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Buspirone for Anxiety User Reviews

Brand names: BuSpar

Buspirone has an average rating of 5.9 out of 10 from a total of 1047 reviews for the treatment of Anxiety. 49% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 35% reported a negative experience.

Buspirone rating summary

5.9/10 average rating

1047 ratings from 1107 user reviews.

Compare all 136 medications used in the treatment of Anxiety.

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22%
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13%
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5%
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5%
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Reviews for Buspirone

  • Better
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 25, 2020

BuSpar (buspirone) "Buspar from what I read is for anxiety directly related to over thinking. This is what causes my anxiety. It’s chronic. I’ve read reviews that it doesn’t work, but maybe other people get anxiety from triggers. I just constantly over think everything to the point I avoid certain situations because I fear the outcome. This drug has allowed me to overcome this and talk about issues I have with someone, resolve issues faster, be more productive, etc. it’s drastically changed my life. Friends say I’m more cordial. Basically makes you feel very calm and more carefree and to stop thinking 24/7 about silly things"

10 / 10
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1978 Report
  • A12567
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 5, 2021

BuSpar (buspirone) "Buspar was the first drug after 7 SSRIs that truly saved my anxiety. I thought I was never going to get better. I was plagued by anxiety and panic so badly every day. Benzodiazepines worked but were only able to be used for short term. I could feel it working in my brain after one dose. It continually got better. Some minor dizziness & feeling tired. Other than that - anxiety gone. Thank the lord!"

10 / 10
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860 Report
  • Bud
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 28, 2020

BuSpar (buspirone) "I just wanted to say how UPSET I am that so many doctors are afraid to prescribe benzodiazepines for anxiety relief. They are putting us on meds such as Seroquel, and others that are NOT designed to treat anxiety. Buspar, like other SSRIs and SSDNRIs, are not effective to treat attacks of anxiety. It’s out of hand how too many docs are not prescribing REAL anxiolytics. Buspar did not help me. I only want a PRN dose— not a maintenance med."

1 / 10
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1093 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 7, 2020

BuSpar (buspirone) "I’m an Iraq Veteran who has been diagnosed with PTSD and chronic anxiety. When I first started taking the buspar it would generate some level of anxiety for me because it’s a new chemical being introduced into my body. I would fight through the anxiety and keep taking the pills. After about a week I no longer had to fight the anxiety that was generated by taking buspar. I started off at 5mg and now I’m up to 30mg a day. I’ve been taking it for about 4-5 months now and have seen great progress. I know the list of “potential” side effects can generate anxiety for you by just reading them. However, the only “side effects” I noticed was a little weight gain and an increase in my sex drive.( which isn’t bad for me and my spouse). I would recommend buspar to anyone. It’s one of those drugs that it will either work for you, or not."

9 / 10
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992 Report
  • Anonymous
  • January 13, 2020

BuSpar (buspirone) "In my experience the only think that works for anxiety is Benzodiazepines. I don't like how doctors are so quick to throw all sorts of different psychotic medications at patients when for the most part they don't really work. Just because something isn't a narcotic doesn't mean it should be overprescribed and just because Benzodiazepines are narcotics doesn't mean they shouldn't be prescribed."

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  • Chuck
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 4, 2022

BuSpar (buspirone) "Buspar (Buspirone) has been pretty good for me. I've been on pretty much everything and even abused various street drugs before. Of the prescription drugs I've read a lot of seemingly potential addicts give Buspar 1s in reviewing it because it's not Xanax. You're right, it's not, but that doesn't discount it for some of us it works for. I've been on Xanax, and it is stronger, but also has way more side effects including brain fog, sometimes drowsy, and definitely has that pull towards it in an addicting way (I've been addicted to many things). Buspar is okay at treating anxiety and sometimes okay is good and, if I miss a dose of Buspar, I honestly don't think "OMG, I need my dose!" It's seemingly no big deal if you do and your body and mind don't seem to crave it as much. Sure, it feels good to feel good as drugs can do for you but sometimes you just want to live and not be a slave to medicine. Because some reviewers were tweaking for Xanax doesn't merit giving Buspar a 1, it works."

9 / 10
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562 Report
  • Thank...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 21, 2021

BuSpar (buspirone) "After reading some of these reviews I was terrified to start taking buspirone. I've had pretty severe anxiety for the last year and I've previously tried Zoloft (terrible) and clonazepam (works but puts me straight to sleep, so doesn't work for most daytime/work situations). I started on 5mg and took it at night. I woke up the next morning after some pretty crazy dreams and my brain fog was completely gone. I felt calm. It's been 7 days so far and I finally feel like my old self again. There have been some side effects - mostly nausea, lightheadedness/dizziness but super mild and honestly compared to those same side effects that I have from anxiety they are bearable. I would definitely recommend this medication! It's changed my life. I was starting to think I would never feel normal again. Most important is to remember that not every medication works with every body. If this doesn't work there are other options out there! Don't despair."

9 / 10
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644 Report
  • Ray
  • December 27, 2020

BuSpar (buspirone) "I’ve had anxiety for years and I kinda just live life with it , sucks but I just deal with it. I’ve taken Lexapro, Prozac and a few other ones for anxiety, they barely work for me. I finally told my doctor to please help, I’m tired of living with anxiety and she prescribed Zoloft and Buspar. It’s been 2 months and I can finally say I think I found my medication, they work for me, I feel more normal again, not worrying for no reason, not feeling like I wanna rip outta my skin, not feeling like why me . I’m thankful for these medications."

10 / 10
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685 Report
  • WapoIts
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 27, 2019

BuSpar (buspirone) "It's an excuse drug for doctor's to write because, because the drugs that actually work are controlled substances. Buspar does very little for anxiety and, depression. I feel you are better off smoking or drinking to calm you down. Thanks to government regulations everyone has to suffer."

2 / 10
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739 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 17, 2021

BuSpar (buspirone) "I wanted to write this review for all those who have anxiety or who are worried about side effects. The side effects were very minimal for me . I was given a 10 MG pill and take half at night and half in the morning . I just started taking it and everything is going good so far. I woke up feeling happy today . Don't be scared just start off at like 5 MG and adjust as needed ."

9 / 10
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468 Report
  • Nervous...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 12, 2019

BuSpar (buspirone) "Back in the early 90's I had been going through a few years of being a hypochondriac. I had had a severe depression, and just when I was starting to feel good, my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer and only lived about 4 more months. A year or so later I started to feel bumps and lumps and all sorts of "things"..driving to my doctors, walk-in clinics and hospitals over and over again...just to find out I was ok and this circle went on and off from 1988 - 1991. Thank goodness my doctor gave me a script for buspar. I don't remember what dose I was on. It wasn't a high dose. But 3 weeks after taking it I literally woke up one day feeling really good and realising I didn't have to fear being sick the way I had been. Like night and day. I have never been on an antidepressant or any similar drug that had such a major and wonderful effect. I didn't feel high or not myself, just the opposite. Please try it if you have crippling anxiety!"

10 / 10
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650 Report
  • kkhef...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 15, 2020

BuSpar (buspirone) "I have been taking this medicine BuSpar for about 8 months. Because I also suffer from Bipolar I disorder I also take Lamictal, Provigil, and Seroquel. I take the Buspar three times a day and it took about a month to "kick in." I've been on several of the benzodiazepine group before for anxiety (Valium, Xanax, Ativan) and the only advantage to those is that you can take as needed for anxiety and they work quickly. They are also highly addictive. Buspar is not addictive but must be taken regularly--not just for an anxiety attack. It doesn't "work" for an immediate attack. But if you take it regularly three times a day you won't have anxiety and you won't need the benzos. I think it is wonderful!"

9 / 10
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581 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 8, 2020

BuSpar (buspirone) "I didn't read all the reviews but I was surprised to see people with intense reactions to BuSpar, maybe they took higher doses than I did. I've taken this drug on and off for a few years and it kind of works - it's hard to explain. I have taken probably 15-20 anxiety and depression meds in the last 10 years and many have bad side effects, buspar had none of those other than drowsiness - the only reason I keep buspar around is that it is very mild in my book - the effect is mild but the side effects are also mild or nonexistent"

7 / 10
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500 Report
  • Mmbwd...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 3, 2020

BuSpar (buspirone) "Do not take this drug. Had a horrible experience. Nightmares, intrusive thoughts, mood swings, apathy, angry, made me the opposite of who I am. Withdrawals are even worse so much buzzing and brain zaps. I would have rather had the anxiety/panic attacks! Still dealing with all the bizzare effects. This is coming from someone who never was on any medication. Have to take other meds just to sleep and make it through my day now. Hoping to be back to normal soon. Thank goodness for the ER staff who helped me!"

1 / 10
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408 Report
  • jah
  • December 7, 2013

BuSpar (buspirone) "Buspar has completely and utterly changed my life. I have struggled with generalized anxiety ever since I was a child, and I've never been able to find a permanent solution. I have taken Xanax and Klonopin, but those are short-acting, and you build resistance to them quickly, and they're habit-forming. Now that I'm on Buspar, I have no anxiety. None. Nada. Zip. No more butterflies in my stomach, no more hyperventilating, no more irrational thoughts. I can fall asleep at night no problem, and wake up in the morning and be excited about my day. It takes a while to start noticing (3 weeks for me), but it's completely worth the wait. I'm finally excited about my future, and I finally feel in control of my life."

10 / 10
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858 Report
  • Stevo
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 18, 2021

BuSpar (buspirone) "This drug takes weeks to reach an effect. It sounds like from reading the posts most are not giving it enough time to work. Buspar also has almost no side effects for me compared to other drugs. Remember these drugs rewire the way the chemicals in your brain work, it definitely going to make you feel “weird” but at least give it the time needed to reach the therapeutic effect, 4-6 weeks. If you can handle anxiety for over 5-10-15 years you can hold up for another 3-6 weeks. I’m pulling into the end of week 2 and don’t see a huge difference yet but I know that if it don’t work after the allotted time I can then change it."

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311 Report
  • Best...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • December 9, 2023

BuSpar (buspirone) "I have suffered from anxiety my whole life. Also diagnosed with Complex PTSD and severe alcoholism and Xanax addiction. Got off the booze and Xanax and added BuSpar, and it has completely changed my life. I can remain sober and calm on this medication. It allows me to not feel pressured thinking, overthinking, and helps me to be calm, thoughtful, and way more patient. Best med ever. I have been on it now for six years with continued relief of all anxiety and PTSD symptoms."

10 / 10
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60 Report
  • Calif...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 11, 2020

BuSpar (buspirone) "I took Buspirone when I had a back surgery and my father was sick from cancer, it was a very stressful time. I was in a panic. It helped me immediately (though I know it is supposed to take a few weeks). I remained on it for a few months as I dealt with the trauma of losing a parent. Then tapered off and went on about my business for a year. I’ve returned to the psych because I have regular anxiety and mild depression, he prescribed lexipro, I took that for 4 days and got increased anxiety and diarrhea, I decided to try to go back on the buspirone because I know that worked for me in the past. Here’s hoping it works again!"

10 / 10
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412 Report
  • Katie...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 27, 2021

BuSpar (buspirone) "I have anxiety from the time my eyes open to the time I close them to sleep (if I can). When I was prescribed buspar 10mg. My whole world changed. I can now function and my social anxiety is much better. My OCD is moderately managed along with therapy. But the anxiety is tremendously better. I do need to take it with food or I get very tried. But with a little food I don’t notice it. And it’s perfect for helping me sleep at night. I have panic attacks far less often now too and I’m more comfortable with this medication than the highly addictive benzodiazepines."

8 / 10
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337 Report
  • Scoot...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 24, 2020

BuSpar (buspirone) "For the first month it had no effect but after that, the results have been more than satisfactory. Before being prescribed Buspar, I was prescribed only Klonopin while was effective it had worse side effects. For me or anyone like me I cannot recommend this drug enough, it's actually changed my life, for the better."

10 / 10
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378 Report
  • Mr K
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 18, 2021

BuSpar (buspirone) "I started taking Buspirone last year 5 mg a day for BPD EUPD ADHD then I stopped now for the past 2 months. I take 5 mg 3 times a day my anxiety and my panic attacks are controllable I've tried many medications as doctors don't give benzodiazepines and this is the best alternative. I don't agree with a lot of the anti-anxiety medications out there. I personally I think this is a godsend. I tried over 60 different medications and doctors call it trial and error a phase I dislike. I will carry on taking this medication and I can lead a better life than I did before I was taking his medication"

8 / 10
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265 Report
  • Rell
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 20, 2023

BuSpar (buspirone) "If you are struggling with an anxiety or panic disorder and are looking for minimal side effects, don’t second guess this. Three weeks in and I just bought nail clippers for the first time in my adult life. That might not be life changing, but for me… it’s a major positive. You might have a slight head buzz, but it fades and is very minimal. Almost like if you turn your head too fast. Really mellow and smooth. Life changing stuff for me!"

10 / 10
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91 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 30, 2008

BuSpar (buspirone) "I've been taking Buspar for two years to control the symptoms of anxiety. Buspar has worked well for me. I had strong physical sensations of anxiety such as a "knot in my stomach" and hot flushes (can't be menopause because I'm a guy). Also Buspar helps me control my thoughts that some terrible event is just around the corner and I've got to do something to prepare for this unknown event. I've not had any side effects."

9 / 10
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775 Report
  • HMOney
  • April 27, 2009

BuSpar (buspirone) "This medication is unbelievable. After 3 days, the anxiety I have been suffering with for over 15 years disappeared. I don't feel cloudy headed or unable to function. It's as if one day I woke up and my life is stress free. I did not suffer any side effects but I am also not on any other medication. I do not drink or smoke. I was opposed to medication at first, but now I am a believer."

10 / 10
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686 Report
  • Johnny...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 6, 2014

BuSpar (buspirone) "I was having ALL kinds of medical problems, severe cramps, inability to urinate, severe joint pain, headaches, insomnia, and more. I noticed an improvement immediately, most of my problems went away completely, and my joint pain subsided some. I've been on it for two months now, I feel happy, calm and 10Xs better all over. Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a terrible thing to TRY and live with, Buspar is the answer. I had tried lots of natural remedies, like 5HTP and many others. The natural supplements had far more side effects than Buspar! I hate taking medication, but I'm not sure how I'd get along without it. Buspar has changed my life. I'm not sure what started the severe anxiety because I have never had a problem with it, but whatever it was Buspar saved me."

10 / 10
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486 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

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