Vespar (Bespar)

buspirone hydrochloride

Vespar (Bespar) is used to treat and relieve certain anxiety disorders in the short-term treatment of symptoms of anxiety. This drug is useful in treating the alcoholics, or people that have a history of addiction. Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with an anxiolytic.

What is Vespar (Bespar)?

Vespar (buspirone hydrochloride) belongs to a general class of drugs called antianxiety agents.

It may also be used to treat chronic anxiety. Vespar works by affecting the activity of certain neurotransmitters, including serotonin. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are stored in nerve cells and are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. The overall effect is to relieve feelings of anxiety.

Unlike the benzodiazepines, Vespar does not cause sedation (sleepiness) or lead to dependency. Medicines like Vespar leave you feeling calm and relaxed. They work by decreasing the physical symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, such as muscle tension and restlessness.

Before taking Vespar (Bespar)

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.

How should I take Vespar (Bespar)?

Optimum results are usually seen after three to four weeks of treatment. Dosage should be individually adjusted, according to tolerance and response.

This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. If you miss a dose of this medicine, 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.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Vespar (Bespar) side effects

Rarely, side-effects have a dangerous nature or intensity. Some tend to disappear with continued therapy, or are less frequent if the initial dose is low and increased gradually. Most frequent are: vertigo, agitation, insomnia, headaches, nervousness, light-headedness, nausea.

Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine, or if you develop side effects (e.g. muscle spasms, uncontrolled twitching in the face and body, or uncontrolled tongue or jaw movements).

Precautions

Studies indicate that buspirone is less sedating than other anxiolytics and that it does not produce significant functional impairment. However, its CNS effects in any individual patient may not be predictable. Therefore, patients should be cautioned about operating an automobile or using complex machinery until they are reasonably certain that buspirone treatment does not affect them adversely.

Do not take any other sedating drugs or drink alcohol while taking this medication. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of severe liver or kidney disease.

The safety of buspirone during pregnancy and lactation has not been established and, therefore, it should not be used in women of childbearing potential or nursing mothers, unless, in the opinion of the physician, the potential benefits to the patient outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

The administration of buspirone HCl to a patient taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) may pose a hazard. There have been reports of the occurrence of elevated blood pressure when buspirone has been added to a regimen including an MAOI. Therefore, it is recommended that buspirone not be used concomitantly with an MAOI.

Vespar has shown no potential for abuse or diversion and there is no evidence that it causes tolerance, or either physical or psychological dependence.

Benzodiazepine rebound or withdrawal symptoms may occur over varying time periods depending in part on the type of drug and its effective half-life of elimination. These symptoms should be treated symptomatically.

Notes

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Vespar (Bespar). If you have any other questions, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.