What is Buspar?
BusparŪ (buspirone) is a prescription drug most commonly used to relieve generalized anxiety disorder. Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include fear and anxiousness. Scientists believe BusparŪ relieves anxiety symptoms by reducing levels of a chemical called serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a monoamine neurotransmitter thought to be a contributor to feelings of happiness as well as some cognitive functions including memory and learning in the brain. Because of its ability to reduce serotonin, BusparŪ has been used as an augmentation for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy to help reduce depression.
BusparŪ usage
It is important that you take BusparŪ exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Patients generally show improvement within one to two weeks after starting to take BusparŪ. Avoid alcohol and use caution when taking other medicines that can cause drowsiness. If you miss a dose, do not take two doses together unless advised by your healthcare provider. You can take BusparŪ with or without food.
BusparŪ side effects
The most commonly reported side effects of BusparŪ include
nausea, dizziness, headache, excitement, nervousness and lightheadedness. Less common side
effects are abnormal movement like restlessness or uncontrolled movements of muscles in the
face or neck. Should you experience any of these uncommon side effects, contact your physician.
However, compared with most other common anti-anxiety drugs, BusparŪ is less likely to cause
physical dependence.
Read more about generalized anxiety
disorder in our Health Encyclopedia.
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