Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can be treated with the drug BuSpar (buspirone), which the FDA has cleared. The original version of BuSpar, buspirone, was approved in 1986 and is still available, even though the brand name has been taken off the market. People often use both the words BuSpar and buspirone to talk about this anxious drug.
Uses of BuSpar For Anxiety
This medication is prescribed for anxiety to enhance clarity of thought, promote relaxation, reduce worry, and facilitate participation in daily activities. It can also alleviate symptoms like jitteriness, irritability, trouble sleeping, sweating, and a pounding heartbeat. Buspirone, an anxiolytic, operates by influencing specific natural substances in the brain known as neurotransmitters.
How To Use BuSpar
To use Buspar Tablet, you should take it by mouth as your doctor tells you to, usually twice or three times a day. You can take it with or without food, but you need to be consistent to make sure that the drug stays in your body. You can split the tablet to get the right amount; follow the directions on the package or ask your pharmacist for help.
It’s advised to refrain from consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice unless deemed safe by your doctor or pharmacist, as grapefruit can heighten the risk of side effects. Dosage is tailored to your medical condition and response, and regular use is essential for optimal benefits. Remember to take it at the exact times daily. Initially, anxiety symptoms may worsen before improving, and it may take a month or longer to experience the full therapeutic effects.
Side-Effects of Buspirone For Anxiety
While taking this medicine, you might feel dizzy, sleepy, headache, sick, nervous, lightheaded, restless, tired, sleepless, and have trouble seeing clearly. Tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if these effects last longer than expected or worsen.
You should know that your doctor recommended this medicine because he or she thinks the benefits outweigh the possible side effects. Many people who take this medicine don’t have any major side effects. People who take buspirone may sometimes develop movement disorders like shakes, muscle stiffness, a mask-like facial expression, jerky walking, or tardive dyskinesia. In some cases, these conditions may last a long time. You should call your doctor immediately if you see any strange or uncontrollable movements, especially in the face, mouth, tongue, arms, or legs.
If you have hazardous side effects like easy bleeding or bruises, shortness of breath, chest pain, or a fast or irregular heartbeat, you should see a doctor right away. Even though a severe allergic response to this drug is rare, you should see a doctor immediately if you have a rash, itching, or swelling (especially in the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
| Common Side Effects | Less Common but Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Dizziness | Movement disorders (tremors, muscle stiffness, etc.) |
| Drowsiness | Tardive dyskinesia (in some cases, may be permanent) |
| Headache | Easy bleeding/bruising |
| Nausea | Shortness of breath |
| Nervousness | Chest pain |
| Lightheadedness | Fast/irregular heartbeat |
| Restlessness | |
| Blurred vision | |
| Tiredness | |
| Trouble sleeping | |
BuSpar Warnings
You should tell your doctor or pharmacist about allergies before starting buspirone. The drug may contain inactive ingredients that cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your doctor to find out more.
Your doctor or pharmacist should know about your medical background, especially if you have Parkinson’s disease, kidney or liver problems, bipolar disorder (manic-depression), or bipolar disorder. This medicine might make you feel sleepy or dizzy. These effects can get more vital if you use alcohol or marijuana (cannabis). Don’t drive, operate heavy tools, or do anything else that needs you to be alert until you can do these things safely. Stay away from alcoholic drinks, and talk to your doctor about your pot use.
If you are already taking medicine for nervousness, don’t stop taking it all of a sudden unless your doctor tells you to. You may need to slowly lower your dose when switching from another drug to buspirone because it won’t stop withdrawal signs from other medications. Talk to your doctor about your treatment plan, and let them know right away if you start to feel withdrawal signs.
If you are pregnant, only take this medicine when it is needed. If you are pregnant, you should tell your doctor before taking this medicine, and you should talk about the possible risks and benefits.
BuSpar Drug Interactions
If drug combinations change, it could affect how well your medicines work or make you more likely to have serious side effects. This paper doesn’t go over all the possible drug interactions. Make a list of all the things you use, like herbal products, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and give it to your doctor and pharmacy. Do not start, stop, or change the amount of medicines you take without first talking to your doctor.
Antidepressants (like SSRIs like fluoxetine, tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline/nortriptyline, trazodone), and haloperidol are some of the drugs that may not work well with this one.
If you take MAO inhibitors along with this medicine, there could be a dangerous (and possibly fatal) drug interaction. While taking buspirone, don’t take any of the MAO inhibitors listed below. These include isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. Also, you should avoid most MAO inhibitors for two weeks before and after taking buspirone. Talk to your doctor about when to start or stop taking this medicine.
Other drugs may change how your body gets rid of buspirone, which could make it less effective. In this group are azole antifungals (like itraconazole), corticosteroids (like dexamethasone), diltiazem, nefazodone, rifamycins (like rifabutin), ritonavir, and drugs used to treat seizures (like phenytoin and phenobarbital).
- Antidepressants:
- SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine).
- Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline).
- Trazodone.
- Antipsychotic:
- Haloperidol.
- MAO Inhibitors (Avoid use with buspirone):
- Isocarboxazid.
- Linezolid.
- Metaxalone.
- Methylene blue.
- Moclobemide.
- Phenelzine.
- Procarbazine.
- Rasagiline.
- Safinamide.
- Selegiline.
- Tranylcypromine.
- Other Medications:
- Azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole).
- Corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone).
- Diltiazem.
- Nefazodone.
- Rifamycins (e.g., rifabutin).
- Ritonavir.
- Antiseizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital).
Using BuSpar for Anxiety
Buspirone can be taken with or without food, but it should be taken consistently, usually two or three times daily.
Buspirone dosage for anxiety:
- Buspirone tablets are available in various doses, ranging from 5 to 30 mg each.
- The 5 mg and 10 mg tablets are scored for easy splitting, allowing for a minimum dose of 2.5 mg per tablet.
- The maximum daily dose is 60 mg, but most patients respond well to an amount between 15 mg and 30 mg.
- Dosage adjustments may occur, with increments of 5 mg every 2 to 3 days if necessary. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage for you.
BuSpar has a slow onset, and it may take a few weeks to feel the effects. Your prescribing doctor will regularly assess your response to the medication to determine the optimal duration, typically from several months to a year. When discontinuing BuSpar, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose to minimize potential withdrawal effects.
If you forget to take your buspirone dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for your next dose. If that’s the case, don’t try to make up the missed dose; instead, return to your usual dosing schedule.
How Does It Work?
Buspar is an anxiolytic, which means it is used to treat nervousness. It is thought to work as a medicine by attaching to serotonin and dopamine receptors, especially the 5-HT1A receptor class. Buspar changes how these chemicals work in the brain by binding to these receptors.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps keep your feelings, mood, and anxiety in check. Buspar may help control serotonin levels and ease anxiety feelings by binding to serotonin receptors. Dopamine is another neurotransmitter that helps the brain do many things, like reward, motivation, and mood control. Buspar may also help reduce anxiety by working with dopamine receptors, but the exact ways it does this are still not fully known.
Precautions For BuSpar
Set up regular check-ups with your care team to see how things are going. It could take up to two weeks for anxiety signs to get better.
Watch out for feeling sleepy or dizzy. Do not do things that need mental focus, like driving or operating heavy tools, until you know how this medicine affects you. Older patients should not stand or sit up quickly to lower their risk of getting dizzy or passing out. Also, alcohol can make you feel sleepy and dizzy, so it’s best to stay away from drinking drinks.
Skip To:
Learn More:
Get Help. Get Better. Get Your Life Back.
Searching for Accredited Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Centers Near You?
Even if therapy failed previously, or are in the middle of a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. When you feel ready or just want someone to speak to about counseling alternatives to change your life call us. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you to wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our hotline today.
FREE 24/7 Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Services HotlineEffectiveness of Using Buspar
When considering the effectiveness of using Buspar for anxiety, this medication, also known as Buspirone, has shown positive outcomes in managing symptoms of various anxiety disorders. Research suggests that Buspar can effectively reduce generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms and may benefit other anxiety conditions, such as social anxiety disorder. However, it is essential to remember that individual medication responses can vary. One of the advantages of Buspar is its non-sedating nature, which means it does not typically cause drowsiness or impair cognitive function. This makes it suitable for individuals who must remain alert and focused during the day.
Buspar Anti-Anxiety
As an anti-anxiety medication, Buspar helps reduce anxiety symptoms and promote a sense of calmness. It can alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety, such as excessive worrying, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and muscle tension. Unlike benzodiazepines, another class of anti-anxiety medications, Buspar does not cause sedation or have a high potential for abuse or dependence.
Buspar is often prescribed for long-term use, as its full therapeutic effects may take several weeks to become noticeable. Taking Buspar as a healthcare professional prescribes and following the recommended dosage and frequency is essential. It is generally well-tolerated, with a favorable side effect profile compared to other anti-anxiety medications.
End the Emotional Pain. Get Your Life Back.
Feeling Depressed, Anxious or Struggling with Mental Health Illness? Get Safe Comfortable Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Therapy From Counselors That Care. Begin Your Recovery Now.
Hotline (855) 940-6125Who Should Avoid Taking BuSpar?
People who are hypersensitive to the drug (has immune-mediated responses) should not take BuSpar (buspirone hydrochloride). In this case, it is best to stop taking the medicine. People whose livers don’t work well or who already have health problems should be careful because the liver removes buspirone. High levels of buspirone in the blood may be caused by problems with how the liver works. People with diabetes should also be careful since buspirone can change blood sugar levels. Breastfeeding people shouldn’t take Buspar because it might get into their milk, and its safety during pregnancy hasn’t been studied enough.
What is The Max Dose of Buspar For Anxiety?
The maximum recommended dose of Buspar (buspirone) for anxiety is typically 60 mg per day. However, most patients often respond well to doses in the range of 15 mg to 30 mg daily. The dosage may be adjusted by 5 mg increments every 2 to 3 days if necessary, and the prescribing doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on individual response and needs. It’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance on Buspar use.
Experience Transformative Recovery at the We Level Up Treatment Center.
See our authentic success stories. Get inspired. Get the help you deserve.
Start a New Life
Begin with a free call to a behavioral health treatment advisor. Learn more about our dual-diagnosis programs. The We Level Up treatment center network delivers recovery programs that vary by each treatment facility. Call to learn more.
- Personalized Care
- Caring Accountable Staff
- World-class Amenities
- Licensed & Accredited
- Renowned w/ 5-Star Reviews
We’ll Call You
We Level Up Fort Lauderdale Florida Mental Health Center
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, our anxiety center offers diverse services tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with anxiety. We have several potential services available for you to explore:
- Diagnostic Assessments: Our assessments are thorough and meticulous, ensuring accurate diagnosis and evaluation of anxiety disorders. We gather essential symptom information through interviews, questionnaires, and psychological evaluations to determine the most appropriate treatment strategies.
- Individual Therapy: Our team of licensed mental health professionals provides personalized one-on-one therapy sessions. Utilizing evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), or mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), these sessions address specific anxiety symptoms, delve into underlying causes, and help develop practical coping skills.
- Group Therapy: We offer group therapy sessions that create a supportive environment where individuals with similar anxiety concerns can come together. These sessions facilitate sharing experiences, learning from one another, and receiving support, ultimately reducing feelings of isolation and normalizing anxiety experiences.
- Relaxation and Stress Management Techniques: Our center provides training in various relaxation techniques, including deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness meditation. These techniques equip individuals with valuable tools to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and alleviate physical manifestations such as chest pain.
- Medication Management: Collaborating with psychiatrists or medical professionals, our team can evaluate and prescribe appropriate medications for anxiety disorders. We closely monitor medication effectiveness and address potential side effects to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.
- Holistic Approaches: To complement traditional therapies, we integrate complementary and alternative treatments like yoga, acupuncture, or art therapy. These holistic approaches offer additional avenues for individuals to manage anxiety symptoms and promote overall well-being.
Popular Buspar Anxiety FAQs
-
Can you take Buspirone as needed for anxiety?
Yes, buspirone can be taken as needed for anxiety. While buspirone is typically taken regularly for its maximum effectiveness, it can also be used during heightened anxiety or when anxiety symptoms arise. However, whether buspirone can be taken as needed for anxiety should be discussed with a healthcare provider. They will consider your needs and circumstances to determine the most suitable treatment approach.
-
Can buspirone make anxiety worse?
Buspirone is not known to make anxiety worse. It is prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication and is generally well-tolerated. Buspirone works by affecting serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain to relieve anxiety symptoms. However, individual responses to medication can vary, and what works well for one person may not have the same effect on another.
Anxiety Disorder Facts & Anxiety Treatment Programs
Search We Level Up FL Buspar for Anxiety, Uses, Side Effects, & Drug Interactions Resources
Sources
- Howland RH. Buspirone: Back to the future. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. 2015;53(11):21-4. doi:10.3928/02793695-20151022-01 buspirone dosage for anxiety-related articles
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Drugs@FDA: FDA-approved drugs. Buspirone for anxiety-related articles
- Food and Drug Administration. Determination That BUSPAR (Buspirone Hydrochloride) Tablets, 10 Milligrams, 15 Milligrams, and 30 Milligrams, Were Not Withdrawn From Sale for Reasons of Safety or Effectiveness. Federal Register. 2010;75(201). starting dose of buspar for anxiety-related articles
- Shmuts R, Kay A, Beck M. Buspirone: A forgotten friend. Current Psychiatry. 2020;19(1):20-24. buspirone dose for anxiety-related articles
- Blanco C, Bragdon L, Schneier F, Liebowitz M. The evidence-based pharmacotherapy of social anxiety disorder. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2013;16(1):235-49. doi:10.1017/S1461145712000119 Anxiety medication Buspar, Buspar for anxiety-related articles
- MedlinePlus. Buspirone. Buspar dosage for anxiety Buspar for anxiety-related articles
- Rabatin J, Keltz LB. Generalized anxiety and panic disorder. West J Med. 2002;176(3):164-8. doi:10.1136/ewjm.176.3.164 Buspar for anxiety-related articles
- Cinderella M, Morell B, Munjal S. Grapefruit juice cleanse mimicking quetiapine overdose case report and literature review. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2021;41(6):690-2. doi:10.1097/JCP.0000000000001469 Buspar for anxiety-related articles, anxiety and buspar
- U.S. National Library of Medicine, BUSPIRONE- buspirone hydrochloride tablet. Buspar for anxiety-related articles
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company: BuSpar (buspirone HCl, USP). Buspar for anxiety-related articles
- U.S. National Library of Medicine, BUSPAR- buspirone hydrochloride tablet. Buspar for anxiety-related articles
