Buspirone

Major Uses

Buspirone is most commonly used to treat abnormal behavior associated with environmental stressors such as loud noise and thunderstorms. This drug is also used to treat anxiety and fear in both dogs and cats.

Common Precautions

Side effects most commonly associated with Buspirone are increased friendliness and playfulness, increased assertiveness, increased agitation post-pilling, lack of appetite, and dizziness.

Buspirone should not be administered in animals with liver or kidney disease. Buspirone should be used with caution in working dogs due to the fact that it may interfere with their performance. Possible drug interactions may occur in animals that are taking other medications. Animals being treated with flea and tick products may experience an adverse reaction when treated with Buspirone. This should be discussed with a veterinarian.

Buspirone should not be administered in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. Emergency veterinary care should be sought if an animal experiences any unusual symptoms.

Storage

Buspirone should be stored in a tight container at room temperature. Buspirone should be kept away from moisture and out of direct sunlight.

Administration

Buspirone is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 30 mg tablets.

A typical dose range for Buspirone in dogs is 1 mg/kg PO q8-24h to treat mild anxiety. Dose may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.

If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the subsequent dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular administration schedule resumed. Two doses of Buprenorphine should not be administered at the same time.