Side effect

What happens

What to do about it

COMMON (less than about 1 in 10 people might get these)

Headache

Your head is pounding and painful.

Try paracetamol. Your pharmacist will be able to advise if this is safe to take with any other medicines you may be taking.

Anxiety

Feeling more anxious, nervous or excitable

This should wear off. If not, mention it to your doctor next time you meet.

Nausea

Feeling sick.

If it is bad, contact your doctor.

Dizziness

Feeling light-headed and faint.

Don't stand up too quickly. Try and lie or sit down if you feel it coming on. Don't drive.

Depersonalisation

Feeling odd, disconnected, spaced out

This is common if you increase your dose too quickly. You can drop your dose a little and not increase the dose too quickly.

UNCOMMON (less than about 1 in 100 people might get these)

Sleepiness

You feel sleepy, drowsy or sluggish. It can last for a few hours after taking your dose, or longer.

Don't drive or use machinery.

RARE (less than about 1 in 1000 people might get these)

Tachycardia or palpitations

A fast heart beat.

See your doctor. It can be treated if it lasts for a long time.

Fatigue

You feel tired all the time. This may happen early on in treatment and should go away.

If you feel like this for more than a week after starting buspirone, tell your doctor. It may be possible to adjust your dose slightly.

Sweating

Feeling hot and sticky. Your clothes may get wet.

Contact your doctor. You may need to have your blood pressure checked.

Confusion

Your mind is all mixed up or confused.

Discuss with your doctor when you next see him or her. He or she may want to adjust your drug or dose.