What is this medication?

BUSPIRONE (byoo SPYE rone) treats anxiety. It works by balancing the levels of dopamine and serotonin in your brain, hormones that help regulate mood.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): BuSpar, Buspar Dividose

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Kidney or liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to buspirone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medication with or without food. To ensure that this medication always works the same way for you, you should take it either always with or always without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your care team.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Linezolid
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Methylene blue
• Procarbazine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Diazepam
• Digoxin
• Diltiazem
• Erythromycin
• Grapefruit juice
• Haloperidol
• Medications for mental depression or mood problems
• Medications for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital and phenytoin
• Nefazodone
• Other medications for anxiety
• Rifampin
• Ritonavir
• Some antifungal medications like itraconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole
• Verapamil
• Warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may take 1 to 2 weeks before your anxiety gets better.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, which may be signs of serotonin syndrome

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Anxiety or nervousness
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.