Medicine & USMLE

Buspirone

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Psych Drugs (New)
  1. Mirtazapine
  2. Vortioxetine
  3. Bupropion
  4. Trazodone
  5. Vilazodone
  6. Buspirone
  7. Buprenorphine
  8. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
  9. Typical Antipsychotics
  10. Naltrexone
  11. Nicotine Replacement Therapies
  12. SSRIs
  13. Varenicline
  14. Naloxone
  15. CNS Stimulants

Summary

Buspirone is a partial 5-HT1A receptor agonist used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Its effects are delayed and take about 2 weeks to fully manifest.

Unlike many other anti-anxiety drugs, buspirone generally does not cause sedation, addiction, or tolerance. Compared to other drugs like benzodiazepines or barbiturates, buspirone is also less sedating when combined with alcohol.

Key Points

  • Buspirone
    • Mechanism
      • Partial 5-HT1A receptor agonist
      • Acts as weak antagonist at dopamine D2 receptors
    • Clinical Use
      • Treats generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
        • Acts as nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytic
        • Effects take 1-2 weeks
          • Not effective in treating acute anxiety attacks
        • Used as 2nd line pharmacologic treatment for GAD after SSRIs/SNRIs.
    • Side Effects
      • Does not cause sedation, addiction, or tolerance
        • Contrast vs. benzodiazepines
      • Does not interact with alcohol
        • Specifically does not cause additive sedative effects
        • Contrast vs.  barbiturates or benzos