BuSpar is the trade name for Buspirone, an ethical anxiolytic drug (one available by prescription only) that is most commonly used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is not known to be effective against other disorders in that class, such as panic attacks or obsessive compulsive disorder.
Its use in such cases, therefore, has not been approved by the FDA. Unlike most other anxiolytics, BuSpar does not belong to the class of Benzodiazepines.
Recommended usage for BuSpar
As a prescription drug, BuSpar should be taken in accordance with a psychiatrist’s instructions. In a typical case, the doctor recommends taking two 7½ mg doses per day, and may later increase it by five mg every two or three days.
The maximum daily dosage is usually 60 mg. The drug may take anywhere from four to six weeks to become effective.
Dangers of BuSpar
Like any drug, BuSpar can cause great harm if used improperly. Therefore, it is of utmost important to follow the dosage instructions as recommended by your psychiatrist, and to report any unpleasant side effects to him. Any drug can produce such side effects; with BuSpar, such symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
Patients have also given reports of their hair falling out. The patient can deal with most of these problems by other means while continuing to take the medication. For instance, headache can be treated with Advil or some other pain relieving drug, and nausea by bismuth subsalicylate. In the case of dizziness, the patient should stop taking BuSpar but stay hydrated.
Also, be sure to inform the psychiatrist if you…
have already been prescribed other medications (BuSpar must never be taken with MAO inhibitors);
are taking nonprescription drugs;
have kidney disease;
are pregnant or breast-feeding; or
have one of the conditions listed as “Contraindications” for the drug; these include epilepsy, heart conditions, asthma, and acute glaucoma.
You may also have allergies that would place this drug off limits to you.
Doctors also warn patients not to eat grapefruits or drink the juice of that fruit; it can cause harmful reactions with BuSpar.
Addiction
Some physicians think BuSpar can be addictive. It does not normally produce physiological dependence (unlike the benzodiazepines), but patients can become psychologically addicted to the drug. Physiological addiction can occur if the patient uses BuSpar for non- medical purposes. Withdrawal symptoms may include:
Diarrhea
loss of balance
Insomnia
Muscle Spasms
When such thing happens, a physician works with the psychiatrist to gradually wean the user off the drug.
Some other information
Buspirone is also known to be useful in eliminating unwanted scent- marking in house cats; those who use it claim that it is “75 percent effective.”
What’s next?
Read some user reviews at Drugs.com or learn about natural ways to control anxiety.