Buspirone
Introduction To Buspirone
Buspirone is used for the treatment of anxiety disorder. It alters the chemicals in the brain that cause symptoms of anxiety such as irritability, restlessness, lack of concentration, fatigue, sweating, increased heart rate, and unwanted or racing thoughts.
Buspirone may be taken with or without food. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor and if you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. This medication mustn't be stopped suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may worsen your symptoms.
Some common side effects of this medicine include nausea, headache, vomiting, and dry mouth. It also causes dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you and do not take alcohol with it as it may worsen the dizziness.
Before taking this medicine, remember to inform your doctor if you have any medical conditions like acute narrow-angle glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, slurred speech, or drug dependence issues.
Uses of Buspirone
- Anxiety disorder
Benefits of Buspirone
Anxiety disorder
Buspirone affects the action of those chemicals that make you feel anxious so
it can reduce the symptoms of excessive anxiety and worry. It can also reduce
feelings of restlessness, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, irritability,
and sleep problems that often come with Generalised Anxiety Disorder. It will
therefore help you go about your daily activities more easily and be more
productive. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well. Stopping suddenly
can cause serious problems.
Side effects of Buspirone
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Buscalm
- Nausea
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Dryness in mouth
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
How to use Buspirone
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Buspirone may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Buspirone works
Buspirone works by modulating the action of serotonin, a chemical messenger of the brain that affects thoughts and mood.
Quick tips
- Take it at the same time every day to help you remember to take it.
- It may take 2-4 weeks to achieve efficacy.
- Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Buspirone can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
- Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medicine as it may cause excessive drowsiness.
- Do not stop taking medicine without talking to your doctor first.
Safety Advice
PregnancySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Buspirone if I’m pregnant?
Buspirone is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Buspirone if I’m breastfeeding?
Buspirone is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Buspirone safe?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Buspirone.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Buspirone?
Buspirone may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Buspirone if I have/had kidney diseases?
Buspirone should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Buspirone may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Buspirone should is not advised in patients with severe kidney disease.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Buspirone if I have/had liver diseases?
Buspirone should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Buspirone may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Buspirone is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Buspirone and what does it treat?
Buspirone is a class of medications called anti-anxiety medications. It is used for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in which a person experiences excessive anxiety or worry for at least six months.
Q. How should I take Buspirone?
Buspirone should be taken twice a day with or without food. Your doctor will determine the dose that is right for you based upon your response and condition.
Q. When will I start feeling better after taking Buspirone?
After taking this medicine, it may take 3 to 4 weeks before you start to feel better. Initially, you may begin to notice a decrease in irritability and worry. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor first. With input from you, your doctor will assess how long you will need to take the medicine.
Q. What happens if I miss a dose of Buspirone?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose. Discuss this with your healthcare provider. In order to avoid missing a dose, use a calendar, pillbox, alarm clock, or cell phone alert to help you remember to take your medication. You may also ask a family member a friend to remind you or check in with you to be sure you are taking your medication.
Q. Does Buspirone improve mood?
Yes, Buspirone regulates the activity of a chemical named serotonin in the brain which helps stabilize and improve our mood.
Q. I feel dizzy when I get up from a sitting position or when I walk down the stairs. Is it due to Buspirone?
Yes, side effects like dizziness may be more intense when you first start taking Buspirone. Likewise, these side effects can feel stronger when raising the dose. Over time though, your body will adjust to these symptoms, and they’ll likely ease over time. Be careful and talk to your doctor who might change your dosage.
Q. I am experiencing dryness in the mouth, is it due to Buspirone?
Yes, dryness in the mouth is a common side-effect of this medicine. Keep sipping water or try chewing sugar-free gum to get relief from dryness in the mouth.
Q. Can I drink alcohol while taking Buspirone?
Buspirone may make you dizzy and alcohol can make you dizzier. Limit your intake and consult your doctor for better advice.
Q. When should I call my doctor right away?
Get medical help right away if symptoms such as agitation, difficulty breathing, hallucinations, fast heart rate, excessive dizziness, flushing, nausea, persistent diarrhea develop.
Q. Why was Buspirone taken off the market?
Although Buspirone is no longer available in the market, the FDA confirmed that its withdrawal from the market was not due to concerns regarding safety or effectiveness.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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