I've had undiagnosed anxiety since i was 6. I didn't like playing with other kids, being around kids i didn't know made me a nervous reck. It was a tug of war to get me to go to school. I could never sleep at night knowing i had to go to school the next day & I was physically sick, throwing up, walking out the door in the mornings. I don't know if my mother just chose to ignore these signs or if she thought it was just a stage. But after 27 years of this I finally gained the balls to talk to my doctor about it... which in its own gave me a panic attack. My doctor put me on Zoloft 50mg, which seemed to work & like a dumbass I decided to just stop taking it, b/c i didn't think i needed it anymore. Then she put me on Effexor XR, which did nothing. No side affects, no good affects, nothing. I asked if I could go back on the Zoloft & she stated she wanted to try me on another medications first. So two weeks ago she started me on Buspar. The offical BuSpar site is "underconstruction" & I haven't been able to find anything else on it. So i was wondering if anyone here has been on it & if so does it work for anxiety / panic attacks? Since starting BuSpar I don't know if it's working or not. It seems to work immediatly for a few hours but then stops. I'm only taking a half 15mg tab twice a day. Should I continue taking it... will it take more time for me to see if it's working?
I'm just soo frustrated. I can't take the day to day anxiety anymore...
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29 Answers Page 2
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deb122884
11 July 2017
Ive done some research. Max dose of buspar 40mg for anxiety. Can't wait to talk to Dr and get started 750mg Depakote makes me a zombie and can't sleep.
Votes: +0
BA
Bachlien
5 Aug 2023
It’s best to start at a low dose with Buspar. Lots of Dr’s don’t get that, with any drugs actually. They overprescribe usually. It can cause tinnitus and headaches - I’m still on 2.5 mg at two weeks. Taken with melatonin it becomes a fabulous antidepressant also. Amazing synergy.
MK
Mkava123
9 July 2017
I take qty 1 10mg 3 times per day Mild but seems to help my anxiety. Talk to your dr about changing your dose.
Votes: +0
JJ
Jjwinters
17 Nov 2016
I have been on buspirone for 4 yrs. The first year I didn't experience the results I anticipated. I experienced almost all the side effects. Then I adjusted my dosage or frequency I took the medicine based on my schedule and day to day life. I normally experience anxiety at work. I have to speak in front of 30 plus people daily. For an introvert and shy person that anxiety can be very taxing. Sure, at some point I thought about a career change but I refused to let my anxiety control me like my mom or sister. So I continued taking the medicine but only during the hours of work. After some time the side effects disappeared. Then I noticed that I was less anxious at work. My doc explained what exactly happens. He said that the meds bring you up to a normal level but it doesn't change you like other types of meds. I never experienced fogginess or zombie like behavior.
When asked initially what I expected from the meds I didn't want to trade one thing for another in terms of day to day living. The take home for this is understand your expectations and see which med works for you the most. After all there is not a magic pill.
Votes: +0
IN
Inactive
6 June 2013
Buspar is often added to an antidepressant..some Doctors swear by it..other Docs think it is useless Anyway 7.5mg twice a day is a pretty low dose... the recommended dose from Lexicomps Drug Information Handbook is 10 to 15 mg twice a day
Buspar is used as a chill pill but does not kick in immediately... takes a couple of weeks..just like antidepressants
Votes: +0
SE
Seamus1
2 Jan 2013
Hi there, I am aware that this is an old post, but wanted to give my experience with Buspirone since I turned to these forums a lot when I started taking it. I always had anxiety, but never knew it, I just figured I was stressed out. About a month and a half ago I experienced my first anxiety attack. I was hysterical, couldn't calm down, thought I was going(for lack of a better word) crazy. I tried Zoloft for 14 days, but I had every side effect listed, and I had them bad. I asked my doctor for Buspar, which she agreed to start me at 5MG twice daily. I broke them in half to 2.5MG the first 2 days, then went up to 5MG. The main side effect I got was light headed, for about 20 minutes after I took it. I went up to 7.5Mg after 10 days at 5MG, but was light headed all day long, to the point where I thought I was going to faint. I went back down to 5MG in the morning, and 7.5MG at night and it seems to help.
I always take my dose in the middle of each meal. Today is the 15th day that I've been taking Buspirone, and I am noticing progress. I am happy, eager to get out of the house and see friends, shovel the drive way(weird I know). I just feel all around good at the moment. If you were considering drinking alcohol, my experience was increased light headedness, which scared me and induced anxiety. My doctor and pharmacist both told me "MODERATION! MODERATION! MODERATION! I have gotten a boost in appetite, and libido. The Zoloft diminished my sex drive to 0, but the Buspar put it to 110% So I am happier, and my wife as well. I understand that this med does not work for everyone, but don't be discouraged by the people that come on here and say "Buspar sucks" or that it "doesn't work". Zoloft didn't work for me in the slightest, but I don't want to discourage anyone from trying it because it may work very well for them. I should also mention that I am seeing a Therapist. We have began CBT(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and it is helping as well. My main goal is to beat this so this with my mind so that I don't need medicine. So, In closing, I will say that it has worked for me so far, at a very low dose. Give it a try, if you don't like it or it isn't working, try something else. There are plenty of medicines out there, you just need to find what works. Good luck to you.
Seamus
Votes: +2
DI
Diggiedog10
1 Dec 2012
I have been taking Buspirone for 3 wks. I started at 5 mg. am, 5 mg pm and am currently at 15 am, 15 pm. It takes a LONG time to start helping but I really think I am finally on to something. I believe I may need to keep titrating up because I still have some bad times for anxiety. My doc said it should really show it's full clinical effect 4-6 weeks after getting to correct dose. I am not there yet, but am coping with lots,of yoga, and an occasional Lorazepam. I have hope, it's been a long time since I felt that. I do still worry a lot about the future but am planning to stay on this med for a few months. Initially I did have nausea and a slight increase in anxiety. It has gotten better when I take an anti nausea pill. I do a lot of exercise and try to stay busy so my illness does not run my life, rather, I manage it as best I can each day.
Votes: +1
LI
linje
22 Dec 2011
I have now been on Buspirone for 11 days starting on 5mg x2 now on 5mgx3 .The first couple of days I had flu like symptoms but that could of been withdrawl off st Johns Wort! I am really hoping this drug will work I have read many POSITIVE reports but would like to know how long it takes for the drug to get fully into system.
Votes: +0
KI
KILAPH
24 Jan 2011
I was on xanax (1mg-tid) for yrs. Was really addicted. Was ALSO taking buspar, but felt it wasn't really working at all. Stopped taking it. Read book by psychiatrist Hyla Cass' (formerly UCLA-med-school staffer), and started taking "passion flower" (and "GABA" too) in lieu of xanax. Was worried about doing so, BUT SIMPLY HAD TO DO something about xanax addiction. Her book addresses this issue head on. I have been OFF xanax for over a year (HOORAY!), and when late taking the "passion flower", I do NOT have the withdrawal issues I had (for yrs) w/ xanax. She also speaks to this "lack of withdrawal" issue, and boy, was she ever so right! I have been successfully (I assume) "removed" from the xanax ranks, thanks to Dr Cass' book-suggestions. I have no interests in this issue other than to (MAYBE, ONLY MAYBE) help someone else "get off" this xanax mule.
The xanax-addiction-complication was (at least for me) awful. But psychotropic mechanics are really complicated. So -- check in w/ your doc first. Both of these substances are available in heath food stores. Book title: "Natural Highs" by Hyla Cass, MD... very well known. Good luck! We ALL need that regardless of the meds.
Votes: +1
MC
mchirnc
10 Oct 2010
I find that a combination of meds works best for me. I can't tolerate a high dose of SSRI's, so I am on 12.5mg of Celexa and my pdoc recently added 10mg buspar twice a day. So far I do notice the buspar taking the edge off of the remaining anxiety symptoms and it has only been 2 weeks.
Are you still on the buspar, and have you noticed an improvement?
Votes: +0
PS
Psychmajor
22 Jan 2010
a large amoutn of people have side effects from this (i couldnt take it because it was making me too dizzy to work out at all) but for those who dont get the side effects this is a VERY good medication and is recomended over most other medications (espec. benzos for addictive reasons)
Votes: +0
SA
Salam Peace
4 March 2010
Hi all, this is a good helpful medicine. If it makes you dizzy then it with food, if you still get dizzy, then make the dozes at 5mg
However, I found the best remedy for anxiety and depression reading Quran, the Muslim Holy Book
Wish you all the best :)
AL
aleimcd
1 Oct 2018
I know this is an old post but thought I would offer some advice for others like me, still looking for advice. I have been on Buspar (generic, buspirone, if that makes a difference) for 3 weeks. I almost gave up after the first few days. I would take my dose (5mg, 2x a day) and 15 mins later I was sweating, felt like I was going to puke, shaking, etc. I started taking my first dose a few hours before my actual alarm to get up and, by the time I got up, the worst side effects were over. I would take my pm dose an hour or so before bed, since I was laying in bed anyway and could handle the side effects. I did this for a week and a half and now can take my doses whenever. I always have "tired eyes" if that makes sense, my body feels awake but my eyes are heavy. I have concentration issues still, but I had that beforehand anyway. I don't know how much it's really working so far but I'm giving it a chance.
BE
Bethanynicole08
2 Oct 2018
I would definitely suggest something different. Do you take it at night because it makes you tired? I have Buspar and Clonidine and I take but only take Clonidine at night (so I can turn my anxiety brain off) but was wondering about Buspar during the day. I have 3 kids and work-i can’t be getting tired! Have you tried adderall or any form for adhd? I take adderall too. Along with lexapro daily for anxiety.
AL
aleimcd
2 Oct 2018
I actually take it normally now. I take it around noon and then before bed, with my 3rd dose of lithium purely for convenience. I have no side effects anymore from the buspar.
SF
Sfrost24
29 Oct 2018
Alice how long did it take the "tired eyes" and concentration issues to go away. I started my new dose about 2 weeks ago, I only take 3.75 mg at noon and then 3.75 at night and I'm about to just call it quits. Been on buspirone for over a month all together now and I just feel out of it sometimes.
Buspar has been very helpful. I take one 10 mg at night and it took about 3 weeks to feel the full effect. I did get ringing in my ears and vertigo about an hr after i took it. But it definitely takes away the flutters in the stomach. I feel like I have emotions of steel compared to how i flew off the handle before.
Votes: +2
LO
Loopy Lisa
8 Sep 2010
I have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. I'm on buspar now. 7.5 mg then I go to 15mg then 30mg. I do feel dizzy, migrane headachey, for about the first 2 hours. The head ache is not all the time and I suppose that might be from the stress. I just was hoping you had some more encouraging words because I've been on three drugs in a month. Fist silexxa (too stimulating) another i can't remember right now (didn't feel anything) now buspar. I really just want something to work.
IN
Inactive
28 July 2009
I to suffer severe anxiety disorder and found that Buspar did not help at all. Of all the many many different meds I have been on, the one that stands out is Paxil 40mg qd. I also was on Xanax 6mg qd for several years but became heavily addicted too it and spend 2 weeks in the ICU getting off it. I have heard that Nardil is extremely good for social anxiety disorder the only downside is there are many food restrictions but if your anxiety is as bad as mine it may well be worth a try, I am going to try it.
Votes: +0
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delaney81
29 July 2009
Yea Xanax definitly works. I've taken it off & on for years.. unprescribed though. & unlike many people who have done the exact same thing i've only used it for my panic attacks. Not addicted. But the doc just increased my other meds & i seem to be doing good now. Thanks for your input.
RO
Robert_325
23 July 2009
In my book buspar is totally worthless if there is really anything wrong. I wouldn't waste my money on the drug co-pay I have with insurance. I wouldn't even bother if buspar was my only choice. That's just me.
Votes: +6
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delaney81
29 July 2009
Thanks for your input but the doc just increased my BuSpar & it seems to be working.
LO
Loopy Lisa
8 Sep 2010
What would you suggest instead for anxiety? A non-Benzo
DE
deb122884
11 July 2017
I've talked to friends in my hometown and was informed that Buspar has a mild calming affect and they liked it. I know for me 5 mg didn't touch my anxiety but found out max dose is 40mg.
RS
rsav
12 March 2020
did you ever try ashwaganda root? Pretty good stuff. look it up. I may have butchered the spelling.
I too suffer from anxiety, and was just recently put on Buspar. I can't really say that it works all that well. I still suffer from the attacks, just not as severe. The only thing I've ever really had work was xanax, but I became addicted and had to stop taking it. Maybe we need a higher dose? I take 10mg 3x a day.
Votes: +2
DE
delaney81
29 July 2009
the doctor increased my BuSpar to 10mg 3x a day & also put me on Ativan. This has helped alot with my anxiety & panic attacks. It's only been about 6 days but it's definitly working.
TI
tiffanyneal
27 Aug 2010
My doctor prescribed Buspar for me yesterday. I am kinda afraid to take it at work. Did it make you drowsy or dizzy feeling when you first started taking it?
LO
Loopy Lisa
8 Sep 2010
I was just put on 7.5 mg a day for 5 days. Now I am suppossed to take 15 mg a day. I told my Doc today after 5 days of being on it that I am not feeling anything. I guess this drug can take 4-6 weeks to actually make visible differances. I feel like I can't wait for it to work. I was put on a 0.5mg of ativan as a bridge for 10 when I was on Silexxa (or however u spell it) but because I'm active duty NAVY my Doc will not give me anymore ativan. I feel like the perfect combo would be this and ativan for those really bad days. I do have to admit that most of my days lately have seemed like really bad days. I feel like if I could just enough good days in a row to offset the bad then I might not need the Ativan everyday. I have noticed on the Buspar that when I take it I feel dizzy, tingly, weird, a little nautious, and then it wears off and I dont really feel anything. Then I get triggered and I feel like I'm not on any medication. After all I just spewed...
I hope Buspar works, I need something to work. I just want something that works just like Ativan without the addictive nature of a benzo.
MA
mandi25
27 April 2011
I have depression, anxiety and problemes with my nerves ( mentally).. I started takin buspar 10mg 2x a day and 150mgs of zolof about 3wks ago and i have seen VERY little change... I personally think buspar is not that great unless ur takin a higher dose i guess.. I tried to get put on xanax, which is the only thing that works and the doctor said nope bc its a high controlled substance.. Bummer :( Anyone know of anything else that may work better than buspar??
PH
PhylomenaD
20 Jan 2013
Call your pharmacist.
WR
wrink
13 July 2013
My Dr also don't give xanax she wants me to deal with the anxiety. 100 of Zoloft and 15 of buspar no change it stinks.
HO
Hopi
28 Aug 2016
I start taking Buspirone for panic disorder five days ago! My doctor started me with 2.5 mg! When I take it 45 minutes later I start filling spaced out ringing in my ears at least for 3 hours before it goes away! Is it ever going to stop!?
CA
Careless1
12 Jan 2018
I been taking it for 3 weeks for agitation,it has a calming effect on me, things that used to bother me don't, and I don't have a care in the world. I use to be confrontational but now nothing is worth an argument. When first taken I'm dizzy but it wears off after about 30 min. It's working for me because some stranger told me I was a very nice person , before I was always told I'm unapproachable
