Buspirone
Tranquilizer, Sedative/Hypnotic · Anxiolytic; Azaspirodecanedione
Indications
Short-term management of anxiety disorders. Relief of symptoms of anxiety with or without accompanying depression.
Dosage
Anxiety: Adults: >18 yr: Initial: 7.5 mg twice daily. Titrate: Increase by 5 mg/day every 2-3 days. Usual: 20-30 mg/day. Max: 60 mg/day. Children: Not recommended.
Adverse Effects
Dizziness, headache, nervousness, light headedness, excitement, nausea. Rarely tachycardia, chest pain, confusion, dry mouth, fatigue, seizures, sweating.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: No evidence of risk in humans. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Epilepsy, severe renal or hepatic impairment. Precautions: History of renal or hepatic impairment. Withdraw benzodiazepines gradually if transferring to buspirone.
Interactions
MAOIs, rifampicin, erythromycin, ritonavir, itraconazole, diltiazem, verapamil, grape-fruit juice, anticonvulsants, nefazodone, other inhibitors of CYP3A4.
Advice to Patient
Take either always with meals or always without meals. Contact prescriber if there is headache, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, confusion, restlessness, lack of sleep, excitation, constant vomiting, chest pain, fast heartbeat or if there is worsening of condition. Do not take prescription medications or OTC medications especially pain medications, sedatives, antihistamines, hypnotics during therapy without consulting prescriber. Avoid alcohol and grapefruit juice during therapy. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Rapid and complete; bioavailability is limited by extensive first-pass effect; only approx. 1% of the oral dose reaches the systemic circulation unchanged. Bioavailability: Increased with food. Metabolism: Hepatic oxidation. Half-life elimination: 2-3 hrs; increased with renal or hepatic impairment. Time to peak, serum: 40-90 mins. Excretion: Urine 29%-63% (primarily as metabolites). Faeces (18%-38%).
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.