When a person is suffering with anxiety, studies show that the chemicals within the brain have become unbalanced. When this happens, physicians generally prescribe a medication within the benzodiazepine class, which works to stimulate the production of serotinin. One such example is Buspar. Buspar, the brand name of buspirone, is a type of medication in the class of benzodiazepines. Other types of medications, within the same class include clonazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, and diazepam.



The difference between Buspar and the other drugs in the same class is that the others cause sedation and Buspar does not. Buspar is generally prescribed as a treatment for those with anxiety and is generally proven effective in those who have limited to moderate forms of anxiety. The medication does not generally work for those who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic disorders, or severe anxiety.

There are many things to consider when you talk to your physician about Buspar. One key factor is that the medication generally takes two weeks or more to become effective in treatments of anxiety symptoms. It is imperative that you take the medications continually, even if you do not feel better right away.

When your physician prescribes Buspar, he or she will likely give you a five to ten milligram tablet, to be taken three times each day. However, as you being anxiety management, your physician may increase the dose occasionally, until he or she has found the proper dosing that proves effective to your specific case. The medication can be taken with food or without, however, in some studies, with food more medication was absorbed into the body.

As with any medication, you have to take precautions. For example, if you are currently taking any other medications, you should notify your doctor. This is especially true if you are taking warfarin, trazodone, probarbazine, tranylcypromine, phenelzine, and isocarboxazid, which are all MAO inhibitors.

Buspar can be taken during pregnancy, if your physician feels it is a necessity, however, it should be avoided during breastfeeding, as the affects through the breast milk is unknown.

There are some side effects. The most common side effects of Buspar include insomnia, excitability, lightheadedness, nervousness, headaches, nausea, and dizziness. If you suffer from any uncontrolled movement of extremities, depression, numbness, blurry vision, confusion, slurred speech, or chest pain, you should immediate contact your physician and stop taking Buspar.

If your physician is switching you from one anxiety medicine to Buspar, you may notice some withdrawal symptoms. If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms you may notice, seizures, tremors, insomnia, anxiety, agitation, or irritability. You should further discuss with your physician about any other medicine or foods that react with Buspar. Some foods such as grapefruits or its juice could cause an adverse interaction with the medication.

Disclaimer: This article should not be substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Buspar.