From the FDA Drug Label
The more commonly observed untoward events associated with the use of buspirone hydrochloride tablets not seen at an equivalent incidence among placebo-treated patients include dizziness, nausea, headache, nervousness, lightheadedness, and excitement
TREATMENT-EMERGENT ADVERSE EXPERIENCE INCIDENCE IN PLACEBO-CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIALS* (Percent of Patients Reporting) Adverse ExperienceBuspirone hydrochloride (n = 477)Placebo (n = 464) ... CNS Dizziness123 ... Postmarketing Experience ...dizziness (rarely reported as vertigo)...
Yes, buspirone can cause dizziness 1, 1, 1.
- Dizziness is listed as a common adverse event in the clinical trials, with an incidence of 12% in the buspirone group compared to 3% in the placebo group.
- Dizziness is also mentioned in the postmarketing experience section as a rare occurrence.
- It is also reported as vertigo in some cases.
From the Research
Yes, buspirone can cause dizziness as a common side effect, with a higher rate of dizziness (OR = 4.66,95% CI: 2.07-10.47) compared to the placebo group, as reported in the most recent study 2.
Side Effects of Buspirone
The medication, which is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, typically causes dizziness in patients, especially when first starting treatment or after dose increases.
- Dizziness often occurs because buspirone affects serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly 5-HT1A receptors, which can temporarily impact balance and spatial orientation.
- The dizziness is usually mild to moderate and tends to diminish over time as your body adjusts to the medication, typically within 1-2 weeks of consistent use.
Management of Dizziness
If you experience dizziness while taking buspirone, it's advisable to:
- Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
- Take buspirone with food and start with a lower dose (typically 5 mg three times daily) that gradually increases to help minimize this side effect.
- Consult your healthcare provider if dizziness becomes severe or persistent, as they may need to adjust your dosage or consider alternative treatments.
Comparison with Other Studies
While other studies, such as 3, 4, and 5, report on the side effects of buspirone, the most recent study 2 provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on the topic.