Buspirone (Bespar)
Buspirone is used to treat certain anxiety disorders or to relieve the symptoms of anxiety. However, Buspirone usually is not used for anxiety or tension caused by the stress of everyday life. It is not known exactly how buspirone works to relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Buspirone is thought to work by decreasing the amount and actions of a chemical known as Serotonin in certain parts of the brain.
Take Buspirone only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of unwanted effects.
After you begin taking Buspirone, 1 to 2 weeks may pass before you begin to feel the effects of this medicine.
Buspirone Dosage
The dose of Buspirone will be different for different patients. Follow your doctors orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of Bespar. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The number of tablets of Bespar that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.
Adults:
To start, 5 milligrams (mg) of Buspirone two or three times a day, or 7.5 mg two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose by 5 mg a day every few days if needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 60 mg a day.
Children up to 18 years of age:
Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
Older adults:
To start, 5 milligrams (mg) two or three times a day, or 7.5 mg two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose by 5 mg a day every few days if needed.
If you miss a dose of Buspirone
If you miss a dose of Bespar, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage - How to store Buspirone
- Keep Buspirone out of the reach of children.
- Store Bespar away from heat and direct light.
- Do not store Buspirone in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
- Do not keep outdated Buspirone or Bespar no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Side effects of Buspirone
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects of Buspirone persist or become bothersome:
Blurred vision; dizziness; drowsiness; excitability; headache; lightheadedness; nausea.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects of Bespar occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); abnormal muscle movements; chest pain; fainting; fever; irregular heartbeat; loss of coordination; memory problems; new or worsening mental, mood, or personality changes (eg, anger, hostility, confusion, depression); seizures; suicidal thoughts or actions; unusual restlessness; vision changes.
