BuSpar (buspirone) is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic (antianxiety and antipanic) primarily prescribed to teens and adults to relieve anxiety and associated symptoms. BuSpar was initially developed to be used as an antipsychotic, but it did not prove successful. Instead, it became adopted by clinicians as a non-sedating anxiolytic.

How Does BuSpar Work?

BuSpar is a central nervous system (CNS) selective drug that acts on a single subtype of serotonin (5-HT) receptor. It has high affinity for type 1 serotonergic receptors (5HT-1). The relative affinity is greater for the 5HT-1A receptor compared to that of 5HT-1B and acts as a partial or mixed agonist. This is what causes BuSpar’s anxiolytic activity.

This medication also has moderate affinity for dopamine receptors and may improve the quality of sleep for those experiencing anxiety without having hypnotic or sedative effects.

Dosage FAQs

Possible Side Effects

Although BuSpar is well-tolerated by many individuals, some of its adverse effects on various organ systems include:

Additionally, although the sedative effects of this drug are less severe when compared to other anxiolytics, individuals must be cautioned about its use when performing activities requiring motor coordination (such as driving or operating machinery). Practice caution until you are sure you know how this drug will affect you.

Adverse Drug Interactions

Like many other anxiolytics, this medication has several interactions of which to be aware, including:

Safe Withdrawal from BuSpar

This drug is not associated with any significant withdrawal symptoms. However, individual physiology may affect the manifestation of symptoms when discontinuing this medication. If you are concerned about withdrawal symptoms, or if you have been taking this drug for an extended period of time, you should consult with your doctor and make sure he or she does not recommend tapering off your dosage. Develop a safe plan to discontinue this medication with your health care provider.

References:

  1. ASHP therapeutic position statement on the recognition and treatment of depression in older adults. (1998). American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 55, 2514–2518.
  2. Boyer, E.W. and Shannon, M. (2005). The serotonin syndrome. New England Journal of Medicine, 352, 1112–1120.
  3. Buspirone 10mg Tablets. 10 September 2012.  Electronic Medicines Compendium. Actavis UK Ltd. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
  4. Mendolwicz, M.V. and Stein, M.B. (2000). Quality of life in individuals with anxiety disorders. American Journal of Psychiatry, 157, 722–728.
  5. Rickels, R. and Ryan, M. (2002). Pharmacotherapy of generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 63(suppl. 14), 9–16.
  6. Sramek, J.J., Zarotsky, V., and Cutler, N.R. (2002). Generalised anxiety disorder. Drugs, 62, 1635–1648.

Page content reviewed by James Pendleton, ND.