Buspirone is a prescription drug used to treat anxiety disorders in adults. Anxiety disorders make people experience fear, nervousness, excessive sweating, panic, pounding heartbeat and stress. Still, this medication can help them think more clearly, worry less, relax, and fully participate in everyday activities.
Buspirone is not used for psychotic disorders; it is not an antipsychotic drug; instead, it belongs to a class of medications called anxiolytics, and it can be used as part of a combination therapy to treat anxiety only.
Dosage
Buspirone is available as an oral tablet with different strengths: 30 mg, 15 mg, 10 mg, 7.5 mg and 5 mg. For adults, the initial dose is 7.5 mg to be taken 2 times daily or 5 mg 3 times daily. Then, the daily dose may be increased by 5mg every 2 to 3 days, depending on your response to treatment.
However, the maximum daily dose is 60 mg in divided doses. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the exact dosage that suits your needs according to your condition and response to therapy.
The drug is to be taken by mouth with or without food, but you should take it the same way and at the same time every day so that the amount of drug absorbed will always be the same.
Side Effects of Buspirone
Signs of allergic reaction to buspirone include difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the face, tongue, lips and throat. Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any of these signs.
The common side effects of buspirone include:
- Dizziness.
- Headache.
- Drowsiness.
- Chest pain.
- Sleep problems.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea or stomach upset.
- Lightheadedness.
- Nervousness or excitement.
Precautions
Before taking buspirone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or have a medical history of kidney problems, liver problems, Parkinson’s disease and bipolar disorder.
Do not stop taking this drug abruptly; consult your doctor before you stop taking it, and make sure you complete the dosage because it may cause withdrawal symptoms. Also, the drug may make you dizzy or sleepy, so do not drive or operate any machines after taking it.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your doctor before taking this medication; it is unclear what effects it might have on an infant child.
