Return to Common Drugs Index
buspirone hydrochloride
BuSpar

Pregnancy Risk Category B

How supplied
Tablets:
5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg

Action
Unknown. May inhibit neuronal firing and reduce serotonin turnover in cortical, amygdaloid, and septohippocampal tissue.

Indications & dosage
Anxiety disorders, short-term relief of anxiety--

Adults:
initially, 5 mg P.O. t.i.d. Dosage increased at 3-day intervals in 5-mg increments. Usual maintenance dose is 20 to 30 mg daily in divided doses. Don't exceed 60 mg daily.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, insomnia, headache, light-headedness,
fatigue, numbness.
EENT:
blurred vision.
GI:
dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal distress.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
CNS depressants: increased CNS depression. Avoid concomitant use.
MAO inhibitors:
may elevate blood pressure. Avoid concomitant use.
Drug-lifestyle.
Alcohol use: increased CNS depression. Avoid concomitant use.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug; also contraindicated within 14 days of MAO inhibitor therapy.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

Return to Common Drugs Index