Buspirone is used to treat anxiety disorders or in the short-term treatment of symptoms of anxiety. Buspirone is in a class of medications called anxiolytics. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain.
Buspirone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken twice daily and must be taken consistently, either always with food or always without food each time. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take buspirone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of buspirone and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once every 2 to 3 days. It may take several weeks before you reach a dose that works for you.
In Summary
Commonly reported side effects of buspirone include: dizziness. Other side effects include: headache and nervousness. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.
Applies to buspirone: oral tablet
Along with its needed effects, buspirone may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking buspirone:
Rare
- Chest pain
- confusion
- fast or pounding heartbeat
- fever
- incoordination
- mental depression
- muscle weakness
- numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet
- skin rash or hives
- sore throat
- stiffness of the arms or legs
- uncontrolled movements of the body
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking buspirone:
Symptoms of overdose
- Dizziness or lightheadedness especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position suddenly
- drowsiness (severe)
- loss of consciousness
- nausea or vomiting
- stomach upset
- very small pupils of the eyes
Some side effects of buspirone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Restlessness, nervousness, or unusual excitement
Less common or rare
- Blurred vision
- clamminess or sweating
- decreased concentration
- diarrhea
- drowsiness
- dryness of the mouth
- muscle pain, spasms, cramps, or stiffness
- ringing in the ears
- trouble with sleeping, nightmares, or vivid dreams
- unusual tiredness or weakness
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to buspirone: compounding powder, oral tablet
Nervous system
Very common (10% or more): Dizziness (12%), drowsiness (10%)
Common (1% to 10%): Lightheadedness, decreased concentration, numbness, paresthesia, incoordination, headache, tremor, syncope, seizures
Rare (less than 0.1%): Cerebrovascular accident
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Serotonin syndrome, amnesia, cogwheel rigidity, dystonia/dystonic reactions, dyskinesias (acute and tardive), ataxias, parkinsonism, akathisia, restless leg syndrome
Postmarketing reports: Vertigo, extrapyramidal symptoms, transient difficulty with recall[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Common (1% to 10%): Tachycardia/palpitations, chest pain
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypotension, hypertension
Rare (less than 0.1%): Congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, bradycardia[Ref]
Dermatologic
Common (1% to 10%): Rash, sweating/clamminess
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus, flushing, easy bruising, hair loss, dry skin, facial edema, blisters
Rare (less than 0.1%): Acne, thinning of nails, ecchymosis, urticaria[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, dry mouth, abdominal/gastric distress, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Flatulence, anorexia, increased appetite, salivation, irritable colon, rectal bleeding
Rare (less than 0.1%): Burning of the tongue[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Common (1% to 10%): Musculoskeletal aches/pains
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Muscle cramps, muscle spasms, rigid/stiff muscles, arthralgias
Rare (less than 0.1%): Muscle weakness[Ref]
Ocular
Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Eye redness and itching, conjunctivitis, eye pain, eye pressure, photophobia
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Visual changes (including tunnel vision)[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, weakness, tinnitus, sore throat
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Altered taste, altered smell, inner ear abnormality, edema, fever, roaring sensation in the head, malaise
Rare (less than 0.1%): Alcohol abuse, loss of voice, hiccoughs[Ref]
Psychiatric
Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, nervousness, excitement, anger/hostility, confusion, depression, dream disturbances, attention disturbance, sleep disorder
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Depersonalization, dysphoria, noise intolerance, euphoria, akathisia, fearfulness, loss of interest, dissociative reaction, hallucinations, involuntary movements, slowed reaction time, suicidal ideation, decreased or increased libido
Rare (less than 0.1%): Claustrophobia, cold intolerance, stupor, slurred speech, psychosis, delayed ejaculation, impotence
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Depersonalization
Postmarketing reports: Emotional lability, restlessness[Ref]
Respiratory
Common (1% to 10%): Nasal congestion, pharyngolaryngeal pain
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyperventilation, shortness of breath, chest congestion
Rare (less than 0.1%): Epistaxis[Ref]
Genitourinary
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urinary frequency, urinary hesitancy, menstrual irregularity and spotting, dysuria
Rare (less than 0.1%): Amenorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease, enuresis, nocturia
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Urinary retention[Ref]
Hepatic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increases in hepatic aminotransferases (SGOT, SGPT)[Ref]
Metabolic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Weight gain, weight loss[Ref]
Endocrine
Rare (less than 0.1%): Galactorrhea, thyroid abnormality[Ref]
Hematologic
Rare (less than 0.1%): Eisonophilia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, bleeding disturbance[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Postmarketing reports: Allergic reactions, angioedema[Ref]
References
1. “Product Information. Buspar (buspirone).” Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ.
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. “UK Summary of Product Characteristics.” O 0
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. “Australian Product Information.” O 0
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.