Name | Buspirone |
Classes |
Central Nervous System Agent Psychotherapeutic Agent Anxiolytic Sedative and Hypnotic |
Diseases |
Anxiety Dizziness Fear Irritability Pounding Heartbeat Stress Tension |
Buspirone
Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anti anxiety drug. It acts as an agonist to the serotonin 5HT1 receptors in the central nervous system. Buspirone also has moderate affinity for brain D2-dopamine receptors. Some studies do suggest that buspirone may have indirect effects on other neurotransmitter systems too.
Buspirone is indicated for the management of Anxiety disorders and the short term relief of the symptoms of anxiety.
Initial dosage recommendation is 15 mg per day (7.5 mg b.i.d.). The dosage may be adjusted by 5 mg per day as necessary at intervals of 2 to 3 days to achieve the best therapeutic response. The daily dose shouldn't be increased over 60 mg.
Commonly associated side effects include-
- dizziness
- nausea
- headache
- nervousness
- lightheadedness
- excitement
Side effects associated with discontinuation of treatment: central nervous system disturbances (3.4%), primarily dizziness, insomnia, nervousness, drowsiness, and lightheaded feeling; gastrointestinal disturbance
- The administration of Buspirone to a patient taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) may elevate blood pressure.
- Patients should be cautioned about operating an automobile or using complex machinery until they are reasonably certain that buspirone treatment does not affect them adversely.
- It is recommended to avoid concomitant use of alcohol and buspirone.
- Before starting therapy with Buspirone, it is advisable to withdraw patients on sedatives like benzodiazepines gradually, especially patients who have been using a CNS-depressant drug chronically, from their prior treatment.
Contraindication
Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to buspirone hydrochloride.
None known.
None known.