Buspar and panic disorder

Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmDLast updated on April 1, 2025

Drug Information| | |

  • Brand Name:Buspar
  • Generic Name:Buspirone
  • Uses:Treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and other anxiety-related conditions
  • Drug Class:Azapirone (Anxiolytic)
  • Availability:Prescription only
  • Generic Status:Yes
  • Controlled Substance:No

Buspirone is a medication prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is classified as an azapirone, which is a combination of two or more ingredients: buspirone hydrochloride, which blocks an enzyme that causes increased levels of serotonin in the brain, and buspirone, which blocks an enzyme that causes decreased levels of serotonin.

Buspirone is primarily used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a chronic condition that affects the anxiety brain. It can help reduce feelings of anxiety, improve concentration, and reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. It is prescribed for the treatment of symptoms of anxiety, including worry, nervousness, and difficulty concentrating. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition that can lead to a range of anxiety symptoms, such as fear, irritability, anxiety, impulsiveness, and reduced sense of control. Buspirone works by influencing brain chemicals that contribute to anxiety, such as serotonin. By reducing serotonin levels, Buspar helps alleviate symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and other anxiety medications.

Buspirone is typically prescribed as an acute treatment. It can be continued under a doctor's care if necessary, or may be adjusted based on individual response and tolerability. The dosage and duration of treatment with Buspar may be adjusted to the same range as for other anxiety-relieving medications. Buspirone is typically taken orally with or without food, as directed by a healthcare provider.

Buspirone is typically taken regularly in conjunction with other medications to minimize side effects. It's important to follow the prescribed schedule to achieve maximum benefits.

The safety of using Buspar is closely monitored by the FDA's Medication Facts and Information Administration (MFA), which provides a crash-free factoid on the use of medications in treating anxiety disorders. The FDA's Medication Information System helps reduce the risk of serious harm from unwanted side effects. However, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting a medication to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your specific health needs.

Last Updated: April 1, 2025|

Active Ingredient

Buspar is an azapirone. It is an effective and short-term treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Buspar works by blocking the actions of a specific enzyme called DNA breaks down a messenger (DNA-CMP) involved in the regulation of neurotransmitters in the brain. This messenger helps regulate anxiety, as well as certain chemicals associated with depression, such as serotonin. By blocking the DNA breaks down buspirone, serotonin levels in the brain can be reduced.

Buspar is generally well-tolerated. However, it can cause side effects, including nausea, insomnia, and dizziness. Common side effects include headache, dizziness, dry mouth, and constipation. Serious side effects are rare but could occur. Always discuss any potential side effects with a healthcare provider to ensure they are a possibility and to avoid potential dangers.

The common side effects of buspirone include dry mouth, headache, dizziness, and nausea. Buspirone is generally well-tolerated. It's important to follow the prescribed schedule and discuss any potential dangers with a healthcare provider to ensure its safe and appropriate use.

The dosage and duration of Buspar treatment depend on the severity of anxiety symptoms. It's important to inform your healthcare provider of any medications you are taking to ensure its appropriate dosage and to monitor for any signs of changes. Additionally, Buspar should be used with caution in elderly patients or those with certain medical conditions, to avoid potential risks to the kidneys. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as confusion, difficulty concentrating, or difficulty speaking, contact your healthcare provider. The Medication Information User can provide specific instructions based on your condition, medication use, and treatment goals.

Buspar (buspirone) is a medication used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Buspirone can cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness, but it can be an effective treatment for GAD. Here’s an overview of buspirone, how it works, and what it can do to help manage your anxiety:

Uses

Buspirone works by blocking serotonin receptors in the brain. It helps reduce anxiety symptoms and improve overall mood.

How It Works

Buspirone belongs to a class of medications called anxiolytics. It works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. By blocking serotonin receptors, buspirone helps improve anxiety symptoms.

Buspirone is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. It’s typically prescribed by your healthcare provider to treat anxiety symptoms when other treatments haven’t worked. It’s also sometimes used to treat panic attacks and anxiety.

When you take buspirone, it affects your brain. This changes the way your body processes serotonin, which helps you sleep. Buspirone’s effect on serotonin levels is not as obvious and can be caused by some other conditions, such as certain diabetes medications.

If you have trouble getting or staying asleep, you may need a different medication. Other medications can also affect buspirone’s effects. Your healthcare provider will check your progress and determine if buspirone is the right medication for you.

Side Effects

Common side effects of buspirone may include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Constipation

Rare side effects of buspirone may include:

  • Stomach pain
  • Stuffy nose
  • Trouble breathing
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Weight gain

How to Store Buspirone

Store buspirone at room temperature (below 30°C) away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep it away from children and pets.

Storage

Buspar is a medication that is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. It is a member of the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Buspar is a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, which are used to treat anxiety disorders. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that helps to increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. Buspar is also used to treat anxiety, a condition in which someone is feeling a persistent or intense fear of or worry about something. This medication has been shown to be effective for the treatment of anxiety disorders.

What is Buspar?

Buspar is a brand name for a medication called buspirone, which is a type of antidepressant. It is available in the form of a tablet, which contains one or two other ingredients.

The medication is taken by mouth every day. It is available in tablets of 200mg or 300mg tablets, as well as capsules. It is important to note that Buspar is only approved for the treatment of anxiety disorders.

What is Buspar used for?

Buspar is primarily used to treat anxiety disorder. It is a class of medication known as a benzodiazepine. Buspar belongs to the class of drugs known as SSRIs. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is thought to be necessary for the regulation of mood, emotions and sleep.

Buspar is also used to treat certain types of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

How to take Buspar?

Buspar is available in tablet form in a dosage that is prescribed by a doctor or other healthcare provider. It is important to take Buspar at the same time each day, preferably on an empty stomach. It can take several days to work. However, it is recommended to take Buspar at the same time every day.

It is important to follow the directions on the medication label and take the medication as directed by a doctor. Buspar should not be taken with alcohol or other drugs, as it can increase the risk of side effects. It is not advisable to take Buspar with a food or drink. It is also not suitable for pregnant women or children under the age of 14. The medication should not be used during the first 6 months of pregnancy and should be avoided during the last 3 months of pregnancy.

It is important to talk to a doctor before taking Buspar if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Heart problems
  • Recent heart attack
  • Seizure
  • Low blood pressure
  • Peyronie's disease
  • Recent liver problems
  • Recent stroke
  • Recent stomach ulcer
  • Recent stomach bleeding

It is also important to note that Buspar can cause side effects in some patients, such as dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and headache. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is advised to seek medical attention immediately.

Warnings and Precautions

Before taking Buspar, it is important to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking. This includes, but is not limited to, any over the counter drugs, herbal supplements, and recreational drugs. It is important to discuss any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, and medications you are currently taking with your doctor.

It is not recommended to take Buspar with grapefruit juice, as this can increase the risk of side effects. Grapefruit can affect the metabolism of Buspar. Therefore, it is best to avoid grapefruit juice and grapefruit products while taking Buspar.

Buspar may cause nausea, dizziness, or drowsiness. However, it is not recommended to take Buspar with any other medication, as it can cause a dangerous decrease in blood pressure. It is also not recommended to take Buspar with alcohol or other drugs. It is important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking this medication.

It is not recommended to take Buspar with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. It is recommended to avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking Buspar, as it can increase the risk of side effects. Grapefruit products and grapefruit juice may also affect the metabolism of Buspar. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor if you have any of the above conditions.

Key Highlights

  • Busparrazy
  • Better sleep than normalSleep disorders affect nearly 30% of all U. S. adults over the age of 40, affecting a significant portion of those who have them.
  • Buspar can help improve moodBuspirone or zolmitriptan can help stabilize moodsWhile buspirone is considered a safe and effective treatment for sleep anxiety, it’s not considered a major health risk for long-term users of the medication.
  • better moods than usualBuspirone is commonly prescribed for generalized anxiety disorderand social anxiety disorder, but it may also be prescribed for other conditions, including panic.
  • works differently than other anxiety medicationsIt’s important to understand that anxiety disorders can vary in severity from person to person, and an anxiety disorder may affect many people differently than a generalized anxiety disorder.
  • may have slightly greater heart rateBuspirone is typically more effective in people with a history of heart conditions who have taken other anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, than they are with people without these conditions. This difference in outcomes is likely explained by how the medications are used.
  • people with a history of alcohol or drug abuseBuspirone is often considered a safe and effective anxiety medication for people with anxiety disorders, with a few rare exceptions being when other medications are not effective.
  • may experience dizziness or drowsinessThere are some patient reports of blurred vision, fatigue, depression, andheadache that are consistent with those from anxiety disorders. However, these side effects are rare and considered mild and temporary.
  • people with a history of cardiovascular conditionsBuspirone is often prescribed for people with cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure, heart attack, and stroke, and it’s not recommended for people with unstable angina or uncontrolled anginapleting the wordclusions does it make sense to prescribed Buspar or zolmitriptan together with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors together with nitrates to treat anginaWhile it’s not a full-ften game, people may notice a reduction in their heart rate and lightheadedness when starting Buspar or zolmitriptan, and this side effect may become more pronounced as their bodies get used to the medication. This side effect is less common but occurs when the body gets used to the drug without adding another medicationThe risks of zolmitriptan combined with buspirone are similar to other anxiety medications, with some patients experiencing greater heart rate and lightheadedness than others. However, it is unknown whether the severity of this side effect is identical for everyone.