What is the usual dosing for buspirone (anxiolytic medication)?

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Last updated: June 18, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Buspirone is typically started at an initial dosage of 5 mg twice daily, with a maximum dosage of 20 mg three times daily. The recommended dosing for buspirone, an anxiolytic medication, is based on the guidelines provided in the American Family Physician journal 1. Key points to consider when prescribing buspirone include:

  • Initial dosage: 5 mg twice daily
  • Maximum dosage: 20 mg three times daily
  • It may take 2 to 4 weeks to become effective, as stated in the guidelines 1. It's essential to note that buspirone is useful only in patients with mild to moderate agitation, and its effectiveness may vary depending on the individual patient's condition 1. When prescribing buspirone, it's crucial to monitor the patient's response and adjust the dosage accordingly to minimize potential side effects and maximize therapeutic benefits.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Buspirone Dosing

  • The usual dosing for buspirone, an anxiolytic medication, is 15 mg/day 2
  • Most patients are successfully managed on daily doses ranging from 15 to 30 mg/day 3
  • The average daily adult dose is 15-20 mg 4
  • Buspirone can be administered in divided doses, such as 15 mg twice a day (BID) or 10 mg three times a day (TID) 5
  • In some cases, buspirone may be titrated up to a dose of 30 mg BID 6

Factors Affecting Buspirone Dosing

  • Administration with food may increase the bioavailability of buspirone 2, 4
  • Renal impairment may increase the plasma concentration of buspirone, while hepatic impairment may increase the half-life of the drug 2
  • The pharmacokinetics of buspirone are not affected by age or gender 2
  • Certain medications, such as verapamil and erythromycin, may increase the plasma concentration of buspirone, while others, such as rifampicin, may decrease it 2

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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