Atypical anxiolytic/nonbarbiturate anxiolytic

Question 1

Buspirone

Answer 1

Buspar

Question 2

Pharmacological action

Answer 2

Exact mechanism unknown.

Binds to serotonin and dopamine receptors.

Question 3

Therapeutic uses

Answer 3

Panic disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders
Trauma and stressor-related disorders
PTSD

Question 4

Complications

Answer 4

Dizziness, nausea, headache, lightheadedness, agitation
Constipation
Suicidal ideation

Question 5

Nursing Considerations for complications

Answer 5

Initial response to med takes a week and at least 2-6 weeks to reach full potential.
Not for PRN use
Advise pt to:
take with food to decrease nausea
avoid activities that require alertness until effects are known
to increase fiber and fluid intake
monitor and report manifestations of depression and thoughts of suicide

Question 6

Pregnancy Risk Category

Answer 6

B.

Not recommended for breastfeeding mothers

Question 7

Contraindications/Precautions

Answer 7

Use cautiously in older adults and those with liver or renal dysfunction.
Contraindicated for concurrent use with MAOI antidepressants or for 14 days after MAOIs are discontinued. Hypertensive crisis can result.

Question 8

Interactions

Answer 8

Erythromycin
Ketoconazole
St. John's wort
Grapefruit Juice
all of these can increase the effects of buspirone.

Question 9

Nursing considerations for interactions

Answer 9

Advise pt to avoid:
antimicrobial agents
herbal preparations containing St. John’s wort
and drinking grapefruit juice
Monitor pt for serotonin syndrome, fever, tremor, diarrhea, and delirium. Avoid taking SSRIs with buspirone.

Question 10

Nursing Administration

Answer 10

Take med with meals to prevent gastric irritation.
Remind pts that med effects take a week to notice and 2-6 weeks for full benefit.
Take regularly
Tolerance, dependence and withdrawal effects are not an issue.
Short term treatment but can work for as long as a year.