USES: Buspirone (Buspar) is used to relieve nervousness, anxiety and tension.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take more often than prescribed. Symptoms will begin to improve within 7 to 10 days of starting this medication. However, it may take 3 to 4 weeks for the full benefit of the medication to be apparent.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, weakness, vivid dreams, sleeplessness, dry skin, blurred vision, altered sense of taste and smell, weight gain, muscle aches, ringing in the ears, nausea, headaches. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: abnormal movements or "twitches" of the face or neck muscles, other involuntary movements or tremors, depression, confusion, incoordination, chest pain, breathing difficulties. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and decreased pupil size.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking buspirone (buspar), tell your doctor your medical history especially: kidney or liver disease, any drug allergies. Limit alcohol intake as it may intensify the dizziness and/or drowsiness effects of buspirone. Use caution when engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before taking buspirone tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription drugs you may use especially: other drugs for anxiety or depression, MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, selegiline, linezolid, furazolidone), azole or macrolide antibiotics, haloperidol, narcotic pain medications. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.