Buspar® (buspirone) Tablets for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

What Buspirone Is and How It Works

Buspirone is a prescription anxiolytic used for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is not a benzodiazepine and does not cause dependence. This buspirone medication affects serotonin receptors in the brain, helping reduce worry, tension, and irritability. Common tablet strengths include 5 mg, buspirone 10 mg, 15 mg, and 30 mg. The buspirone brand name is Buspar®.

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Buspirone targets the 5‑HT1A serotonin receptor as a partial agonist. This action helps normalize neurotransmission linked to anxiety without the sedation typical of benzodiazepines. It is taken by mouth in divided doses. Food can change absorption, so stay consistent by taking it the same way each day, with or without meals.

Buspirone uses include ongoing management of GAD and augmentation of antidepressants for persistent anxiety. It is not effective for rapid relief or panic attacks. It also is not a sleeping pill, though reduced anxiety may improve sleep over time.

Dosage and Usage

• Initiation: Adults often start at 7.5 mg twice daily or 5 mg three times daily.
• Titration: Increase by 5 mg/day every 2–3 days based on response and tolerability.
• Typical total daily dose: 20–30 mg/day in 2–3 divided doses; maximum 60 mg/day.
• Tablet options: 5 mg, buspirone HCl 10 mg, buspirone HCl 15 mg (scored), and 30 mg (scored) tablets.
• Consistency with meals: Take consistently with or without food to keep levels steady.
• Grapefruit: Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice due to CYP3A4 interactions.
• MAOIs: Do not use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or within 14 days of MAOI therapy.
• Time of day: Some people take doses earlier in the day to reduce insomnia; others find taking Buspar at bedtime helps dizziness. Follow your prescriber’s plan.
• Missed dose: If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double doses.

• Storage: Store your tablets at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). Short excursions 15–30 °C are acceptable.
• Moisture: Keep in the original, tightly closed bottle. Protect from moisture and humidity.
• Light and heat: Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Travel: Carry your medication in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription.
• Organization: Use a labeled container. Keep medicines out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Buspirone for anxiety can reduce excessive worry without the sedation, memory issues, or dependence linked to benzodiazepines. It does not cause rebound anxiety when stopped gradually under professional guidance. It can be combined with SSRIs or SNRIs for added effect and may help offset antidepressant-related sexual side effects in some patients.

Time to effect is gradual, but many find steady benefits with stable dosing. Buspirone pills do not impair motor coordination to the same degree as sedatives. They are suitable for daytime use in many treatment plans.

Save 60–80% versus typical US prices when you order at Canadian pricing. Multi-month supplies and bulk promotions can lower your per-month buspirone cost. You can set simple reorder reminders so you do not run out. For current offers, see our buspirone coupon.

Pricing varies by strength, tablet count, and brand vs generic. Check our site for the current buspirone price and available buspirone tablets.

Side Effects and Safety

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Nausea, dry mouth, or stomach upset
• Restlessness or nervousness
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Insomnia or vivid dreams
• Sweating or flushing

Serious reactions are uncommon. Risk increases with interacting drugs. Do not combine buspirone with MAOIs. Serotonin syndrome is rare but possible when combined with serotonergic agents (for example, SSRIs, SNRIs, linezolid, or methylene blue). Alcohol may worsen dizziness. Use caution with liver or kidney impairment, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Discuss buspirone and blood pressure concerns if on antihypertensives or if experiencing dizziness.

Onset Time

Buspirone is not a fast-acting anxiolytic. Some improvement may appear after 1–2 weeks as doses are adjusted. A fuller effect often requires 4–6 weeks of steady dosing. Sleep may improve as anxiety eases, though buspirone for sleep is not its primary use. If insomnia occurs, timing adjustments may help under clinical guidance.

Compare With Alternatives

SSRIs and SNRIs are first-line for many anxiety disorders. Venlafaxine extended-release offers once-daily dosing for GAD and social anxiety. See Venlafaxine Xr. The brand version, Effexor® Xr, is similar but may differ in price and availability.

Benzodiazepines (for example, lorazepam) work quickly for acute anxiety but carry risks of sedation, tolerance, and dependence. Buspirone is better suited for chronic management without those risks.

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine option for episodic anxiety or sleep. It may cause more drowsiness and anticholinergic effects than buspirone. Choice depends on symptoms, comorbidities, and response.

Combination Therapy

• With SSRIs or SNRIs: Common for partial response anxiety. Monitor for serotonergic effects.
• With bupropion (buspirone and Wellbutrin): Sometimes used when depression and anxiety co-exist.
• With CBT or psychotherapy: Medication plus therapy may improve outcomes.
• Short-term benzodiazepines: May be used briefly, then tapered as buspirone takes effect.
• Dose adjustments: When combining agents that affect serotonin, clinicians may use lower starting doses to reduce side effects.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates include adults with GAD needing a non-sedating, non-habit-forming option. Buspirone uses also include augmentation when anxiety persists on an antidepressant. It is less helpful for panic attacks or as-needed dosing, since it requires scheduled use and time to work.

Do not use with an MAOI or within 14 days of MAOI therapy. Use caution with moderate to severe liver or kidney impairment. Older adults may start at lower doses. Discuss pregnancy or lactation plans with a healthcare professional. Those with dizziness should use care when driving until effects are known. Alcohol can increase drowsiness.

Questions on buspirone and insomnia or timing are common. Some people take doses earlier; others try taking Buspar at bedtime. Follow a plan from your prescriber to manage side effects and maintain consistent dosing.

Looking to reduce the cost of buspirone? Multi-bottle or longer supplies can lower the per-month buspirone price. Reorder reminders help keep therapy continuous. Check availability for buspirone 5mg, buspirone 10 mg, and buspirone 15 mg strengths on our site.

Authoritative Sources

DailyMed: Buspirone Hydrochloride Prescribing Information

FDA Label: Buspirone HCl (Buspar) labeling

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Buspirone

Order Buspar® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This material is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.