Buspirone and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Wor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 3, 2016

Buspirone for Anxiety "My doctor prescribed due to its low dosage. And that I didn't want to take meds. I became so helpless after years of trying to cope with anxiety on my own, I finally reached a point where medicine was my only hope. It kicked in quickly, my obsessive thoughts stopped, then the dosage would wear off, so I started taking a higher dosage. Then it made me become upset, super emo crying, not myself, and finally realized it was BuSpar. Cut back dosage again. It made me tired all the time, couldn't concentrate, weird dreams, and loss of interest in things. Was not a good fit, I finally had to ask the doctor for something else after a year. It didn't work altogether except for stopping obsessive thoughts. It also gave me brain zaps, memory loss, and space cadet syndrome."

• Bop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2021

For Anxiety "I started buspirone at 7.5 mg for a week, then 15 mg. At first, I liked it because it did a good job of dissolving that ever-present knot in my stomach. I started taking it before bed because I didn't like that dizzy/drunk feeling it causes (taking it with food helps). However, I struggle a lot with feeling numb, and I suspect that this medication made that worse over time. We increased to two 15 mg tablets a day, but I started waking up with horrible anxiety again, so I just quit after 3 months. No withdrawals except for feeling slightly 'off' for a day or two."

• bba...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2020

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I've been on buspirone for a little over a month now. My doctor prescribed it to help with my anxiety and BPD in addition to lamotrigine (which I've taken for months). After about a week, I started to notice my mood shifting more but brushed it off, thinking it was just me adjusting to the new medication. However, as time went on, I became less and less stable with little to no change in my anxiety. I was suddenly feeling more irritable, hostile even, in addition to worsened depression and dissociating again (despite not having an episode for months prior). I would definitely make sure to discuss any possible side effects or drug interactions if you're on any mood stabilizers before taking this medication, and if you feel your depression or anxiety worsen within the first week, don't ignore it."

• Cic...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 4, 2020

For Anxiety "About 2-3 years into taking buspirone, I started to experience weird side effects. My judgment was clouded. Very impulsive. My sex drive exploded and wanted to be naked all the time. Anxiety was horrible, I was experiencing panic attacks regularly. It all culminated in me losing 25 lbs and taking a trip to the ER because I simply couldn't eat. I kept getting nauseated all the time! I was also in a mild depression. This lasted until I finally withdrew from it. (Spent 12 days in a behavioral health unit) from trying to manage the withdrawal. It even prompted my septum to deviate, which I'm dealing with now. (Extremely frustrating.) I'm off all psychiatric medication now. I'm the happiest I've ever been, my appetite is the best it's ever been, and my weight is normalizing. My anxiety is normal. I've learned to manage my feelings through sleeping, eating well, and being sociable. This stuff is highly dangerous, it's at the point now where I'm considering a lawsuit over emotional pain and suffering."

• Wil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2019

Buspirone for Anxiety "I always have a lot of anxiety, and was optimistic about BuSpar. Lately, I've been taking 10 mg 4 times a day (as well as Ativan and Seroquel to help the insomnia), and I feel depressed and no less anxious. Last night, I dreamt that one of my cats fainted. I'll be talking with my doctor about getting me off this. I feel no benefit whatsoever."

• Anx...
• September 27, 2016

Buspirone 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."

• CMR...
• August 22, 2013

Buspirone for Anxiety "Took 5mg. Dizziness after I initially started taking, that vanished but occasionally cropped up once in a while. Felt pretty good. Happier. Thoughts that I would normally worry about still came to me, but I was able to think about them and dismiss them, not obsess over them ALL day. Some months later though I began becoming extremely emotional. I cried all the time, became so depressed getting dressed and brushing my teeth was a huge struggle; was paranoid, wanted to hurt myself, had crazy thoughts. I would sob at the drop of a hat, which ISN'T like me at all. Took months of confusion, emptiness, anger, and loneliness to figure out it was the Buspar. Loved it in the beginning, but unfortunately it was not for me!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 23, 2012

For Anxiety "I have GAD and Panic Disorder going on 10 years. I've been on Zoloft the entire time. I had a relapse this year and went on Buspirone. It worked for several weeks but didn't hold up. I steadily went all the way up to the max of 60 mg/day, but this wasn't for me. I did have some anti-anxiety effects, but it made me feel empty, and I didn't enjoy doing things. I eventually got off of this. I'm now taking Gabapentin (in addition to Zoloft 200 mg), and I like it a lot better so far."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2021

For Anxiety "I took buspirone for two weeks for GAD. I experienced some constriction of my pupils in my eyes periodically soon after taking it, but it did help me to be calmer overall. After the first week of taking it, I started to have panic attacks, which I hadn’t had in months, and issues with my breathing, which exacerbated the panic. They were getting worse, and I told my doctor, who promptly told me to stop them, which was around two weeks after I started. It is now three days since I stopped, and the panic and breathing issues have gone away, but I am experiencing some depression, irritability, and sensitivity."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2012

For Anxiety "I felt compelled to update my experience with Buspirone after first reviewing this medication over 4 weeks ago now. My initial review was a positive one, after only 3 days, the mental fog had disappeared, but the anxiety still remained. Unfortunately, this has remained the case up until now, therefore, I'm going to try some Prozac with this to help with the depression it causes."

• Anonymous
• September 2, 2011

Buspirone for Anxiety "Peaks and Valleys: I felt like I had peaks and valleys of its effect (and side effects). I would feel its effects one hour after I took it, and they would be mostly gone six hours after the dose. So even taking it four times a day did not provide stable relief. Effects: It cut my anxiety down by about 40%. Benzodiazepines cut it by about 90%. Side Effects: -I felt a roaring sensation in my head. -It also made me feel depressed sometimes. BuSpar side effects aren't too bad, but it doesn't provide that much relief either."

• Use...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2017

For Anxiety "Not sure about this one yet. I have been on it for only five days now, and it's a roller coaster ride. Sometimes I feel okay, and other times I feel like I'm going crazy. My doctor prescribed me to take 15 mg twice daily, which I think was way too much to start out with. I literally felt like I was going to lose my mind because of the thoughts I was having. I also think this has increased my depression and feeling of isolation. I know that this medication takes time to work in your system and that it can make symptoms worse while it is working, so I'm going to try and ride it out a little longer. I've cut my dosage in half to 7.5 twice daily, and I'm going to see if that helps."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 18, 2015

Buspirone for Anxiety "I took this medication for around two months, and it helped with my anxiety, but caused me to become apathetic. I simply couldn't be bothered to do anything! It was horrible!"

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2020

For Panic Disorder "Been on this medication for almost 2 weeks for GAD and panic disorder. The first couple days I experienced side effects like migraines and sharp stomach pains, but it was tolerable. After the first week, I found it was definitely helping with my anxiety levels and reducing my panic attacks, and the side effects from earlier had disappeared. Unfortunately, in week two, I found myself becoming very depressed and even having violent thoughts, and I believe the medication is causing it. Most likely, I will be switching to an SSRI from Prozac or Lexapro to see if that works better."

• Gee...
• January 28, 2018

Buspirone for Anxiety "I've struggled with anxiety all of my life. I am also about to get tested for ADHD in my 40s. The BuSpar has stopped the constant worry, but the focus issue and being scatterbrained hasn't changed. My anxiety is definitely better. But it's all at a price. I feel emotionally numb. I don't really feel much of anything. I could just sit and stare watching everyone’s life go by except for continuing to fidget and tap my feet constantly. I'm on 5 mg twice a day for two weeks now. It's nice to have relief from the anxiety, but my fidgety mind is trapped in this sluggish emotional state. My heart and my head feel like two separate entities strangely. And my dreams are so vivid I feel like I'm in something as real as when I'm awake. I dreamed I was in an earthquake, tsunami, and I saw my dog get bitten in the face by a gigantic snake. I almost would rather deal with the anxiety. At least I felt normal."

• Lov...
• June 27, 2015

For Panic Disorder "Ok, I've been having panic attacks since I was in middle school, and I'm 29 now. Over time, they have gotten worse. It feels like I'm dying, and I can't do anything about it. I also freeze in one spot and have some type of seizure where I can't move, and I don't remember what happens. It's very scary! So, I was given Xanax to help, but it made it worse. When I turned 20, I was given 5 mg 2x a day of Buspar, and it had me in a corner feeling miserable. I wish everyone the best of luck because living like this is hard. Currently, my new doctor upped my dose to 15 mg every 12 hours. I'm not saying it's better, but it has been helping. The only problem is I'm starting to feel dizzy when I first take it, then sleepy, also detached, alone. Only time will tell."

• Tes...
• October 17, 2018

For Anxiety "After starting buspirone, I didn't pay much attention to it. But I have noticed that after I skipped several days of dosing meds, my thoughts were getting too intense about the problem that I was going through - to the point where you get very angry, depressed, almost suicidal. That state lasted for more than 20 hours until I realized that I had to take the med again. After I took 10 mg of buspirone, my brain started to not get into much detail about what I was thinking. Just loses focus, sharpness of mind, like you are losing extra short memory where all thoughts are starting. It will help in keeping your mind from worrying about something, but it costs you the price of memory and concentration."

• Kan...
• March 29, 2018

For Anxiety "I've been on Buspar for 5 months. My doc gave me 15 mg. After a week, I couldn't even describe how great it felt not to be so constantly worried about everything. I did end up getting depressed (but that had already started due to other things), and my anxiety seemed to get a bit worse for a couple of months. Doc then put me on 150 mg of Wellbutrin, which takes 4-6 weeks to kick in. During that time (1st 4 weeks), I was VERY depressed & anxiety & panic attacks were very bad (had my worst panic attack ever), but then she upped my Buspar to 25 mg, which helped calm down the anxiety and panic attacks. 4 weeks after starting Wellbutrin, she upped that to 300 mg. In a week, depression disappeared & anxiety calmed down and it's been 4 weeks since. I think it takes the right dose and combo of meds as well as continuing for a bit through the rough patch that sometimes comes with new meds while trying to get the dose right. Don't give up too soon."

• kon...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 21, 2014

For Anxiety "When I first started taking this at 5 mg twice daily (10 mg daily total) for generalized anxiety disorder, I was an absolute zombie, especially in the morning after taking my first dose. I was dizzy and unable to think straight. I was useless and confused at work, making my anxiety worse. Once I cut down to 2.5 mg at bedtime, it was perfect for me. The ability to sleep well helped me to make better food choices, exercise more, and think more clearly. If I had more severe anxiety that needed stronger management, I don't think this medicine would have been appropriate for me, but it was great for my situation. I discontinued use during pregnancy but plan to revisit it as an option once I finish breastfeeding."

• Ins...
• May 15, 2014

Buspirone for Panic Disorder "I have only been taking BuSpar for about a month, but I have seen a rapid turnaround in my anxiety. I am not cured, I still get panicked from time to time, but I am now able to deal with my worries without getting lost in them. I used to go about life in a sort of depersonalized haze, but the medication has worked in bringing me back to reality. As for side effects, I think it is safe to say that I got them all in the first couple of weeks: nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, slight depression, etc. However, it was nothing that was too bad. As I continued to take it, the side effects decreased. Furthermore, the benefits that I have obtained from it far outweighed any complaints that I might have had. I would suggest trying it for anxiety."

• kbh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 27, 2023

Buspirone for Anxiety "Added 10 mg in the morning along with my low dose of Zoloft. Has significantly helped with negative Zoloft side effects (hair loss, low sex drive, and low motivation). In combination, BuSpar and Zoloft have helped me to feel normal again. Not anxious, motivated, and confident. Was originally prescribed 10 mg twice a day, but I was having trouble falling asleep with the second dose, so I cut it out."

• Alf...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2019

For Anxiety "Been taking buspirone for 3 weeks, 7.5 mgs 3 times a day. Helped tremendously with my generalized and social anxiety. First week or so had side effects consisting of headaches, dizziness, tiredness, and lack of motivation throughout the day. But that all went away with the exception of slight dizziness for 30 mins or so after taking it. When it happens, it comes and goes fast. Doesn't always happen. My anxiety is almost non-existent. I can concentrate better, especially in conversations, which before, my mind would wander then race when talking to others. This turns into anxiety attacks. Buspirone helps my mind stay focused on the conversation. I'm more confident in these situations. So far, this drug is exactly what I needed."

• DB8...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2016

For Anxiety "Buspirone has improved my life! Initial response was unpleasant. Prescribed 10 mg 1/2-1 pill every 6-8 hrs. First dose felt odd, not myself, jittery, detached. Others' positive reviews prompted me to start with only 1/4 pill before a nap, then 1/2 before bed. Being asleep made a difference, I woke up refreshed, alert, at ease. Then I took 1 pill 3 times a day. Day 5, the constant ringing in my ears from tinnitus was less noticeable and my stress level better. After a month, I feel so much happier! Positive, alert, more in control. Negatives: vivid dreams. Symptoms of my autoimmune disorder are improved, it appears Buspirone helps in more ways than are listed and has turned out to be the single most effective medication I take. Wish I had it years ago!"

• car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2016

Buspirone for Anxiety "I was suffering from such bad anxiety that I felt desperate. I wanted it gone so I waited the six weeks it took to get into a psychiatrist. She prescribed me BuSpar and within the first day, the meds started to kick in. I took the first dose and then the second as she prescribed me 5mg twice a day to start. I could feel the chemicals in my brain changing and suppressing the anxiety, and it was a relief! Let me warn you though, anyone with true anxiety also suffers from depression too so once the anxiety is taken care of with BuSpar the depression comes on so much stronger! I'm on Zoloft and BuSpar. Used to just be on Paxil until it stopped working."

• The...
• May 28, 2015

For Anxiety "My dear and esteemed friends, buspirone is, in my opinion, the best anxiety medication I have had. It is extremely safe, non-addictive, and has no withdrawal effects. I am 32 and never had panic or anxiety attacks until March of 2014 when I had a kidney stone and was given hydromorphone for the pain, and it messed up my nervous system, giving me pretty bad anxiety/panic attacks and a little depression. First, I tried Xanax 0.25 mg for a while, but it is short-acting, and then I was given citalopram 10 mg, but I stopped it because of concern for possible side effects of SSRIs. Finally, my cousin, who is a wise doctor, gave me buspirone 7.5 mg, and it was great! I took it for 3 months, and there was a total disappearance of anxiety, panic, and no depression. What a blessing it is."