I began taking buspirone about 4 days ago. Taking 10mg morning and night. I struggle with anxiety. I do feel like my anxiety has been better, but I cannot get more than 5-4 hours of sleep at night. I also noticed my heart rate has been lower most of the time, which is fine. But last night while I was relaxing my heart rate sped way up and I felt like my heart was beating irregularly! It really freaked me out! Is the insomnia and weird heart beating a side effect that will go away? I would be disappointing if they would not... as I do fee like this medication is helping my anxiety.
Anyone experience weird heart rate/irregular heart beat when they began buspirone>
Question posted by nan521 on 11 Dec 2019
Last updated on 5 June 2020 by Dmanagbanag
Added 11 Dec 2019:
I would also like to add that I was on Lexapro a year ago, so I know that these medications do not work immediately! The heart beat/rate is what really startled me.
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3 Answers
Dmanagbanag
5 June 2020
I’m also on 10mg and that is something that is very common at night including sweats but after 3 weeks I did notice that side effect did go away
WildcatVet
11 Dec 2019
Hi, nan!
These are common side effects and generally resolve within a few days to a week or so:
"Cardiovascular
Common (1% to 10% of users): Tachycardia/palpitations, chest pain"
"Psychiatric
Common (1% to 10% of users): Insomnia, nervousness, excitement, dream disturbances"
When I first started buspirone many years ago I remember these exact same side effects but they went away after only about a week and they got better day by day. I think if you can give it a bit more time they'll disappear pretty quickly.
Best regards and I hope you're feeling better soon!
nan521
11 Dec 2019
Thank you WildcatVet! Hopefully this comment is helpful to Brett1234 as well. I read somewhere that it was rare for racing heart and to contact your doc immediately.. but it hasn't happened again since last night. I'm just hoping for that scary feeling to stay away! :)
nan521
11 Dec 2019
Thanks for the info! I thought I read somewhere that racing heart is rare and you should contact your doctor. But, It hasn’t happened again since last night. I’m just worried about taking my second dose for the night as directed, or if I should split it. Just do not want a repeat!!
WildcatVet
11 Dec 2019
For some people, especially if you're sensitive to medications, it might be better to go more slowly with your dosage. Perhaps take 5mg at night for a week or so to give your metabolism more time to adjust to the drug.
But be sure to let your doctor know tomorrow about that episode and get her/his approval for the dosage change, okay?
Let us know how you do...
nan521
13 Dec 2019
I decided to stick it out and continue as prescribed. Thankfully, the past two days I have been able to sleep, but I have had AWFUL dreams. I'm hoping that will go way quickly. I think I'd rather deal with insomnia than the dreams I've had...
Brent1234
11 Dec 2019
This is my third week on it it's been a roller coaster ride for sure first week 15mg twice a day felt tired and Spacey second week had a couple good days and bad days didn't wanna go anywhere or do anything and insomnia was horrible two or three hours a night last night I finally slept 8 hours took the kids to school and came home and was sleepy around noon my mood became engergized now i feel shaky gonna talk to the doctor this friday also experiencing confusion doctor keeps telling me to stick with it. I'm now doing 10 mg twice a day and I'm eating with food dizzy after taking it. Hope this helps no one has replied to my question.
nan521
11 Dec 2019
I does help Brent1234. It's always nice when others can relate. I have been on Lexapro in the past (for sure was not for me), which is pretty different than this one... but I do know that it can take a month or even longer to get fully adjusted to these types of medications. Feel free to keep me updated on everything if that makes you feel better! Hoping you get some relief soon.
Related topics
anxiety, insomnia, cardiac arrhythmia, generalized anxiety disorder, buspirone, sleep, heart, heart rate
Further information
- Buspirone uses and safety info
- Buspirone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Buspirone (detailed)
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