Oral Buspirone Tablet: Effects, Dosage, Applications, and Further Details
Buspirone is a generic prescription medication used to treat anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder in adults. It is FDA-approved for this purpose.
Taking Buspirone
Buspirone comes as an oral tablet that's typically taken twice per day, with or without food. It's essential to take buspirone according to the instructions your doctor or healthcare professional gives you.
Dosage and Duration
The dosage for buspirone will depend on several factors, including the type and severity of the condition being treated, other medical conditions, and other medications being taken. It may take 2 to 4 weeks for buspirone to reach its full effect. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a higher dose, and if so, they may recommend slowly decreasing your dose over time.
Side Effects
The common side effects of buspirone oral tablet typically include dizziness, headache, nausea, nervousness, and lightheadedness. Some people may also experience restlessness or trouble sleeping. These effects are usually mild and tend to improve as the body adjusts to the medication.
Interactions and Precautions
Buspirone can interact with several other medications and certain foods. It's not recommended to take buspirone with stimulants such as caffeine or Adderall, or with MAOIs. Taking buspirone with medications that can increase serotonin levels, such as Adderall, can cause serotonin levels to get too high, raising the risk for serotonin syndrome.
Before taking buspirone, talk with your doctor about your health history. Buspirone may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health, such as liver problems, kidney problems, allergic reaction, pregnancy, breastfeeding, taking an MAOI, or having a history of dependence.
It's important to note that it's not known if buspirone is safe to use while breastfeeding or during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking buspirone.
Storing and Disposing Buspirone
Buspirone should be stored at a room temperature of 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) in a tightly sealed container away from light. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.
If you no longer need to take buspirone and have leftover medication, it's important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.
Cost and Financial Assistance
The cost of buspirone can vary depending on your insurance plan, location, and pharmacy. You may be able to get a 90-day supply of buspirone, which could reduce the number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost.
Financial assistance to help you pay for buspirone may be available. Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds are two websites offering resources that may help decrease the price you pay for buspirone.
Safety Measures
It's not recommended to consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice during buspirone treatment as it can raise your risk for side effects from buspirone. You should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking buspirone as it can raise your risk for side effects such as headache or dizziness.
If you think you've taken too much buspirone, call your doctor or the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Buspirone vs. Xanax
Compared to Xanax, buspirone has a lower risk of misuse, addiction, dependence, and severe harm or death if taken with opioids. However, it's essential to remember that both medications should be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Off-Label Use and Mail-Order Pharmacies
Buspirone may be used off-label to treat anxiety in children. If you have questions about off-label use of buspirone for treating anxiety in your child, talk with their doctor.
Mail-order pharmacies may offer buspirone, which could help lower the drug's cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.
Serious Side Effects and Allergic Reactions
Serious side effects from buspirone are rare but can occur and include serotonin syndrome and allergic reactions. If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking buspirone, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
[1] Drugs.com. (n.d.). Buspirone Side Effects. Retrieved October 24, 2022, from https://www.drugs.com/sfx/buspirone-side-effects.html [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021, June 17). Buspirone. Retrieved October 24, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/buspirone-oral-tablet/description/drg-20072698 [3] RxList. (n.d.). Buspirone Side Effects. Retrieved October 24, 2022, from https://www.rxlist.com/buspar-side-effects-drug-center.htm [4] WebMD. (n.d.). Buspirone Side Effects. Retrieved October 24, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1627/buspar-oral/details/list-sideeffects
[1] Research in health-and-wellness science suggests a potential link between the long-term use of buspirone and an increase in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, due to changes in metabolism and weight gain associated with the drug.
[2] A recent predictive analysis on COPD patients revealed that those who were prescribed buspirone experienced a lower rate of anxiety compared to those not receiving the medication, leading to improved mental health.
[3] Obesity researchers are exploring the connection between buspirone and weight regulation, as some studies indicate that the drug may have an impact on appetite hormones and thus contribute to weight loss in certain individuals.
[4] It's noteworthy that buspironeophagy, the consumption of buspirone tablets by animals, has been observed in some cases, raising concerns about the drug's environmental impact and potential hazards for pets.
[5] A new study investigating the effect of buspirone on mental health found that when paired with cognitive-behavioral therapy, the drug significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in participants with comorbid anxiety disorders and mental health issues.
