From the FDA Drug Label
Potential for Withdrawal Reactions in Sedative/Hypnotic/Anxiolytic Drug-Dependent Patients Because buspirone hydrochloride tablets do not exhibit cross-tolerance with benzodiazepines and other common sedative/hypnotic drugs, it will not block the withdrawal syndrome often seen with cessation of therapy with these drugs Therefore, before starting therapy with buspirone hydrochloride tablets, it is advisable to withdraw patients gradually, especially patients who have been using a CNS-depressant drug chronically, from their prior treatment.
The information provided does not directly address the discontinuation of buspirone itself, but rather discusses the potential for withdrawal reactions in patients dependent on other sedative/hypnotic/anxiolytic drugs. There is no direct information on whether buspirone can be abruptly discontinued or needs to be tapered slowly. 1
From the Research
Buspar (buspirone) should be tapered rather than abruptly discontinued to minimize the risk of rebound anxiety and other withdrawal symptoms. A typical tapering schedule involves reducing the dose by 5 mg every 2-3 days until reaching zero. For example, if you're taking 15 mg twice daily, you might reduce to 10 mg twice daily for 2-3 days, then 5 mg twice daily for 2-3 days, then 5 mg once daily for 2-3 days before stopping completely. While buspirone doesn't cause physical dependence like benzodiazepines, abrupt discontinuation can lead to rebound anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and dizziness, as noted in studies such as 2. These withdrawal symptoms occur because your brain has adjusted to the medication's effects on serotonin receptors. The tapering process allows your brain chemistry to readjust gradually.
Some key points to consider when tapering buspirone include:
- Reducing the dose gradually to minimize withdrawal symptoms
- Monitoring for signs of rebound anxiety or other withdrawal symptoms
- Adjusting the tapering schedule as needed based on individual patient response
- Consulting with a healthcare provider before changing the medication regimen, as individual circumstances may require a different approach, as suggested by 3 and 4.
It's also important to note that buspirone has been shown to be effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder, with or without coexisting depressive symptoms, as demonstrated in studies such as 5 and 6. However, the primary concern when discontinuing buspirone is minimizing the risk of withdrawal symptoms, which can be achieved through a gradual tapering schedule. Always consult with your healthcare provider before changing your medication regimen, as individual circumstances may require a different approach.