From the FDA Drug Label
No information is provided in the drug label about the effect of buspirone on blood glucose levels.
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
For patients with anxiety who need to minimize blood glucose effects, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like escitalopram (5-20 mg daily), sertraline (25-200 mg daily), and fluoxetine (10-80 mg daily) are generally recommended first-line options, as they have minimal impact on blood glucose compared to alternatives, according to the most recent and highest quality study available 1. When considering anti-anxiety medications with minimal impact on blood glucose levels, several factors come into play, including the patient's medical history, current medications, and the specific type of anxiety disorder being treated.
- SSRIs are often preferred due to their favorable side effect profile and minimal effect on glucose metabolism.
- Buspirone (7.5-30 mg twice daily) is another option with neutral metabolic effects, making it suitable for patients concerned about blood glucose levels.
- For short-term anxiety relief, benzodiazepines like lorazepam (0.5-2 mg as needed) can be used briefly without significant glucose concerns, though they carry addiction risks and aren't suitable for long-term use.
- SNRIs like venlafaxine and duloxetine may be considered but require closer glucose monitoring, as they can have variable effects on blood glucose levels, as noted in older studies 2, 3. It's crucial to start at low doses and gradually increase while monitoring both anxiety symptoms and blood glucose levels, especially for patients with diabetes or prediabetes, as some psychiatric medications can significantly impact blood glucose control 4. Always discussing medication choices with a healthcare provider is essential to tailor treatment to the patient's specific health needs.