From the Guidelines
The recommended dose of buspirone for generalized anxiety disorder is an initial dosage of 5 mg twice daily, with a maximum of 20 mg three times daily. According to the guidelines for managing behavior and mood disorders 1, buspirone is a nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytic drug that may take 2 to 4 weeks to become effective. The dosage can be adjusted as needed, but it is essential to start with a low dose and gradually increase it to minimize potential side effects.
Some key points to consider when prescribing buspirone include:
- Starting with a low dose of 5 mg twice daily and gradually increasing as needed and tolerated
- The maximum recommended daily dose is 20 mg three times daily, but this may vary depending on the patient's response and tolerance
- Buspirone is useful only in patients with mild to moderate agitation, and its effects may take time to become noticeable
- Common side effects include dizziness, headache, nausea, and nervousness, which often diminish over time
It is crucial to monitor patients closely and adjust the dosage accordingly to ensure the best possible outcome in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. As noted in the guidelines 1, buspirone is a viable option for managing generalized anxiety disorder, especially for patients who cannot tolerate or do not respond to other treatments.
From the FDA Drug Label
The recommended initial dose is 15 mg daily (7.5 mg b.i.d.) To achieve an optimal therapeutic response, at intervals of 2 to 3 days the dosage may be increased 5 mg per day, as needed. The maximum daily dosage should not exceed 60 mg per day. The recommended dose of buspirone for generalized anxiety disorder is:
- Initial dose: 15 mg daily (7.5 mg b.i.d.)
- Maximum daily dose: 60 mg per day
- Dose titration: Increase by 5 mg per day at intervals of 2 to 3 days as needed 2
From the Research
Buspirone Dose for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
The recommended dose of buspirone for generalized anxiety disorder can vary, but several studies provide guidance on effective and safe dosing regimens.
- The typical daily dose of buspirone ranges from 15 mg to 30 mg, divided into two or three doses per day 3, 4, 5.
- A study comparing buspirone 15 mg twice daily (BID) with buspirone 10 mg three times daily (TID) found similar efficacy and safety profiles for both regimens, with the exception of a higher incidence of palpitations in the BID group 3.
- Another study found that most patients with chronic anxiety were successfully managed on daily doses ranging from 15 to 30 mg/day, with no new or unexpected side effects emerging during long-term treatment 4.
- The dosage of buspirone can be gradually titrated up to a maximum of 30 mg BID, as needed and as tolerated by the patient 6.
- The efficacy and safety of buspirone have been demonstrated in various studies, with common adverse events including dizziness, headache, and nausea 3, 7, 5.