Buspirone

Overview

It affects serotonin and dopamine. It's not used for sudden anxiety or panic attacks.

What it's used for

• Generalized anxiety disorder

How to take it

• Take it the same way each day, always with food or always without.
• It may take 2 to 4 weeks to feel the effect.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Nervousness
• Lightheadedness

Warnings

• Don't drive until you know how it affects you.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

• Never take within 14 days of an MAOI.
• Avoid large amounts of grapefruit juice.
• Some antifungals, antibiotics, and diltiazem or verapamil raise its level; rifampin lowers it.
• Other serotonin medicines raise the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

• Anxiety