Darby asked
Can Buspar cause diarrhea? I’m on 15mg once per day. No other problems. Thank you.
Answer
Yes, Buspar (buspirone) can cause diarrhea. In fact, gastrointestinal adverse reactions are among the most commonly reported side effects. They include:
- Nausea (8%)
- Diarrhea (2%)
- Stomach cramping (2%)
Other potential side effects include:
- Chest pain (≥1%)
- Drowsiness (10%)
- Headache (6%)
- Nervousness (5%)
- Confusion (2%)
- Excitement (2%)
- Numbness (2%)
- Outbursts of anger (2%)
- Abnormal dreams (≥1%)
- Ataxia (1%)
- Presthesia (1%)
- Diaphoresis (1%)
- Skin rash (1%)
- Sore throat (≥1%)
- Weakness (2%)
- Musculoskeletal pain (1%)
- Tremor (1%)
- Blurred vision (2%)
- Tinnitus (≥1%)
- Nasal congestion (≥1%)
Taking Buspar with food may decrease the incidence of GI side effects. However, taking Buspar with food may increase the bioavailability (rate and extent of absorption) of the drug. To ensure a consistent response to Buspar, it is important to take it the same way every day with regard to the timing of dosing and always with or without food.