Buspirone Drug – How does Buspirone Works?
1 August 2007Type of Drug:
Antianxiety agent; agent to relieve nervousness.
How the Buspirone Product Works:
It is not known exactly how buspirone works to relieve anxiety. It is believed that it may react with specific chemical receptors in the brain.
Uses of The Buspirone:
For short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety.
To manage anxiety disorders.
Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe buspirone for the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
Precautions:
Improvement in symptoms may occur within 7 to 10 days. Optimum results are generally achieved after 3 to 4 weeks of treatment.
Withdrawal reactions: Patients should be withdrawn from benzodiazepines and other sedative/hypnotic drugs gradually before starting buspirone, especially those who have been using these drugs for a long period of time. Withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, tremor, stomach cramps, muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, flu-like symptoms without fever, and occasionally seizures, may occur.
Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use this drug during pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible risks to the fetus.
Breastfeeding: It is not known if buspirone appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.
Children: Safety side effective in children younger than 18 years of age have not been eastablished.
Drug Interactions:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any overÂthe-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with buspirone. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with buspirone:
- Alcohol azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole)
- Cimetidine (eg, Tagamet)
- Haloperidol (eg, Haldol)
- MAOIs (eg, isocarboxazid)
- Nefazodone (eg, Rifabutin)
Side Effects:
Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many buspirone users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:
Digestive Tract: Nausea; stomach upset; diarrhea; constipation; vomiting; dry mouth.
Nervous System: Dizziness; headache; nervousness; lightheadedness; excitement; dream disturbances; drowsiness; fatigue; weakness; sleeplessness; decreased concentration; anger; confusion; depression; numbness; incoordination; tremor; hostility; tingling in hands or feet.
Circulatory System: Chest pain; increased heart rate; pounding in chest. Senses: Ringing in the ears; sore throat; blurred vision; nasal congestion. Other: Muscle aches or pains; abnormal skin sensations; sweating or clamminess; rash.
Guidelines for Use:
- Dosage will be individualized according to specific patient needs.
- This medication is designed to be taken every day to prevent anxiety symptoms. It does not work if it is only taken “as needed” or only when anxiety symptoms are present.
- If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose in order to catch up, unless advised to do so by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Use exactly as preÂscribed.
- Inform your doctor if any restlessness or abnormal muscle movements occur (eg, motor restlessness, involuntary repetitive movements of facial or neck muscles).
- May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution while driving or perÂforming other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, and physical dexterity.
- Inform your doctor of any prescription or nonprescription medications, alcohol, or drugs that you are taking, or plan to take, during buspirone treatment.
- Avoid alcohol and other depressant drugs while taking buspirone.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant while taking buspirone, or if you are breastfeeding.
- Some improvement in symptoms may be seen after 7 to 10 days, but optimum results may take 3 to 4 weeks to develop.
- Store at room temperature (below 86°F). Protect from light.
Tagged under:Antianxiety Agents, anxiety disorders, hypnotic drugs, muscle cramps, stomach cramps, symptoms of anxiety symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
