BuSpar is used for:

The short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

BuSpar is an antianxiety agent. It is not known exactly how BuSpar works to relieve anxiety. It is believed that it may react with specific chemical receptors in the brain.

Do NOT use BuSpar if:

* you are allergic to any ingredient in BuSpar
* you are taking furazolidone, sodium oxybate (GHB), or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine), or if you have taken an MAOI within the past 14 days

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using BuSpar :

Some medical conditions may interact with BuSpar . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

* if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
* if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
* if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
* if you have a history of alcoholism or substance abuse, or have severe liver or kidney problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with BuSpar . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

* Rifampin because it may decrease BuSpar 's effectiveness
* Clozapine, diltiazem, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole), macrolides and ketolides (eg, erythromycin, azithromycin), trazodone, or verapamil because they may increase the risk of this medicine's side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, or fatigue
* Clozapine,MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine), orsodium oxybate (GHB) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by BuSpar
* Furazolidone because it can cause serious, sometimes fatal, high blood pressure

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if BuSpar may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use BuSpar :

Use BuSpar as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Take BuSpar by mouth. Take it consistently, either always with food or always without food.
* Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you use BuSpar .
* BuSpar is designed to be taken every day to prevent anxiety symptoms. It does not work if it is only taken as needed or only when anxiety symptoms are present.
* Continue to take BuSpar even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
* If you miss a dose of BuSpar , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use BuSpar .

Important safety information:

* BuSpar may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use BuSpar with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
* Lab tests, including liver function, kidney function, and complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use BuSpar . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
* PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using BuSpar while you are pregnant. It is not known if BuSpar is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking BuSpar .

Possible side effects of BuSpar :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Anger/hostility; blurred vision; confusion; decreased concentration; depression; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; excitement; fatigue; headache; lightheadedness; nausea; nervousness; numbness; sleeplessness; stomach pain; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal muscle movements; difficulty moving.