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Buspar (Buspirone) Facts
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Basic information
- Generic name: buspirone hydrochloride
- Brand/Trade names: Buspar
- Dosages: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg tablets
- Pharmacologic category: Antianxiety agent
- Manufacturer: Bristol Myers SQUIBB
- FDA approved: September 29, 1986
- Habit forming? Probably not
- Pregnancy risk factor:
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Medical uses
Buspar (buspirone hydrochloride) is a psychotropic drug with
anxiolytic properties which belongs chemically to the class of
compounds known as the azaspirodecanediones. This medicine is
used to treat anxiety disorders or in the short-term treatment
of symptoms of anxiety. This medication is used to treat the symptoms
of premenstrual syndrome. Anxiety is caused by an imbalance of
a serotonin in the brain. Buspar brings serotonin levels back
to normal which can reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety. This
drug works gradually over a two to four week period. This medication
may be prescribed for other uses.
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Pharmacological characteristics
- Elimination half-life:
- Metabolism:
- Excretion:
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Advantages
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Unlabeled uses
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Mechanism of action
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Buspar to treat anxiety
Everyone may experience anxiety somtimes - "butterflies in the
stomach" before giving a speech or sweaty palms during a job interview
are common symptoms. Other symptoms include irritability, uneasiness,
jumpiness, feelings of apprehension, rapid or irregular heartbeat,
stomachache, nausea, faintness, and breathing problems. Anxiety
is often manageable and mild, but sometimes it can present serious
problems. A high level or prolonged state of anxiety can make
the activities of daily life difficult or impossible. People may
have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or more specific anxiety
disorders such as panic, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder
(OCD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The only medication
specifically for anxiety disorders other than the benzodiazepines
are Buspar and it's generic version - Buspirone. Unlike the benzodiazepines,
Buspar must be taken consistently for at least 2 weeks to achieve
an antianxiety effect and therefore cannot be used on an "as-needed"
basis.
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References
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Interesting Buspar facts
- Its structure is unrelated to those of the benzodiazepines, but
it has an efficacy comparable to diazepam.
- It shows no potential for addiction compared to other drugs commonly
prescribed for anxiety, especially benzodiazepine medications. Furthermore,
it is non-sedating. Buspar does not cause drowsiness.
- Bristol-Myers Squibb gained FDA approval for Buspirone in 1986.
The drug went generic in 2001.
- Buspirone is a psychotropic drug with anxiolytic properties which
belongs chemically to the class of compounds known as the azaspirodecanediones.
- Buspirone shares some of the properties of the benzodiazepines
and the neuroleptics, as well as demonstrating other pharmacological
action.
- BuSpar has shown no potential for abuse, and there is no evidence
that it causes physical or psychological dependence.
- Unlike typical benzodiazepine anxiolytics, this agent does not
exert anticonvulsant or muscle relaxant effects and lacks prominent
sedative effects.
- The main disadvantage is that 1 to 3 weeks elapse before the anxiolytic
activity becomes evident.
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