Medicine & USMLE

Buspirone

29 views
Mental Health Drugs
  1. Bupropion
  2. SNRIs
  3. SSRIs
  4. MAOIs
  5. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
  6. Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
  7. Serotonin Syndrome
  8. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
  9. Lithium
  10. Lithium Toxicity
  11. Typical Antipsychotics
  12. Atypical Antipsychotics
  13. Trazodone
  14. Buspirone
  15. Mirtazapine
  16. CNS Stimulants
  17. Zolpidem
  18. Benzodiazepines
  19. Barbiturates
  20. Barbiturates (Old)
  21. Benzodiazepines (Old)
  22. Lithium (Old)
  23. Bupropion (Old)
  24. SNRIs (Old)
  25. MAOIs (Old)
  26. Amphetamines (Old)
  27. Typical Antipsychotics (Old)
  28. Atypical Antipsychotics (Old)

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