Buspirone: Dosage, Possible Side Effects and More

Buspirone is a medication used for the treatment of anxiety. Many who suffer from anxiety issues have an imbalance in their brain, and this medication has chemicals to treat that imbalance. 

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What Is Buspirone Used for?

Buspirone treats symptoms associated with those suffering from anxiety and experience:

• Irritability
• Pounding heartbeat
• Tension
• Fear
• Dizziness
• Other physical symptoms

This medication is not an anti-psychotic drug and is not recommended to be used in place of other medication your doctor has prescribed. 

Important Warnings of Buspirone

If you have used an MAO inhibitor within the last fourteen days, you should not take buspirone. You could experience a dangerous interaction with these medicines and Buspirone.

An MAO inhibitor includes:

• Selegiline
• Tranylcypromine
• Isocarboxazid
• Linezolid
• Methylene Blue injection
• Phenelzine
• Rasagiline

MAO inhibitors use requires diet restrictions and the avoidance of other medications. These inhibitors can cause your blood pressure to become dangerously high if you take them with other medications. You should not take Buspirone if you have taken one of these inhibitors in the last fourteen days. 

Side Effects of Buspirone

Important Considerations for Taking Buspirone

The first consideration to make before taking Buspirone is that it should not be used if you are allergic. If you are considering Buspirone for treatment of your anxiety symptoms, you should first discuss your medical history with your physician.

To ensure this medication is safe for your use, tell your doctor if you:

• Are suffering from Liver disease
• Are suffering from Kidney disease
• Are pregnant or expecting to become pregnant

Buspirone has not been reported to have harmed unborn babies, but your doctor should know if you plan to become pregnant during your treatment or are already pregnant.

Breastfeeding a Child

There are no studies to determine if your breast milk will pass Buspirone to your nursing child, so your doctor should know if you are breastfeeding before prescribing this treatment

Buspirone has not been approved by the FDA as a treatment plan for anyone under the age of 18. It has been used successfully in adolescents and children only when they have been under close medical supervision and given appropriate dosages. 

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How to Take Buspirone?

It is important to follow directions given at the time you receive Buspirone. Follow all directions listed for you on the prescription label.

There are times your doctor may alter or change your dosage to ensure you get the right results. Do not take any less or more than your doctor has prescribed. 

Buspirone comes in tablet form and is typically scored so you can break or easily cut them into two or three pieces. They are scored this way so patients who need smaller amounts can get the right dosage.

When you break the tablet and it does not break apart correctly, you should not take a too small or too big section than the prescribed amount. 

Patients who have been taking other medications for anxiety and then switch to Buspirone should slowly decrease their previous prescription and not stop taking them suddenly.

When you stop taking anxiety medications without weening your system off of them, you could experience withdrawal symptoms.

Talk to your doctor about the best plan to use to slowly stop taking the previous prescription. 

While taking Buspirone, it can cause false-positive results in many medical testings.

If you should require other medical attention while taking Buspirone, you should alert all physicians you are working with that you are taking this medication. 

Buspirone Side Effects

If you display any allergic reactions after taking Buspirone, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

These reactions include:

• Shortness of breath
• Light-headed feeling making you feel as though you will pass out
• Chest pains

These are serious side effects and require a doctor’s exam right away. Other more common side effects may go away after a short time. If these side effects continue longer, you should contact your doctor and discuss your symptoms.

These common side effects include:

• Excessive feelings of excitement or nervousness
• Headache
• Upset stomach or nausea
• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Trouble sleeping

There are other side effects you may experience. Talk to your doctor if you would like to see a complete list. 

Side Effects of Buspirone

Buspirone Drug Interaction

Buspirone should not be taken if you are on medication with MAO (monoamine oxidase) as it can cause a serious interaction. Other medications that should not be combined with are phenelzine, selegiline, or tranylcypromine as these drugs are taken together can cause you to develop extremely high blood pressure. 

Buspirone Overdose 

The use of Buspirone is to treat anxiety disorders and is sold under the name of Buspar in the US. This medication is prescribed by a physician and dosage amounts are to be followed as printed on the label. If you take it in high dosages, or more than your doctor has advised you will experience negative side effects. There have been no reported cases of fatalities with an overdose of this medicine, but it is extremely important to follow all label instructions. 

How Does Buspirone Make You Feel?

Buspirone might cause you to become dizzy, less alert, lightheaded, or more drowsy than what is normal. This medication should not be taken if you are going to drive or use equipment or machines. You should not perform any activity that would become dangerous if you experience dizziness. 

Buspirone does not take effect immediately, for some it can take up to two weeks before you begin to feel effects, for others, it can longer than two weeks. If you are having difficulty dealing with your anxiety symptoms while waiting, you should talk to your doctor about other help during this time. 

Buspirone Alternatives

Buspirone is often prescribed as a treatment for anxiety and is reported to cause less sedation than other anti-anxiety drugs, such as these alternatives:

• Xanax

Xanax is prescribed as a treatment for anxiety or panic disorders. This medication can become addictive and when stopped will display withdrawal symptoms. 

• Clonazepam

Clonazepam is reported to reduce seizures in specific seizure disorders. This medication is also prescribed for short-term use to treat panic disorders. Clonazepam can become addictive causing withdrawal symptoms when stopped. 

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In Conclusion

Buspirone can help you with anxiety symptoms. This medication will help you feel more relaxed, enable you to think more clearly and help you worry less. It will also help you through your day if you’re experiencing feelings of irritability or other anxiety-related symptoms.