How long do buspirone side effects last?<\/span><\/h2>\nHealthcare professionals have not studied how long buspirone\u2019s side effects last, but side effects typically subside as the body acclimates to the drug over the first few weeks of treatment. During clinical trials, at least 10% of participants dropped out due to side effects in the first three to four weeks. Most stopped taking buspirone because of problems like dizziness, headache, and nervousness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhat are the long-term side effects of buspirone?<\/span><\/h2>\nThe long-term use of buspirone is not associated with a greater risk of potential side effects. Additionally, buspirone is not associated with any long-term adverse effects. However, there have been rare reports of people experiencing movement disorders, such as twitching, grimacing, writhing, intense restlessness, and Parkinson\u2019s symptoms, as delayed side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nBuspirone interactions that increase the risk of side effects<\/span><\/h2>\nAlthough most people taking buspirone will be spared unpleasant side effects, drug interactions can increase the likelihood of developing minor or serious adverse reactions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nMonoamine oxidase inhibitors<\/span><\/h3>\nBecause of the risk of high blood pressure and serotonin syndrome, buspirone should never be taken with <\/span>monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)<\/span>\u2014a small class of medications that includes the antidepressants Marplan (isocarboxazid), phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and selegiline. It also includes the cancer drug procarbazine, the antibiotic linezolid, and methylene blue injections.<\/span><\/p>\nSerotonergic drugs<\/span><\/h3>\nBuspirone increases serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that passes signals between nerves. Serotonin syndrome, a potentially hazardous complication of drugs like buspirone, is more likely to occur when buspirone is combined with other drugs that raise serotonin levels (serotonergic drugs) or mimic serotonin (serotonin receptor agonists). These include the following medications:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nOther drugs can interfere with the body\u2019s ability to break down buspirone. Some drugs slow the process down, increasing the risk of buspirone\u2019s side effects. These include:<\/span><\/p>\nSafety measures while using buspirone<\/span><\/h2>\nAlthough buspirone is relatively safe, there are some safety measures to be aware of.<\/span><\/p>\nWho should never take buspirone?<\/span><\/h3>\nSome people can\u2019t take buspirone safely because of medical conditions or other drugs that they\u2019re taking. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- People who have had an allergic reaction to buspirone<\/span><\/li>\n
- People taking MAOIs, serotonergic drugs, and drugs that interfere with the body\u2019s ability to break down buspirone<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Who should use caution when taking buspirone?<\/span><\/h3>\nBuspirone does not require dosage adjustments or extra monitoring unless people are taking medications that have drug interactions with buspirone. In buspirone\u2019s drug information sheet, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not specify any precautions for children, seniors, or patients with kidney disease or liver disease. However, kidney problems or liver problems can raise buspirone levels in the blood, increasing the risk of potential side effects. Healthcare providers may prescribe a low dose of buspirone to compensate for this.<\/span><\/p>\nDoctors prescribe buspirone to pregnant women because there\u2019s no evidence from human or animal studies that buspirone causes congenital disabilities or pregnancy problems. Before taking buspirone, tell your prescribing healthcare provider whether you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWomen who are breastfeeding may also be prescribed buspirone. The drug crosses into human breast milk, but there have been no reports of adverse effects in nursing infants. However, the FDA cautions nursing women and their doctors to consider alternatives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nBuspirone does not cause withdrawal symptoms, so it can be safely stopped at any time. However, people who are switching to buspirone from another anti-anxiety medication may get withdrawal symptoms from the medication that they are stopping. In that case, the other drug will have to be stopped gradually with steadily decreasing doses in order to prevent withdrawal symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\nLike all drugs, it\u2019s possible to overdose on buspirone. Symptoms of an overdose include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, digestive system problems, and narrowed pupils. There are no reports of death caused by a buspirone overdose. However, a buspirone overdose should be considered a medical emergency. Call <\/span> at 800-222-1222 or get immediate medical attention if too much buspirone is taken.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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