Buspirone is the generic name of an anti-anxiety medication sold as Vanspar, BuSpar and BuSpar Dividose. Buspirone, according to the Mayo Clinic, may function by reducing the actions and amount of serotonin in the body, but medical researchers do not know how it works exactly. The dosage for the prescription medication generally starts at 7.5mg twice a day, according to your physician's recommendations. While this may be increased by your doctor, it rarely will exceed 60mg per day.
Rare Serious Side Effects
While BuSpar generally is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, it also can rarely produce the opposite effect in some people. For example, it can cause such mental side effects as depression and confusion. Other rare side effects reported, according to the Mayo Clinic, include bodily motion that is uncontrolled, pain in the chest, tachycardia or rapid heartbeat, leg stiffness, pounding heartbeat, arm stiffness, a fever, throat soreness, incoordination, a rash on the skin, weakness in the muscles, hives, feet or hand pain, feet or hand weakness and feet or hand tingling and numbness. Consult your physician immediately if you experience any of these effects.
Temporary Side Effects
Other side effects possible from using BuSpar are not considered serious unless they persist, according to the Mayo Clinic. These generally will happen---if they happen at all---when you begin taking BuSpar and should go away as your body acclimates to the drug. These include uncommon weakness, vision blurring, uncommon tiredness, restlessness, insomnia, nervousness, sweating, noises in the ears, nightmares, concentration problems, abnormal excitement, unusually vivid dreams, diarrhea and pain in the muscles. Others may include drowsiness, spasms in the muscles, dry mouth and stiffness or cramps in the muscles.
Overdose Side Effects
Taking too much BuSpar is serious, and you risk overdose side effects if you do not follow your doctor's recommendations for use of the drug. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience overdose side effects, such as pinpoint pupils, dizziness, an upset stomach, light-headedness, nausea, severe drowsiness, vomiting and unconsciousness.
Member Comments