BuSpar and Lightheadedness: What Users Say

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 1, 2019

For Anxiety "My new doctor wouldn't prescribe my usual combo of Prozac with Xanax 'as needed.' I was mad but gave BuSpar for anxiety a try, and it works out to be THE BEST COMBO EVER!! I actually felt euphoria and a bit lightheaded the first few days. Then in the first few months when I had alcohol in addition to wine one night, I got EXTREMELY SICK. But as a social drinker, I decided to 'try again' but only with wine. Everything has been fine since. I can even have margaritas, etc., again. (But I can't stress enough how scary and extreme that sickness was in the beginning, so drinkers, BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL.) My family says they have never seen me so happy in all my 46 years. I am sure that I've never had such an easygoing attitude. Things I used to take personally have no effect on me now. I take two 5mg tablets at night before bed. This works for me even though it isn't what is recommended (i.e., 2 or 3 times daily doses). No more obsessive worries, thin skin reactions, or depression!!"

• Hea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2018

For Panic Disorder "I was initially started on BuSpar 5mg twice a day for panic disorder and PTSD as my therapist said I could not stay on Klonopin at her practice. I tried the 5mg twice a day for 2 weeks, then she increased it to 10mg twice a day, which I took for a month. I ended up with severe heart palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, and feeling like I was going to pass out, in addition to my blood pressure being raised. I ended up on a heart monitor, seeing a cardiologist, in addition to other heart-related tests all because my therapist is dead set on taking me off Klonopin. I've been on 1mg of Klonopin since 2008 and take it only as needed, mostly once a panic attack begins. I will never take BuSpar again, as I have been off of it now for about a week after all those symptoms and they are almost all gone now. Just wanted to share some of my side effects in case anyone else out there is having the same because I had a difficult time finding someone with the same side effects."

• mim...
• June 9, 2014

For Anxiety "I just started taking BuSpar, and at first, I was scared because I hate bad side effects and don't like to take pills at all. So I finally took my pill, 10mg. I felt good at first, then came the side effects: lightheadedness, sweating, and dizziness. But after 20 to 30 minutes later, it was over. I felt fine, went out to socialize, and I couldn't believe it - didn't have a panic attack or anxiety attack. They work for me."

• Whi...
• February 15, 2015

For Anxiety "I started on Effexor, that medicine made me sick and nauseated. My doctor decided to put me on Buspar instead. This medicine made my anxiety so much better! And the side effects are very minimal, I only get a little lightheaded for a short time, but that's so much better than being sick to my stomach. This stuff has really helped me get through a rough time."

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2020

For Anxiety "Doctor prescribed this BuSpar to me for my anxiety. I got which worsened with Wellbutrin XL (I take that for depression). I used to take Xanax but decided to discontinue the use of it. My doctor prescribed me this and told me to take it when needed or every day, whichever I prefer. I have zero complaints about this medication. When I first took it, I got super dizzy and light-headed. But other than that, it does calm me and make me feel much better."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2020

For Anxiety "BuSpar should be classified as a hallucinogenic drug! I took it for one day (15 mg) with Zoloft to get off Ativan. It made me lightheaded, nauseous, nervous, speedy, and when I tried to sleep, I saw terrible images moving around in my head. I couldn't sleep at all! These awful hallucinations gave me panic attacks. I was so scared! I also had some uncontrolled jerky movements of my limbs when lying down. I called the nurse line for help because I could not reach my psychiatrist. This experience was a nightmare! I also read an FDA report that stated that BuSpar can cause Tardive Dyskinesia, uncontrolled involuntary jerking movements of the face and body. Who wants that? Do not take it!"

• Cha...
• December 18, 2015

For Anxiety "I've been on this medication for 8 months now & really like it. I take a combination of Buspirone & Mirtazapine which keeps me level with no anxiety. My racing thoughts are gone. I was waking up all night every hour with racing thoughts. Now I'm able to sleep & have a calm mind both while waking & sleeping. One thing I do notice is that it gives me the munchies for sweets. I'm working to curb that with healthy snacks instead. Sometimes it does make me slightly light-headed, but to me, that's a relaxing feeling that helps me stay calm. I'm able to stay focused and am doing better on my job & in my personal life than ever before. I really love this medication & give it a thumbs up for anxiety!"

• soy...
• February 24, 2017

For Anxiety "I have been on BuSpar for a few months, and I like it a lot! It has made severe and paralyzing anxiety lift to a manageable level, even while taking a low dosage of 10 mg daily. My doctor told me that I can increase the dosage, since taking so little doesn't rid me of anxiety completely (no medication can). But I noticed that when I upped my dose, my appetite came back more than I would have liked. Essentially, I think it works to strengthen my SSRI (sertraline); and I did have dizziness when I first started and felt pretty bad, but that's common for anti-anxiety medications and usually goes away as your body gets used to it. I do still find, however, after I take my morning dose (usually) with coffee, I feel a bit woozy, but it usually wears off quickly."

• Rel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2019

For Anxiety "I was on this medication for two weeks and noticed absolutely no positive effect. However, within those two weeks, I gained 8 pounds, had an erratic heartbeat, and about 20-30 minutes after taking a pill, I got extremely dizzy and lightheaded to the point I couldn’t even drive. This is just my experience and my body chemistry, but my ultimate opinion is it’s just another failed attempt to prevent prescribing Benzos. Hope any of this helps."

• Sti...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2016

For Anxiety "It didn't help at all with the panic attacks and actually made my anxiety worse. The first few weeks, it would just put me to sleep. After four weeks, I became very depressed and had suicidal thoughts constantly throughout the day. It gave me horrible headaches, it made me really dizzy all the time, and I felt lightheaded and nauseous often. After four weeks, I could not sleep at all, and my anxiety increased along with the panic attacks. I don't recommend this medicine for anyone who has suffered PTSD or who has had high anxiety levels for a long time. It just makes things worse. After five weeks, I stopped taking this medication, I could no longer handle the side effects."

• Mem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2021

For Anxiety "My doctor gave me this on top of my Zoloft to help with increased anxiety. Pros: I’ve never slept so well in my life. Cons: After two days of taking it, I had horrible mood swings and intrusive thoughts. I was lightheaded and dizzy and had multiple panic attacks with heart palpitations and shortness of breath. I’d gladly keep my insomnia if it meant I didn’t have these horrific side effects."

• Aan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 16, 2019

For Anxiety "I was given BuSpar for anxiety. I started taking 5 mg once a day, then I eventually tried to go up to 10 mg a day. NEVER AGAIN. I don’t think it did anything for my anxiety except make it worse. Every time I took the pill, I felt super sedated, and I would fall asleep and then have nightmares. I took it for almost 3 weeks, hoping side effects would pass, but it only got worse. Lightheaded, dizziness, my skin was so itchy I couldn’t hardly stand it. I felt like I wanted to jump out of my skin. I couldn’t go outside and be in the sun because I got hot within 5 seconds and felt sick. I stopped taking it abruptly, I didn’t notice any withdrawal symptoms at all. This med was not for me."

• Mat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 18, 2018

For Anxiety "Taken for: GAD, potential panic disorder. Did not help me. Side effects - strong. Immediate light-headedness, would need to lay down for 30 mins to an hour. Slightly reduced in intensity, but did not subside for me, even after 3 months. Did not effectively treat anxiety (GAD)."

• Anx...
• September 27, 2016

For Panic Disorder "My mild anxiety had been building for years when I decided to seek help for it. At that time, I had only experienced one panic attack after a health scare (heart palpitations from over-exercising). It wasn't until I sought help to control my stress that I was prescribed Prozac. I started having panic attacks and was taken off. I started taking BuSpar. The first few weeks were really rough (brain zaps). It kept me from having panic attacks, but I still experienced moderate anxiety every day. After eight weeks, I started to experience depression for no reason and intrusive thoughts. Nothing like I ever experienced before. So I went back down, depressive thoughts came back. I tapered off. Lightheadedness, ear ringing, and brain fog persisted the entire three months I was on it."

• DGa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2019

For Anxiety "Was hesitant to take this pill after reading all the reviews and then finally decided to give it a try. HUGE mistake. My mind felt like it was getting electrocuted. I felt dizzy, lightheaded, and it was extremely unpleasant. I called my doctor immediately! I ended up forcing myself to take a nap, and when I woke up, thankfully they had subsided. It’s been about an hour since I awoke, and I feel extremely tired and exhausted! I do not recommend this if you are highly sensitive to medication!"

• DCD...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2016

For Panic Disorder "I suffer from anxiety/panic disorder, and I was given BuSpar 10 mg twice daily. I felt very lightheaded and like I had a constant head rush. My doctor tried increasing the dose to 20 mg twice daily, and with that, I couldn't keep my eyes open. I had to nap for 2 to 3 hours. It was just awful. After nearly 4 weeks of being on this medication, I have insisted that I be taken off of it. I am on 5 mg twice a day for today and tomorrow, and then I'll be done with it, and I hope the side effects go away soon. Just an awful experience."

• Mea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 14, 2019

For Anxiety "Side effects were insomnia, not hungry, lightheaded, and vivid, horrible dreams. Took 5 mg BuSpar in the morning and at night. Never take this med. I was on for 3 weeks and now off for 2 weeks, and I am still feeling the side effects. Still uneasy about leaving my home because of side effects."

• kca...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 15, 2021

For Panic Disorder "I've been taking buspirone HCL on and off for the last 15 years. Before that, I was taking Valium or Xanax, back in the days when it was easy to get. I really enjoy the benzodiazepines, but admittedly, too much. With BuSpar, I do get lightheaded and a mild mini-anxiety attack about 10 minutes after taking 15 mg twice a day, with possible related weight gain, but it works well. I usually stop after a few months of feeling better and adjusting to life's changes: divorce, wrongful imprisonment, parent's death, and now losing my son. I also took lithium and antidepressants in the past, but to be honest, I don't mind depression, and I kind of enjoy my mania, but shortness of breath, the feeling of impending doom, and now heart palpitations are never pleasant. I take it until the discomfort of the side effects outweighs my current state, and I start up again when the side effects are nothing compared to what I feel. Maybe 3 months at a time, maybe 6. It kicks in right away, for me."

• Wor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 5, 2018

For Anxiety "I started the medication for my anxiety and bipolar. The first dose was not bad, but the second dose took me 2 hours before I could get up, I was so dizzy and lightheaded. It made my panic attacks worse and I felt so spaced out. I have a terrible headache that keeps coming and going."

• hal...
• November 1, 2010

For Anxiety "I've been on this medication for over two months. BuSpar helps with day-to-day, general anxiety. That said, I don't feel that I can rely on this medication to stop panic attacks. I still have agoraphobic feelings and certain anxious thoughts (hypochondria-type things) that haven't ceased since before starting this medication. Side effects I've noticed: lightheadedness, moderate fatigue, munchies, snackiness, increased libido, and depth of taste. Give it a try. Compared to SSRIs, it seems to be as effective without changing one's brain chemistry so drastically."

• Ale...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 20, 2017

For Anxiety "I'm taking BuSpar for anxiety that I'm having due to an injury. I broke my wrist about 8 weeks ago, and I am in a cast from the tip of my thumb to just below the elbow. My doctor told me I might be in this cast for 12 weeks or significantly longer. I started having bad anxiety and panic attacks. So my family doctor put me on BuSpar and Zoloft for the duration of being in a cast. So far, it hasn't seemed to help very much, 7.5 mg twice daily. I'm hoping that it will start helping with the anxiety. I do feel a little lightheaded and I'm always tired. This isn't my first broken bone or cast, but this is the first time I've ever experienced anxiety."

• lmp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2017

For Anxiety "Developed anxiety and panic again after not having it for 30 years. Could have been triggered by an attack of vertigo. Dr. put me on Buspar 10 mg twice a day. I was also on Prozac 20 mg once a day and Clonopin 0.5 mg once at night for years and felt just fine. The Buspar made me spacey and did not help the anxiety. They reduced it to 5 mg twice a day. Still a little spacey and did not help anxiety. Upped my Clonopin to an extra 0.5 mg in the morning and 0.25 mg in the afternoon. Buspar is not helping. Going to ask my doctor to change to something else. Been on it almost a couple of months. Any help anyone can give me? Thanks so much. I am also afraid to be alone at home since hubby works 2nd shift but is going to 1st shift next week, which will help."

• the...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2017

For Anxiety "I have been on BuSpar for about 2 months now for anxiety from Keppra. It seems to work sometimes, but when I get an anxiety or panic attack, it hits hard. I was on 5 mg twice a day, and now my dose is really high. Like today, it seems to have no effect. And I'm always lightheaded, dizzy, fogged out feeling. And my other doctor said to try Xanax."

• Age...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2015

For Anxiety "I did not like this medication. For anxiety, I have also tried Hydroxyzine (Atarax). I guess this is just my personal body chemistry, but I actually prefer Atarax to this, unlike most people. This made me very lightheaded and dizzy. I can't exactly remember the effect it had on anxiety, I think it may have helped a little."

• red...
• September 23, 2011

For Anxiety "I've been taking BuSpar for about a week and a half now and haven't really seen any dramatic results so far. I started out taking a 15 mg pill in the morning and a 15 mg pill in the evening, being a total of 30 mg total. This gave me awful headaches, and I started experiencing lightheadedness. I bumped my dosage down to half of that now and am currently feeling better when it comes to the side effects. Hopefully, by the 3rd or 4th week, I will get the full effect from this medicine."