BUSPAR (BUSPIRONE)

Buspar Description

Buspar may be prescribed to treat the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This condition is not age specific, but usually affects more women than men. Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms can vary. Symptoms may include: excessive worrying that is disproportionate to the situation; sleep problems; lack of concentration or focus; inability to relax or let go of worry; difficulty making decisions. If you have endured at least one month of anxiety symptoms, talk to your physician about a prescription for Buspar.

How Buspar Affects Neurotransmitters

Buspar or generic Buspirone is believed to work on the brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that are responsible for relaying signals between neurons. By keeping these neurotransmitters balanced with the help of Buspar, your thoughts, moods, and actions are more stable. Taking Buspar as directed helps to keep your serotonin levels up as well as stabilize other neurotransmitters known to cause excitatory behavior. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Conditions Treated by Buspar

GAD means that your worries, doubts, and fears are excessive, intrusive, and persistent. They can disrupt your work, social and home life, and actually affect you physically with stomach problems, nausea, and diarrhea. The symptoms of children with an anxiety disorder are somewhat different than those of an adult with GAD. You may notice your child is self-critical and fears making mistakes or needs constant approval and reassurances.

Buspar is less likely to cause drug dependence than the earlier type of anxiolytic drugs previously prescribed for GAD. It could take several weeks before you notice any positive changes once you start taking Buspar, so be patient and continue to take it as prescribed.

Before You Take Buspar

Ask your doctor if Buspar is safe to take while you are pregnant, if you become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies you have and provide a list of any OTC and Rx drugs you are taking, including herbal and vitamin supplements. This will allow your doctor to determine if Buspar is the right medication for you or whether a dosage adjustment may be required so there will be no unintended drug interactions. Buspar tablets are available as 5, 10, 15, and 30mgs with either 1 or 2 scores to make them easy to break so you will not need to keep purchasing different strengths to accommodate possible dosage changes.

Buspar Precautions

Until you know how Buspar is going to affect you, do not operate a vehicle or machinery and avoid other tasks that may be considered risky. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice without talking to your doctor first as it may alter how Buspar works.

Possible Side Effects of Buspar

• Restlessness
• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision