Buspar is a brand name for the generic drug buspirone, which is used to treat anxiety disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs called anxiolytics, which work by affecting chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.
Buspar is used to treat symptoms of anxiety, such as fear, tension, irritability, dizziness, pounding heartbeat, and other physical symptoms. It is also used to treat symptoms of depression in people with anxiety disorders.
Buspar is not a benzodiazepine, which is a class of drugs commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. It is believed to have a lower risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms compared to benzodiazepines. However, it may take longer to start working than benzodiazepines.
Buspar is usually taken two to three times a day with or without food. It may take several weeks for the full effects of the medication to be felt. Common side effects of buspar include dizziness, nausea, headache, and nervousness. It is important to tell your doctor about any side effects you experience while taking buspar.
Buspar should not be taken by people with a history of allergic reactions to buspirone or by people who are taking a type of antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). It may also interact with other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking before starting buspar.
Individuals dealing with anxiety may undergo different modes of treatment depending on the underlying cause. They may be told to exercise, sleep more, reduce caffeine intake, do breathing exercises, and change certain behaviors. They may also be given anxiety medication such as Buspar.
So what is Buspar? This drug is known to lessen jitters, irritability, stress, and cold sweats. Those who take it should be able to go about their days with a clear mind and a relaxed demeanor. Patients can go back to living their normal lives instead of being hampered by this mental health issue.
The active ingredient, buspirone, works by influencing the brain’s neurotransmitters. In particular, it reduces serotonin in various areas of the brain while increasing the norepinephrine and dopamine levels. The drug was first developed in 1968 while approval for medical use came only in 1986. It is one of the most prescribed medicines in the US reaching over 8 million in 2016. It is commonly used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Another option is to take SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Buspar is good for short-term treatments only. However, patients should understand that effects are delayed by as much as two to four weeks.
Dosage
Buspar is meant to be taken orally, often in tablet form. This may be split up to get the precise dosage recommended by the physician. The frequency will depend on the doctor’s direction but it is usually between two to three times a day. Make sure that you take this under the same conditions every day, particularly when it comes to the timing relative to your meals. If you take it with food, then do so all the way so that drug absorption will be even throughout the treatment period. Doctors will monitor the symptoms of anxiety and adjust the dosage if necessary.
Side Effects
Almost every drug produces side effects. For Buspar, these include drowsiness, nausea, headache, tiredness, and difficulty focusing. Much of these are mild and they should go away after a while. If they continue to worsen, then you should inform your doctor immediately. In a few cases, people might end up with seizures, hallucinations, muscle stiffness, and other problems with their movement. Bruising, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat have also been reported. Your physician should know about your experiences with the drug right away, especially if you are getting dangerous side effects that are interfering with your daily life.
Most of the people who take Buspar have no major side effects so these should not be much of a concern. However, continuous monitoring is always a good thing. Doctors will always weigh the potential advantages and disadvantages before making a recommendation. If necessary, then the dosage may be reduced. The treatment could also be stopped in favor of an alternative. Watch out for serious allergic reactions such as rashes, swelling, itching, and difficulty breathing. Report their incidence right away for an appropriate response and medical guidance. The issues encountered may also be of interest to the FDA.
Safety Measures
It always helps to err on the safe side. Before taking Buspar, you should tell your doctor about all of your allergies so that it can be determined whether taking the drug is safe or not in your situation. If you have previously taken it, then tell them about any side effects that you have experienced. Note that Buspar is usually taken off the table for people with certain liver or kidney issues. Other pertinent information include individual medical history including Parkinson’s disease and bipolar disorder. All of these will help medical professionals determine the best course of action.
It has been noted that Buspar can make people drowsy. Therefore, patients taking them should not exacerbate the situation by using substances that can heighten the effect such as alcohol and certain drugs. It is best to steer clear from activities that require alertness, especially dangerous ones like extreme sports or machine operation. Those who have trouble avoiding drugs and alcohol should be candid with their doctor. Buspar may be taken with other anxiety medications but the timing and dosages will have to be carefully calibrated. As with most medications, pregnant women need to be extra careful when taking this drug.
Interactions
The effects of drugs may be reduced or heightened depending on the other medications that you may be taking. These will also influence the side effects experienced by an individual. Before starting with the treatment, make it a point to create a list of the drugs that you are currently using regularly. These should include both prescription and non-prescription drugs. Add in herbal products and other supplements as well. Provide this list to your doctor for evaluation. Don’t make any changes unilaterally with regards to dosages. Let your physician determine all of these for you.
Buspar should not be taken with MAO inhibitors because of the potentially fatal consequences. If you need to take this class of drug, then make sure that there is at least a two-week buffer beer between this and the start of your Buspar treatment so that it can be cleared from your system. Ask your doctor for advice. You should also be careful around antidepressants, antifungals, corticosteroids, and anticonvulsants. Some of these can affect the removal of buspirone from the body. Sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, pain relievers, and marijuana use should be known to your doctor.
Storage
Buspar should be stored at room temperature that is under 86 degrees Fahrenheit or its equivalent. It should be moved away from moisture and light sources, particularly sunlight which may heat it up. It should be kept in a tightly closed container for the duration of its use. Keep it away from places that have high humidity like the bathroom. Make sure that it is out of the reach of children. Always stick to the prescribed dosage to avoid toxicity. Don’t share the drug with other people if they do not have a prescription. Adhere to continuous motoring through checkups and lab tests. Overdose is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.