Buspirone

Summary

Buspirone is a medication that works by activating serotonin receptors in the brain. It is not a benzodiazepine.

Buspirone is used to treat anxiety disorders. It has a delayed onset of action, taking about 2 weeks to start working.

Common side effects include headache and dizziness. Importantly, buspirone does NOT cause addiction or sedation like many other anti-anxiety drugs. This makes it a safer option for many patients.

Key Points

• Buspirone (BuSpar)
  • Mechanism
    • Activates Serotonin Receptors
      • A partial serotonin agonist
    • Nonbenzodiazepine
      • Does not act on GABA receptors like benzodiazepines do, meaning it has less sedative effects and a lower risk of dependence
      • Buspirone is considered an atypical antianxiolytic
  • Clinical Use
    • Treats Anxiety
      • Including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), OCD, PTSD, and social anxiety
      • Delayed Onset (2 weeks)
        • It can take several weeks for the effects of buspirone to be seen
        • Not appropriate for panic attacks or PRN use
        • Instruct patient starting buspirone to take the medication as prescribed, even if they don’t notice a difference at first
  • Side Effects
    • Dizziness
    • Headache
    • Does NOT cause sedation
    • Does NOT cause addiction
    • Nausea/vomiting
      • Patient can take with food to minimize GI upset
    • Restlessness, nervousness, agitation