The medicines listed on this website are only there to give you knowledge. Just because they are on the list doesn’t mean that anyone will be given them; in the end, treatment decisions are up to the healthcare workers. The medicines on this list are not all of them. Doctors may recommend other drugs, even ones that don’t contain stimulants, depending on the patient’s specific health needs and circumstances.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved anti-anxiety drug buspirone is effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The name-brand BuSpar ^[1*] has been phased out, although buspirone, the medication’s generic equivalent, is still available.

Both the commercial name BuSpar and its generic name, buspirone, are still in use. It may be used either on its own or in conjunction with other anxiety therapies like psychotherapy. If prior anxiety medications were ineffective or had an excessive number of unfavorable side effects, BuSpar can also be suggested.

When it comes to BuSpar for anxiety, there is a lot more to learn. Learn more about the medication’s uses, dosage, and adverse effects by reading on.

What is the purpose of buspirone?

Anxiety symptoms are lessened with buspirone. That being said, moderate anxiety or tension resulting from everyday stress is usually not treated with it. Buspirone is most often used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). On the other hand, it is less helpful for other anxiety-related illnesses ^[2*] , such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social phobia, and is sometimes used off-label.

You may be given this drug for other uses, as directed by your physician or pharmacist. For instance, for symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, depression, sleeplessness, panic attacks, itching, seizures, nausea, or vomiting. One study ^[3*] found that patients using Buspirone for anxiety saw a 12.4-point reduction in their Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety when they also had moderate depressive symptoms.

How Does Anxiety-Related Buspirone Work?

Buspirone is a member of the azapirone drug class, which also contains other anxiolytic and antipsychotic drugs. It influences the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which increases the activity of serotonin receptors and reduces anxiety.

BuSpar may be used if other drugs don’t work or have too many side effects. It takes two to four weeks for BuSpar to start showing clinical benefits. As such, it is probable that you will need to utilize this medication for around one month before determining its effectiveness for you.

Buspar vs Other Anxiety Drugs

In particular, for those with panic disorders, other anti-anxiety medications such benzodiazepines are thought to be the most beneficial for providing temporary respite from anxiety. Compared to benzos or other anti-anxiety medications, BuSpar has the important virtue of not being sedative or addictive. Additionally, BuSpar is a fantastic choice for those who want to reduce stress without falling asleep or who worry about developing a drug dependency.

More than half of BuSpar users report benefits over placebo, and some studies ^[4*] show that Buspirone is just as effective as benzodiazepines.

Buspirone Anxiety Dosage

Numerous factors influence the dose that is prescribed for each patient. These include the ailment being managed, the patient’s age, the illness’s severity, the presence of any concomitant conditions, and the way the patient reacts to the first dosage. Your doctor is the best person to determine the right dosage for you.

BuSpar pills are available in five different strengths: 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 30 mg. The following are typical doses for BuSpar prescriptions.

Side Effects of BuSpar

BuSpar is generally well tolerated by most persons, and adverse effects are rare. However, some people may have adverse outcomes. Remember that side effects (such tiredness or dizziness) may be more noticeable when you first start taking anxiety medications.

An increase in dosage may also result in a heightened level of negative effects. But these symptoms should ultimately go away since your body will eventually adapt to them. Typical unfavorable outcomes include:

Interactions Between Buspirone and Other Drugs

Before taking a new medication, make sure you are informed of any possible drug interactions. Some of the most well-known medications that may interact ^[5*] with BuSpar include the following:

Inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (MAOIs)	When combined, these medications have the ability to dramatically raise serotonin levels, which may lead to serotonin syndrome—a disorder caused by an overabundance of serotonin in the body that may be deadly if ignored.
Erythromycin	is a frequently used antibiotic. It may raise the body’s buspirone concentration when taken orally.
certain anti-seizure drugs	Drugs that prevent seizures, such as Tegretol and Dilantin, may lower the body’s buspirone levels. Buspirone’s effects could not be as potent as a consequence.

Take Care

If you’ve been taking BuSpar consistently for some time, it’s critical that your physician monitors your development. The following safety precautions must also be considered in order to ensure the security and effectiveness of long-term drug usage.

In summary

Anxiety treatment is crucial. It is not only uncomfortable to deal with; it might make you more vulnerable to other illnesses. You may better control your symptoms by using BuSpar for anxiety and worry. It’s advisable to do research, nevertheless. The final decision on whether or not a medication is appropriate for you rests solely with your doctor.