From the Guidelines
Buspar (Buspirone) is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, specifically mild to moderate agitation, with an initial dosage of 5 mg twice daily and a maximum of 20 mg three times daily, as noted in the guidelines for managing behavior and mood disorders 1.
Key Points About Buspar
- It is useful only in patients with mild to moderate agitation and may take 2 to 4 weeks to become effective, as stated in the treatment guidelines for behavior and mood disorders 1.
- The medication works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.
- Unlike benzodiazepines, Buspar doesn't cause significant sedation or physical dependence, making it a preferable option for some patients.
Dosage and Administration
- The initial dosage is 5 mg twice daily, with a maximum of 20 mg three times daily, as recommended in the guidelines 1.
- It's essential to take Buspar consistently, preferably at the same times each day, and it can be taken with or without food.
- Taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset.
Side Effects and Interactions
- Common side effects include dizziness, headache, nausea, and nervousness, which often diminish over time.
- Buspar can interact with certain drugs, particularly MAO inhibitors and some antifungal medications, so it's crucial to inform your doctor about all other medications you're taking.
- Unlike some anxiety medications, Buspar doesn't cause withdrawal symptoms when discontinued, but dosage should still be tapered gradually under medical supervision, as a precautionary measure to minimize potential side effects.
From the FDA Drug Label
Buspirone hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the management of anxiety disorder or the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. The efficacy of buspirone hydrochloride tablets has been demonstrated in controlled clinical trials of outpatients whose diagnosis roughly corresponds to Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The use of Buspar (Buspirone) is for the management of anxiety disorder or the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety, specifically for patients with a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) 2.
- It is used to relieve anxiety in the presence of coexisting depressive symptoms.
- The effectiveness of Buspar in long-term use (more than 3 to 4 weeks) has not been demonstrated in controlled trials, but it can be used for extended periods with periodic reassessment of its usefulness.
From the Research
Use of Buspar (Buspirone)
- Buspar (Buspirone) is an azaspirodecanedione anxiolytic agent used in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorders 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- Its mechanism of action is complex, involving the 5-HT1A receptors, and it lacks anticonvulsant and muscle-relaxant properties, causing only minimal sedation 3
- Buspirone is indicated for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorders, with efficacy comparable to benzodiazepines 3, 7
- It has been proposed for use in depression and panic disorders, but further investigation is required 3
- Buspirone has a low frequency of adverse effects, with common effects including headaches, dizziness, nervousness, and lightheadedness 3, 4, 6
Administration and Pharmacology
- Buspirone is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with a mean bioavailability of 3.9% and a mean elimination half-life of 2.1 hours 3
- It is mainly bound to albumin and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, and is metabolized to an active metabolite 1-(2-pyrimidinyl) piperazine (1-PP) with a mean elimination half-life of 6.1 hours 3
- Buspirone can be administered in different dosing regimens, including twice a day (BID) or three times a day (TID), with similar efficacy and safety profiles 4, 6
Safety and Tolerability
- Buspirone has a low potential for abuse, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms, and does not potentiate sedative-hypnotic drugs or functional impairment produced by alcohol 3, 5
- The incidence of adverse events is similar between different dosing regimens, with the most common adverse events including dizziness, headache, and nausea 4, 6