Buspirone and Weight Gain
Buspirone does not cause weight gain and may actually promote weight loss through metabolic pathways, making it an excellent choice for patients with weight concerns who require anxiolytic therapy.
Weight Effects of Buspirone
Buspirone is associated with weight loss rather than weight gain, as demonstrated in animal models where it reduced body weight and abdominal fat through activation of PPARδ-dependent energy-producing pathways 1
In spontaneously hypertensive rats, buspirone administration (10 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks) significantly decreased body weight, abdominal fat weight, and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL-cholesterol 1
The weight loss mechanism involves stimulation of metabolic pathways including PPARδ, AMPK, and PGC-1α, which promote catabolic metabolism and energy production 1
Clinical Context Among Psychotropic Medications
Unlike many psychotropic medications that cause weight gain, buspirone stands apart as weight-neutral to weight-reducing 2
Benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics are generally weight-neutral, making buspirone comparable to other anxiolytics in this regard 2
When comparing anxiolytic options, buspirone offers a metabolic advantage over medications that commonly cause weight gain 1
Important Clinical Considerations
Buspirone has minimal sedation, no anticonvulsant or muscle-relaxant properties, and lacks abuse potential or withdrawal symptoms—making it a favorable option without the weight gain concerns associated with many psychotropic agents 3
The most common adverse effects are headaches, dizziness, nervousness, and lightheadedness—not weight gain 3
For patients requiring both anxiolytic therapy and weight management, buspirone represents an optimal choice given its potential weight-reducing effects 1