From the Guidelines
Buspirone should be initiated at a dose of 5 mg twice daily, with a maximum dose of 20 mg three times daily, as this regimen has been shown to be effective in managing mild to moderate agitation while minimizing potential side effects. According to the guidelines for managing behavior and mood disorders 1, buspirone is a recommended anxiolytic drug for patients with mild to moderate agitation, and its efficacy may take 2 to 4 weeks to become apparent. The dosage of buspirone varies, but the initial dosage is typically 5 mg twice daily, which can be increased as needed and tolerated. It is essential to note that buspirone is not effective for immediate anxiety relief and works best when taken regularly.
Some key points to consider when prescribing buspirone include:
- Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing as needed and tolerated
- Dividing the daily dose into 2-3 doses to maintain a consistent therapeutic effect
- Monitoring patients for common side effects, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, and nervousness
- Avoiding abrupt discontinuation of buspirone to minimize potential withdrawal symptoms
- Considering alternative treatments, such as benzodiazepines, for patients who require immediate anxiety relief, although these medications carry a higher risk of tolerance, addiction, and cognitive impairment 1.
Overall, buspirone is a useful anxiolytic medication for patients with mild to moderate agitation, and its efficacy and safety profile make it a recommended treatment option when used at the appropriate dose and with careful patient monitoring 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Recommended Dose of Buspirone
The recommended dose of Buspirone can be administered in different regimens, including:
- 15 mg twice daily (BID) 2, 3
- 10 mg three times daily (TID) 2, 3
- 5 mg twice daily, individually titrated to an optimal therapeutic dose by the end of week two 4
- 15-20 mg per day 5
Administration and Titration
Buspirone can be administered with or without food, but food appears to slow the rate of drug absorption and increase the amount of unchanged drug reaching the systemic circulation 5. The dose can be titrated to achieve optimal therapeutic effects, with some studies titrating the dose to 30 mg/d over a period of time 4, 3.
Efficacy and Safety
Both BID and TID regimens have been shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, with no significant differences detected between the two treatment groups in terms of efficacy or safety 2, 3. However, some studies have reported a greater incidence of certain adverse events, such as palpitations or amblyopia, in patients receiving buspirone BID compared to TID 2, 3.