The following information is a summary about Chantix.
It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
(BUSPIRONE) - ORAL)
USES
Buspirone is used to treat anxiety disorders or in the
short-term treatment of symptoms of anxiety. This medication
is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor
or pharmacist for more information.
DIRECTIONS
Buspirone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually
is taken two or three times a day. 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. Continue to take buspirone
even if you feel well. Do not stop taking buspirone
without talking to your doctor, especially if you have
taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably
will decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be
taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect
is felt.
PRECAUTIONS
Before taking buspirone, tell your doctor and pharmacist
if you are allergic to buspirone or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications you are taking, especially
antihistamines; anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine
(Tegretol), phenobarbital (Barbita, Luminal, Solfoton),
and phenytoin (Dilantin); dexamethasone (Decadron,
others); diazepam (Valium); diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor,
Tiazac); erythromycin ((E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin,
others); haloperidol (Haldol); ketoconazole (Nizoral);
itraconazole (Sporanox); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine
(Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; muscle relaxants;
nefazodone (Serzone); pain medications or narcotics;
rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); ritonavir (Norvir);
sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; trazodone
(Desyrel); verapamil (Calan, Covera, Verelan); and
vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever
had kidney or liver disease or a history of alcohol
or drug abuse. tell your doctor if you are pregnant,
plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If
you become pregnant while taking buspirone, call your
doctor. if you are having surgery, including dental
surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking
buspirone. you should know that this drug may make
you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery
until you know how this drug affects you. remember
that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this
drug.
SIDE EFFECTS
Although side effects from buspirone are not common,
they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms
are severe or do not go away: drowsiness upset stomach
vomiting constipation diarrhea stomach pain headache
dry mouth depression excitement fatigue nervousness
difficulty sleeping lightheadedness weakness numbness
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call
your doctor immediately: skin rash itching fast or
irregular heartbeat blurred vision unusual movements
or the head or neck muscles
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered if
it is within an hour or so. If you do not remember
until later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual
dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch
up.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Take any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it
is within 8 hours of the next dose. If it is time for
the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your
regular schedule. Do not "double up" the dose.
NOTES
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center
at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is
not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
STORAGE
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly
closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room
temperature, away from light, excess heat, and moisture
(not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that
is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist
about the proper disposal of your medication.
