"I have been on Buspar for a month, 5 mg. when I get up and 5 mg. at 2:30 p.m. Within the last three days, I have noticed increased nervousness (but not anxiety), and I read on the web that Buspar and coffee might not work together very well, as both are stimulants. Can anyone comment on this combination?"
Do Buspar and caffeine work together well?
Question posted by peaceofmind888 on 1 May 2011
Last updated on 2 May 2019 by elpeor
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Answers
elpeor
2 May 2019
So I took BusPar for about 5 months. Initially it was wonderful, but during the 4th and 5th months I started having really dreadful, chemical feeling panic attacks and noticed it always coincided with moderately large amounts of caffeine- nothing super crazy, just like ordering a large coffee instead of a medium or drinking 3 caffeinated drinks instead of my normal 2 or even eating chocolate. I tried limiting my caffeine intake, but it kept happening, still nearly always after having coffee, even a small one. My doctor said he's not aware of any issues with caffeine but I ended up stopping the BusPar and trying other things. Currently however I am reconsidering maybe weaning myself off the caffeine and giving it another go as nothing else has been as helpful as the BusPar was when it was good.
LaurieShay
1 May 2011
Hey peaceofmind,
Technically BuSpar is not a stimulant. It does reduce anxiety by affecting brain chemistry possibly by dopaminergic activity. Consuming caffeine while taking BuSpar is not contraindicated although caffeine can increase nervousness.
The common side effects of BuSpar are blurred vision; dizziness; drowsiness; excitability; headache; lightheadedness; nausea. Excitability may be described as nervousness. You may be experiencing this common side effect
of BuSpar. The caffeine may be making this worse.
If this side effect becomes too bothersome please contact the prescribing doctor.
Best wishes,
Laurie
peaceofmind888
2 May 2011
Laurie,
Thank you! I have recently started taking Buspar with food, and I am even more relaxed than I have been. The caffeine has always been necessary to reduce the ennui that my other medication would cause. You are very knowledgeable, and I very much appreciate your response.
peaceofmind888
LaurieShay
2 May 2011
Hey peaceofmind,
I forgot to mention that BuSpar is to be taken the same way and at the same time each day. So if you take with food, always take with food. If you don't take with food, then always don't take with food. Don't switch back and forth.
Good luck,
Laurie
peaceofmind888
3 May 2011
Thanks, Laurie. I will be careful to be consistent about food.
peaceofmind888
linje
17 Dec 2011
Hi, i have been taking Busperone for 5days have read good reviews for this drug but having come off st johns wort after nearly 4mths. ( I left 5days between each drug) I am suffering aching head,eyes indigestion, depressed, etc Does this sound more like withdrawl symptoms from the sjw does anyone know???
LaurieShay
17 Dec 2011
Hey linje,
You are probably experiencing side effects from the BuSpar and from the cessation of the St. John's Wort. I would give it another week, if you aren't feeling better by then, talk to the doctor. It is very difficult to determine which is causing what, but I suspect the headache is from the BuSpar while the depression is from stopping the St. John's Wort.
Laurie
Related topics
buspar, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, caffeine
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