I was prescribed Buspar 7.5mg two times a day for my anxiety. I am afraid to try it as I had a serious adverse reaction to Lexapro-made my heart race then full panic attack after just one half dose. I am very sensitive to medication. I take metoprolol for high heart rate and high blood pressure and methimazole for hyperactive thyroid. My heart palpitations are constant now but pulse is normal and so is BP. However my anxiety is awful. Anyone have experience or insight taking Buspar? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Buspar/Buspirone for Anxiety?
- Asked
- 9 Aug 2018 by Poppey
- Updated
- 18 February 2019 (3 days ago)
- Topics
- buspar, lexapro, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, buspirone, dosage, prescription, heart, reaction
Responses (4)
I too am on buspirone. My Dr. prescribed the same dosage that you were prescribed with the ability to go up to 15 mg twice per day if needed. So far I have gotten away with taking just 5 mg twice per day though I may bump it up to 7.5 mg after my next Doctor visit. Buspirone has been very good for me. While I don't consider myself particularly sensitive to most medications, Buspirone's action is very subtle. I do not feel "drugged" in any way. I just feel clear headed and more able to focus and "in the moment".
Lexapro is a SSRI, and there are a lot of cases that people suffer from moderate to severe side effects. Buspirone is a benzodiazepine to fight anxiety. Even though its side effects might not be that bad, I do encounter various people experience a lot of discomforts of using this medicine. In the same class, Clorazepate is more tolerable than this drug. You might want to talk to your doctor about this med if you are concerned about the side effects of Buspirone.
I will research the clorazepate and see what I can find and compare the two.
Sorry to bother, I’m not an expert but buspirone is not a benzodiazepine...
Buspar is not a benzodiazepine. I take 45 mg a day but I also take Lexapro. Buspar isn't even in the benzo family. I really can't tell if it helps me or not. Probably because I take Lexapro too.
It does categorize in the Benzo classification.
Hi!
I've taken Buspirone for years. It is not classified as a Benzo. I asked my dr. I also take Valium and I'm sure she would not prescribe 2 benzos at the same time.
Ruth
Hi, Poppey! I've been taking buspirone (60mg/day) for severe anxiety and panic disorder for almost 5 years. WONDER DRUG! It's working very effectively for me and I've experienced no side effects. Before I started taking it I was housebound, unable to socialize, or even drive because of my anxiety. All that's gone now.
I'd definitely say don't be afraid to try it and I hope it's as effective for you.
Best regards, Wildcat
Thank you for your reassurance. Do you remember if you experienced any adverse effects? Dizziness or spinning? Do you take it with food or without? Morning, afternoon, evening?
No, I had no side effects at all; I did start at 10mg twice daily which is a fairly low dose. Because I have another twice a day medication that should be taken with food I've always taken the buspirone with a meal too. Don't know if that's a factor or not... just throwing it out there. WC

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Thank you so much. I have not started it yet as I’m waiting for the weekend to be safe in case of any weird side effects. I hope I get the same result you are getting.
I would live to know how the buspar worked for you. I have tried 4 different meds and had bad reactions to all of them. I was just given buspar and I'm afraid to try it. Did it help you?