From the FDA Drug Label
Potential for Withdrawal Reactions in Sedative/Hypnotic/Anxiolytic Drug-Dependent Patients ... Rebound or withdrawal symptoms may occur over varying time periods, depending in part on the type of drug, and its effective half-life of elimination The syndrome of withdrawal from sedative/hypnotic/anxiolytic drugs can appear as any combination of irritability, anxiety, agitation, insomnia, tremor, abdominal cramps, muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, flu-like symptoms without fever, and occasionally, even as seizures The symptoms of discontinuing buspar may include:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Insomnia
- Tremor
- Abdominal cramps
- Muscle cramps
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Flu-like symptoms without fever
- Seizures 1
From the Research
Discontinuing Buspar (buspirone) is generally well-tolerated, with minimal risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, as evidenced by a study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry in 1988 2. When stopping Buspar, some patients may experience mild symptoms such as increased anxiety, irritability, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. These symptoms typically begin within 24-72 hours after stopping the medication and may last for 1-2 weeks. To minimize withdrawal effects, it's recommended to gradually taper off Buspar under medical supervision rather than stopping abruptly. A typical tapering schedule might involve reducing the dose by 25% every 1-2 weeks, but this should be personalized by your healthcare provider. Buspar works by affecting serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain, and sudden discontinuation can disrupt these neurotransmitter systems, leading to the withdrawal symptoms. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms when stopping Buspar, contact your healthcare provider immediately for guidance. Some studies have investigated the use of buspirone in patients discontinuing long-term benzodiazepine therapy, with mixed results 3, 4, 5. However, the most relevant study for this question is the one published in 1988, which found no significant increase in symptom severity consistent with a withdrawal reaction for the buspirone group 2. Additionally, a study published in 2000 found that prior benzodiazepine use may predict a reduced response to buspirone in patients with generalized anxiety disorder, but this does not directly relate to the symptoms of discontinuing buspirone itself 6. In terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, the available evidence suggests that discontinuing buspirone is generally safe and well-tolerated, with minimal risk of severe withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, the recommended approach is to taper off Buspar gradually under medical supervision to minimize potential withdrawal effects. Key points to consider when discontinuing Buspar include:
- Gradual tapering to minimize withdrawal symptoms
- Medical supervision to monitor for potential complications
- Personalized tapering schedule based on individual patient needs
- Potential for mild symptoms such as increased anxiety, irritability, and insomnia
- Importance of contacting a healthcare provider if severe or persistent symptoms occur.