Buspirone Hydrochloride (Antianxiety Agent)

Question 1

What is the brand name of buspirone hydrochloride?

Answer 1

BuSpar

Question 2

What strength BuSpar tablets are available?

Answer 2

5 mg (scored), 7.5 mg (scored), 10 mg (scored), 15 mg (tri-scored), and 30 mg (tri-scored)

Question 3

What is the FDA approved indication and dosage of buspirone hydrochloride?

Answer 3

Short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety:
The recommended initial dose is 15 mg daily given in two divided doses. Doses may be increased in 5 mg increments at 2 to 3 day intervals to reach the optimum therapeutic response. Normal adult dose is 5 to 10 mg given up to four times a day.

Question 4

What is the mechanism of action of buspirone?

Answer 4

The exact mechanism of action of buspirone in vivo is not known. It may be due to a number of changes in brain chemistry including; (1) increasing the metabolism of norepinephrine in the locus ceruleus, (2) acting as a moderate presynaptic dopamine agonist, and (3) acting as a serotonin agonist.

Question 5

What are the drug interactions of BuSpar?

Answer 5

• Coadministration with MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS may elevate blood pressure. Do not use together.
• Grapefruit juice may increase plasma levels and should be avoided.

Question 6

What are the contraindications of bupsirone hydrochloride?

Answer 6

• Use with caution in patients with moderate to severely impaired hepatic or renal function.
• Because of buspirone’s ability to bind to dopamine receptors, there is a possibility of dystonia, parkinsonism, and tardive dyskinesia occurring during therapy.
• Use with caution during lactation.
• Pregnancy Category B.

Question 7

What are the adverse effects of BuSpar?

Answer 7

Skin rash, tachycardia, headache, fatigue, sweating, muscle pain, dream disturbances, dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, insomnia, mood alterations, depression, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, nasal congestion, blurred vision, tinnitus, and sore throat.

Question 8

What should the pharmacist tell the patient when counseling them on the use of buspirone hydrochloride?

Answer 8

• May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution when operating machinery or an automobile.
• Report to your physician or pharmacist any abnormal involuntary movements of the tongue or facial muscles and any change in motor restlessness.
• If a dose is missed, skip it and return to normal dosing schedule.
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice during therapy.