Buspirone and side effects

Posted by hrod @hrod, Dec 3, 2022

I started taking 5 mg buspirone twice daily for significant anxiety due to chronic pain but the side effects are overwhelming with nausea, drowsiness, leg weakness, etc. Anyone have experience with this medication and whether the side effects go away? Has it been effective for you? Doctors seem to think this is a safe medication and good for older people, but they don't tell you to expect these side effects. Your input and experience with this drug is greatly appreciated! Thanks

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Profile picture for amymay123 @amymay123

I've been on buspirone for a while 10mg and take one tablet three times a day. And just upped it by my Dr to 15mg of one tablet three times a day and I'm just afraid of the side effects I got when I first started taking it with just 10mg. Wondering if I'll have the same side effect. Because it had me sacred, emotional and was made me think their was something g wrong with my kid. When nothing was wrong.

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I’m so sorry. I was on this medication for awhile. I don’t recall any side effects but started feeling a little bit better when I stopped taking it. The Prozac I’m on is numbing all my emotions. Walking around like a zombie if you will. So when people feel emotions I feel nothing and it’s as if I don’t care about anything and anyone. My apologies that was more than you asked for.

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Profile picture for hrod @hrod

Thank you. How do you take the buspirone as needed? Do you take 1-3 doses one day and then not take it until you feel you need it again? I was advised by my doctor that it would not be effective when not taken consistently. Does it work for you as needed?

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You are correct. Buspirone must be taken regularly. It won't work "as needed". As a level of the drug needs to be sustained in the bloodstream to have good and effective results.

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Profile picture for tc1945 @tcainaru

Took it for insomnia for 3 months and it made my insomnia worse. Could not sleep at all on it. A big disappointment!!!

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What doctor gave it to you for insomnia? It isn't for insomnia but it can cause insomnia. Have been taking it for three years 15mg twice a day and one of my issues was insomnia but am on a different drug for insomnia. Buspirone is for generalized anxiety disorder.

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I currently am prescribed lorazapam 1 &1/2 mg when needed. I've used it for a very long time. I try to stay on 2ce a day if needed, but sometimes its more. Not abused. But needed. I have this med bupirone from awhile ago. And googled it to find out it doesn't take affect for a few wks. But when it does anxiety n worry dissipates, to what degree I don't know? So very interested in others that take it. I don't want to take any more meds than I have to. Esspecially with anxiety n stress becouse I know it can be relieved with consistent " shadow" work. Meditation, Radical acceptance. But we lazy humans would much rather pop a pill. Becouse its hard work. Any real reviews on this med would be appreciated. Thankyou.

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Profile picture for beesmom @beesmom

Yesterday I was prescribed Buspirone to take in addition to my daily dose of 100mg of Zoloft. Is anyone else on these same meds, and have you had success or negative reactions? Thanks!!!

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I started buspirone 2 weeks ago today. I am hopeful it will help with anxiety and stress. But, come on already!! This waiting period stinks!! Depressing.

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Profile picture for annedodrill44 @annedodrill44

Does anyone drink wine while on Buspar? I take it twice a day for anxiety, but nothing relaxes me like a glass of Cabernet.

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@annedodrill44
Yes-I have my little cocktail hour each day with 2 wines or beers. Look forward to it .although I feel drowsy with it, but it's something that feels normal.

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Profile picture for nanny24 @nanny24

I currently am prescribed lorazapam 1 &1/2 mg when needed. I've used it for a very long time. I try to stay on 2ce a day if needed, but sometimes its more. Not abused. But needed. I have this med bupirone from awhile ago. And googled it to find out it doesn't take affect for a few wks. But when it does anxiety n worry dissipates, to what degree I don't know? So very interested in others that take it. I don't want to take any more meds than I have to. Esspecially with anxiety n stress becouse I know it can be relieved with consistent " shadow" work. Meditation, Radical acceptance. But we lazy humans would much rather pop a pill. Becouse its hard work. Any real reviews on this med would be appreciated. Thankyou.

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I stopped taking it. Did nothing for me.
@nanny24

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Profile picture for nanny24 @nanny24

I currently am prescribed lorazapam 1 &1/2 mg when needed. I've used it for a very long time. I try to stay on 2ce a day if needed, but sometimes its more. Not abused. But needed. I have this med bupirone from awhile ago. And googled it to find out it doesn't take affect for a few wks. But when it does anxiety n worry dissipates, to what degree I don't know? So very interested in others that take it. I don't want to take any more meds than I have to. Esspecially with anxiety n stress becouse I know it can be relieved with consistent " shadow" work. Meditation, Radical acceptance. But we lazy humans would much rather pop a pill. Becouse its hard work. Any real reviews on this med would be appreciated. Thankyou.

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@nanny24 I used it for a month, didn’t offer any help but I did have a lot of indigestion.

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I had bad side effects from Wellbutrin also so my doctor stopped it and right now I'm trying viibryd

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Past history of use of anxiolytics - benzodiazepines. Tapered off klonazepam under medical supervision . Took 7 months. Successful. No further use. Took buspar for short term in 2023. Not effective. For me dealing with root causes of my anxiety work. Plus deep breathing meditation for anxiety and over thinking. Letting my thoughts just pass. Reading. Like diy home decor. I have 2 dogs who are my legal ESAs. I have ptsd. No toxic people in my life.

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