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Marti, BuSpar (buspirone) is a drug commonly used in psychiatry for the treatment of anxiety disorders. It differs from the more commonly prescribed anxiolytics (ie. benzidiazepines) in that it is not habit forming, it produces less sedation and motor impairment than the more well known Valium, Serax, Xanax, Ativan, etc. and other benzodiazepines or hypnotics. This information is extracted from the Physicians Desk Reference (PDR) which contains several pages of information on this drug. This reference book should be available at the public library. BuSpar has no antipsychotic activity, according to the PDR, and should not be used in lieu of an antipsychotic, ie. it is not recomended for treatment of hallucinations. It is also contraindicated in the case of concurrent use with a MAO inhibitor. For example, Eldepryl (deprenyl), a commonly used PD medication, is of this class, being a MAO inhibitor type B. This contraindication is not conclusive, only your doctor can provide this advice, as there are MAO inhibitors of two types, A and B, and the PDR makes no distinction in this regard. The PDR also makes mention of possible concerns in the PRECAUTIONS section related to BuSpar's binding to dopamine receptors, raising questions about its potential to cause chronic and acute changes in dopamine-mediated neurological functions, eg. dystonias, pseudoparkinsonism, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia. Translation: some users of this drug experience a syndrome of restlesness shorlty after initiation of treatment. This may be an undesirable side effect. I cannot overemphasize the importance of obtaining proper medical advice when considering the use of any medcine. Please be advised that the above information is provided by a non-professional. Please do not form any opinions until you have consulted with a doctor. To do so may prejudice your attitude towards the drug, potentially affecting the efficacy of the drug. The efficacy of any medication is influenced by our expectations of its use. My familiarity with the medication stems from my career in mental health and substance abuse where BuSpar is an acceptable replacement for those with addiction problems and anxiety, as it is not habit forming, and does not provide the "buzz" associated with benzodiazepines, especially abuse of this class of drugs. Your pharmacist may also be helpful in answering some of your questions. Reference: Physicians Desk Reference, Edition 49, 1995, Medical Economics Data, division Medical Economics Co. Inc. Montvale NJ. 07645. Regards and Best Wishes for the Holiday Season, Brian Cincinnati, Ohio ================================================================== "It's easy to identify people who can't count to ten. They're in front of you in the supermarket express lane"[:>) June Henderson ================================================================== Brian Nevin <[log in to unmask]> ==================================================================