaggerated anxiety and worry about everyday life events with no obvious reasons for worry. People with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder tend to always expect disaster and can't stop worrying about health, money, family, work, or school. In people with GAD, the worry often is unrealistic or out of proportion for the situation. Daily life becomes a constant state of worry, fear, and dread. Eventually, the anxiety so dominates the person's thinking that it interferes with daily functioning, including work, school, social activities, and relationships.

What Are the Symptoms of GAD?

GAD affects the way a person thinks, but the anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, as well. Symptoms of GAD can include:

Excessive, ongoing worry and tension
An unrealistic view of problems
Restlessness...

Read the Anxiety article »

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Buspar

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BuSpar®
(buspirone HCl, USP)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

BuSpar® (buspirone hydrochloride tablets, USP) is an antianxiety agent that is not chemically or pharmacologically related to the benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or other sedative/anxiolytic drugs.

Buspirone hydrochloride is a white crystalline, water soluble compound with a molecular weight of 422.0. Chemically, buspirone hydrochloride is 8-[4-[4-(2-pyrimidinyl)-1piperazinyl]butyl]-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane-7,9-dione monohydrochloride. The empirical formula C₂₁H₃₁N₅O₂ •HCl is represented by the following structural formula:

BuSpar® (buspirone HCl, USP) Structural Formula Illustration

BuSpar (buspirone) is supplied as tablets for oral administration containing 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, or 30 mg of buspirone hydrochloride, USP (equivalent to 4.6 mg, 9.1 mg, 13.7 mg, and 27.4 mg of buspirone free base, respectively). The 5 mg and 10 mg tablets are scored so they can be bisected. Thus, the 5 mg tablet can also provide a 2.5 mg dose, and the 10 mg tablet can provide a 5 mg dose. The 15 mg and 30 mg tablets are provided in the DIVIDOSE® tablet design. These tablets are scored so they can be either bisected or trisected. Thus, a single 15 mg tablet can provide the following doses: 15 mg (entire tablet), 10 mg (two thirds of a tablet), 7.5 mg (one half of a tablet), or 5 mg (one third of a tablet). A single 30 mg tablet can provide the following doses: 30 mg (entire tablet), 20 mg (two thirds of a tablet), 15 mg (one half of a tablet), or 10 mg (one third of a tablet). BuSpar (buspirone) Tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium starch glycolate. The 30 mg tablet also contains iron oxide.

What are the possible side effects of buspirone (BuSpar, BuSpar Dividose)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

feeling light-headed, fainting;
fast or uneven heart rate;
depressed mood, unusual thoughts or behavior; or
lack of balance or coordination.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

drowsiness,...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Buspar »

What are the precautions when taking buspirone (Buspar)?

Before taking buspirone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medication, consult your doctor if you have: kidney problems, liver problems.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bipolar disorder (manic-depression), Parkinson's disease.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic...

Read All Potential Precautions of Buspar »

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/13/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.