BuSpar

BuSpar is commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety. The medication works by affecting serotonin and dopamine in the brain. While most people tolerate it well, side effects may occur. Common side effects of Buspar include dizziness, headache, drowsiness, and nausea. The drug comes in tablet form and is generally taken two to three times a day.

 

What Is BuSpar?

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

Who Makes BuSpar?

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

How Does It Work?

BuSpar 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 the medication works to treat anxiety, although it is known that it affects several chemicals in the brain. In particular, it likely affects serotonin and dopamine in the brain.
 

When and How to Take BuSpar

General considerations for when and how to take the drug 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 the drug, you should take it 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.
     
  • BuSpar 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 the tablets 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.
     

Dosing Information

The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • How you respond to BuSpar
  • 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 BuSpar Dosage 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 include, but are not limited to:
 
(Click BuSpar Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
You can also find more information about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
 

Drug Interactions With BuSpar

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

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 BuSpar Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much BuSpar 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 BuSpar 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

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

Is There a Generic Version of BuSpar?

Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of BuSpar are licensed for sale (see Generic BuSpar).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;