Buspirone

Buspirone is a medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Unlike benzodiazepines such as Valium^® and Xanax^®, buspirone does not cause sedation or dependence, making it a safer long-term option for anxiety management. 

It works by balancing serotonin and dopamine levels, helping to reduce excessive worry and nervousness. 

Buspirone is typically taken orally in doses ranging from 15 milligrams (mg) to 30 mg per day, divided into multiple doses. It may take several weeks to reach full effectiveness.

Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, headache, and lightheadedness. More serious but rare side effects include serotonin syndrome (when combined with other drugs that affect serotonin) and movement disorders. 

Because of its gradual onset, buspirone is best suited for chronic anxiety rather than acute anxiety or panic attacks.

Buspirone is the active ingredient in the brand-name medication BuSpar^®, which is the focus of the information below. According to the FDA, “generic medicines use the same active ingredients as brand-name medicines and work the same way, so they have the same risks and benefits as the brand-name medicines.”

BuSpar (buspirone) is indicated:

• For the management of anxiety disorders or the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety

Antianxiety agent

The more commonly observed untoward events associated with the use of BuSpar not seen at an equivalent incidence among placebo-treated patients include:

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Headache

• Nervousness

• Lightheadedness

• Excitement

The cost of buspirone may vary depending on factors such as the dose, quantity, where you buy it, and your insurance plan.

Without insurance, the average retail price of buspirone is about $24 for a month’s supply of 20-mg daily doses, but coupons and discount cards are available that may bring the price down as low as about $3. Insurance may cover all or some of the cost of this medication.

Hims offers access to buspirone starting at $49 per month after a thorough medical consultation.  Based on your symptoms and medical history, a healthcare provider will determine if the medication is a good fit for your needs.

You can get a prescription for buspirone after being evaluated by your primary care provider or another specialist who can determine if the medication is right for you based on factors like your symptoms and medical history. 

Hims offers access to buspirone after a healthcare provider determines your eligibility. Hims connects you with an affiliated provider who will evaluate your symptoms, current medications, and health history to decide if buspirone is a good fit. If you’re approved, your medication will be shipped to your doorstep in discreet packaging.

• Hypersensitive to buspirone hydrochloride

• Drug interactions: MAO inhibitors, amitriptyline, diazepam, haloperidol, nefazodone, trazodone, triazolam/flurazepam, other psychotropics, inhibitors and inducers of cytochrome P450 3A4, diltiazem and verapamil, erythromycin, grapefruit juice, itraconazole, rifampin, and others

• The administration of buspirone to a patient taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) may pose a hazard

• Because buspirone has no established antipsychotic activity, it should not be employed in lieu of appropriate antipsychotic treatment

• Interference with cognitive and motor performance

• Potential for withdrawal reactions in sedative/hypnotic/anxiolytic drug-dependent patients

• Possible concerns related to buspirone's binding to dopamine receptors

• Pregnancy: This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed

• Breastfeeding: Administration to nursing women should be avoided if clinically possible

There are other prescription medications available that may help with anxiety. Some of these anti-anxiety drugs may be better suited to you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to buspirone, talk with your provider. They can tell you more about other medications that may work well for you. 

Here are a few common alternatives:

Benzodiazepines:

• Ativan^® (lorazepam)

• Klonopin^® (clonazepam)

• Valium^® (diazepam)

• Xanax^® (alprazolam)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs):

• Celexa^® (citalopram)

• Lexapro^® (escitalopram)

• Paxil^® (paroxetine)

• Prozac^® (fluoxetine)

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs):

• Cymbalta^® (duloxetine)

• Effexor^® (venlafaxine)

• Pristiq^® (desvenlafaxine)

Beta blockers, prescribed off-label at the discretion of a healthcare provider:

• Propranolol

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), prescribed off-label at the discretion of a healthcare provider:

• Emsam^® (selegiline)

• Marplan^® (isocarboxazid)

• Nardil^® (phenelzine)

• Parnate^® (tranylcypromine)

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), prescribed off-label at the discretion of a healthcare provider:

• Anafranil^® (clomipramine)

• Norpramin^® (desipramine)

• Pamelor^® (nortriptyline)

• Tofranil^® (imipramine)

*This information is from the label for brand name BuSpar^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Buspirone, the active ingredient in BuSpar, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient buspirone.