What are the long term effects of buspirone?
Matthew Barrera
Updated on May 26, 2026
To date, there are no known problems associated with the long term use of buspirone. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.
What are the dangers of buspirone?
Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, nervousness, lightheadedness, restlessness, blurred vision, tiredness, and trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.How long can you be on buspirone for?
Although long-term anxiolytic drug therapy is not generally recommended, this open study provides evidence of the potential usefulness of buspirone when used for up to one year.Can buspirone cause permanent damage?
Rarely, patients taking buspirone may develop movement disorders such as shakiness (tremors), muscle stiffness, mask-like facial expression, jerky walking movements, or a condition known as tardive dyskinesia. In some cases, these conditions may be permanent.What does buspirone do to the brain?
BuSpar impacts neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine. Specifically, it is a serotonin receptor agonist, which means that it increases action at serotonin receptors in your brain. This, in turn, helps to alleviate anxiety.Side effects, interactions and precautions of Buspirone
Why was buspirone taken off the market?
Although Buspar is no longer available, the FDA confirmed that its withdrawal from the market was not due to concerns regarding safety or effectiveness. In this article, we provide more information on buspirone, including how to take it, common side effects, and whether it can make anxiety worse.Do you gain weight with buspirone?
Changes in weight, such as weight gain or weight loss, can occur from taking buspirone oral tablets. However, changes in weight were not common side effects reported in people taking buspirone. To find out how often weight gain or weight loss occurred in clinical studies, see the drug's prescribing information.Does buspirone cause heart problems?
Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following: Heart or cardiovascular effects. Symptoms can include: fast heart rate.What happens if you stop taking buspirone cold turkey?
Stopping Xanax abruptly after long-time use can be deadly and cause seizures. Side effects and drug interactions are also different between the two medications. What's more, taking benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, has been linked to an increased risk of dementia.Is 15 mg of buspirone a lot?
The usual starting adult dose is 10-15 mg daily given in 2 or 3 doses. The dose may be increased by 5 mg every 2 to 4 days until an effective dose is found. The maximum adult dose is 60 mg daily, but most patients respond to 15-30 mg daily.Does BuSpar cause memory loss?
Venlafaxine and buspirone typically are prescribed for anxiety or anxious depression: Mood disorders themselves can cause difficulty with concentration, which often is perceived as a short-term memory disorder. However, both of these medicines are reported to cause memory problems.Does buspirone really work for anxiety?
Buspirone was initially developed to treat psychosis. However, it has been found to be more effective in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Close to 20% of all Americans are living with an anxiety disorder. Therefore, it's common for treatment options to also include medication.What are the long term effects of bupropion?
To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of bupropion. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.What medications should not be taken with BuSpar?
Do not take buspirone if you are also taking a drug with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor activity (e.g., isocarboxazid [Marplan®], phenelzine [Nardil®], selegiline [Eldepryl®], or tranylcypromine [Parnate®]). If you do, you may develop extremely high blood pressure.What is the best medication for anxiety and panic attacks?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).Generally safe with a low risk of serious side effects, SSRI antidepressants are typically recommended as the first choice of medications to treat panic attacks.
Will buspirone calm you down?
Like other anti-anxiety medications, BuSpar affects the central nervous system to help calm nerve activity in the brain. This calming effect allows people dealing with excessive worry and stress to become more relaxed and less anxious.What pain reliever can I take with buspirone?
Interactions between your drugsNo interactions were found between buspirone and ibuprofen. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.