Buspirone and Drowsiness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Try...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 28, 2016

Buspirone for Anxiety "23 male, been taking BuSpar for 3 years now for anxiety/OCD with intrusive thoughts. I originally started with 10 mg 2x a day. Took about 2-3 weeks to take effect, after that, I really noticed a difference in my anxiety and intrusive thoughts. It really helped me get through the day and feel normal. I occasionally still had panic attacks that would eventually pass with drinking a bunch of water and sometimes taking an extra 'helper' dose. Recently switched to 3x a day, still at 10 mg, since the med doesn't seem to last as long as it used to. Still occasionally take a 'helper' dose to fall asleep. Side effects were/still are antsy legs, dizziness, drowsiness, and extreme appetite, all for only about 30 min. Overall better than anti-depressants."

• Lon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2023

For Anxiety "I’ve been on buspirone for one month, and prior to this, I’ve tried SSRIs, SNRIs, and antipsychotics - all of which created new mental health symptoms unrelated to what I was dealing with. Anyway, I finally went to try another drug for anxiety (I also have BPD, depression, and OCD). During the first month, I had side effects like dizziness, a bit of drowsiness, and a little nausea. Other than that, my symptom relief has been more than I have seen at any other point. My physical symptoms of anxiety, like sweating, shaky voice, stomach pain, and issues because of it are all gone. I will say that I am still a bit foggy, and that’s been, but after testing by not taking it for two days, I found that it was, in fact, working! This may not be a cure for everyone, but if you have had issues or have been treatment-resistant before, I would recommend trying this one out and testing it for yourself. Good luck!!"

• Son...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2023

For Anxiety "I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and heart discomfort, which eventually led to panic attacks and anxiety. My doctor recommended a non-addictive solution. I took this medication, 5 mg twice daily, for five months. As an athletic 35-year-old male, 6'3" and 190 pounds, it was 100% effective in relieving my symptoms. However, there were some downsides. I felt like a zombie for 3-4 weeks and experienced some sleepiness. My gym performance was also affected by 30-40%. On the bright side, my anxiety and panic attacks disappeared, and my libido improved significantly."

• Aug...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 2, 2022

Buspirone for Anxiety "I have been on Buspirone since May 2019. I was diagnosed with GAD, depression, and another major permanent chronic illness all at the same doctor appointment. So I was having a high level of stress. My doc started me with a 10 mg twice-a-day dose. It helped for a while. Up until about 4 or 5 months ago, I was pretty good. I still had about an average 6/10 for my anxiety, on bad days, it was about 8/10. I noticed my anxiety started creeping back up and I was really wrestling with my depression, so my psych upped my dosage to 30 mg twice a day, which is either the highest or second highest daily dosage. I've had more drowsiness since the dosage increase, but my anxiety is lower than it's ever been (3/10 average), so I'm okay with that side effect. When I am having a bad anxiety day, I can trust the fact that I can take a Buspar and within 45 minutes my anxiety will be cut in half. It's perfect in conjunction with Bupropion and Propranolol."

• AGC...
• July 13, 2016

For Anxiety "I like that it calms me down, but I'm sleepy all day. I don't like feeling sleepy, I have things to do. It does help me get a great night's sleep. I sleep like a rock, but wake up still feeling drowsy. So anyway, may not take it anymore unless it's at night from time to time since it works rather quickly for me. Yawn!!! AC"

• kcl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2014

For Anxiety "I have been on this medicine for 3 weeks, and I do notice a positive change in my mood. My anxiety, overreacting, over-worry, and obsessive thoughts have greatly diminished. I worry less, get stressed less, and feel better about my life. The first day it was very sedating, but after that, I felt little or nothing after taking the pill. I take 15 mg twice a day."

• Chu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2022

Buspirone for Anxiety "BuSpar (Buspirone) has been pretty good for me. I've been on pretty much everything and even abused various street drugs before. Of the prescription drugs, I've read a lot of seemingly potential addicts give BuSpar 1s in reviewing it because it's not Xanax. You're right, it's not, but that doesn't discount it. For some of us, it works. I've been on Xanax, and it is stronger, but also has way more side effects, including brain fog, sometimes drowsiness, and definitely has that pull towards it in an addicting way. Buspar is okay at treating anxiety. Sometimes okay is good. If I miss a dose of BuSpar, I honestly don't think 'OMG, I need my dose!' It's seemingly no big deal if you do, and your body and mind don't seem to crave it as much. Sure, it feels good to feel good as drugs can do for you, but sometimes you just want to live and not be a slave to medicine. Because some reviewers were after Xanax doesn't merit giving BuSpar a 1, it works."

• Gec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2020

For Anxiety "Been on 5 mg twice a day. I try to take less. So far, it really helps the anxiety, but the side effects of sleepiness and dizziness. And feeling tired. Will hang in there. Only been 4 days. I also use Holy Mama tincture to help. Will give an update after a few weeks."

• anx...
• November 7, 2019

For Anxiety "I started taking buspirone in conjunction with my Luvox (which had basically lost all efficacy from my being on it for years). 5 mg 2x per day (10 mg total). WOW. I finally felt 'normal'! Very chilled out, as someone else described - 'It feels like I had a 6-pack and a big meal' - accurate! Before this, I always constantly had looping, obsessive thoughts, but within even just 1 week of taking it, they had calmed down significantly. I can enjoy the small things in life without overthinking too much; I can now choose what I really need to worry about and what is pointless to worry about. I will say, the first few days my anxiety spiked, and I had insomnia and some GI issues. After that, it was fine! In fact, I could finally eat again because all the knots in my stomach had calmed down. The only downside is it can make you a bit drowsy, but if anything, this helps with my anxiety, and I just push through it. Really helped boost my mood!"

• Kic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2019

For Anxiety "This is my third time on buspar. I took it two times prior, with the first time didn't notice much difference, but dizziness, but I only took it for two weeks. Tried again years later and felt like a zombie (nausea, dizzy, didn’t want to get up off the couch for anything). After months of trying to increase me on trazodone (worked great for occasional sleeping pill, did nothing for my anxiety and had sexual side effects taking so much every day), my doctor suggested trying buspar again, but starting at a lower dose and increasing as needed. It took increasing the dose a few times over the course of about 2 months. But I FINALLY have some symptom relief with hardly any side effects (just a little sleepy when I take it with food in the morning). Occasionally still have my anxiety-related chest pressure, but more subtle and doesn’t last long, and only a few times a week vs. ALL the time feeling awful. Hang in there."

• Jun...
• June 15, 2019

Buspirone for Anxiety "BuSpar has changed my life in profound ways. In combination with antidepressants, it has made a huge difference for me. Before BuSpar, I was debilitated by Social Anxiety Disorder. Avoidance, panic attacks, isolation... etc. Without BuSpar, I felt like my whole body was raw all of the time. I started taking BuSpar about 3.5 years ago, and the first thing I noticed was sleepiness. But other than that, no side effects. It took a while to start working, but when it did, I was finally able to feel relaxed in public. The biggest thing is that it sedates the body. It makes me less reactive and slows down my mind. I can see how for some, this can produce a sluggish feeling, but it's exactly what I needed. The sleepiness is not a huge issue anymore. Oh, and I take BuSpar 15 mg three times a day. A major downside is that I have to take it every five hours, but it's seriously like my protective armor."

• som...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2016

For Anxiety "I have suffered from anxiety and depression (with a side of bipolar disorder) since I was a teenager. I've tried so many different medications over the years! I now feel like my doctors and I have found the right mix for what my body needs. I suffer from severe degenerative arthritis as well as a few other medical concerns that placed me on Tramadol and Flexeril to try to manage my pain. When I asked for an anxiety medication back (they took me off 7 months ago), she prescribed Buspirone 7.5 BID PRN. It's only been 3 days, but let me tell you, I have noticed a SIGNIFICANT difference in my thought processes, my nerves, and my sleep. All of them have had positive effects. I've only experienced drowsiness in the mornings."

• WSa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 11, 2016

Buspirone for Anxiety "It has done great for me. I used to 'bite my kids' heads off' in the mornings and startle a lot easier, for example. I can also take it in small doses at a time to keep from sleeping all day from the side effects."

• 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."

• Ran...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 22, 2013

For Anxiety "I have severe anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. I am taking 60 mg of Cymbalta/day. Until recently, I was taking Ativan as needed for anxiety. When the anxiety wasn't getting better with the Ativan, I was switched to Buspar for my anxiety. I started out taking 5 mg 2x/day. Recently, increased to 10 mg 2x/day. Really helped my anxiety to where I haven't been as anxious. These last few months, I have been experiencing panic attacks again. Calling my doctor within the next week to see about increasing my dose. Overall, I have had no side effects with this medication, aside from drowsiness."

• Anonymous
• February 17, 2012

For Anxiety "This is the first medication that was both affordable and worked well for my anxiety. There was an adjustment period where I felt kind of tingly, almost like being sedated, right after taking it for an hour or so. That decreased and went away completely in about a month. The only other side effect I have noticed is that my memory and concentration aren't as sharp as they were without the medication. It is not bad enough to affect my daily life. The most important thing I can tell you about this medication is that I finally feel at peace in situations that used to make me so anxious that I had to avoid them. I feel like I just got my life back."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 20, 2024

For Anxiety "I started off at 2.5 mg, worked up to 10 mg. Brilliant stuff, calms my brain, goes still. Waiting for ADHD referral. Also, anxiety from trauma. I just weaned off fluoxetine after 20 years and feel great with just these now. Give them a week or two at first. You will feel a bit sedated but it will improve once you get used to them. Side effects: vivid dreams and weight gain."

• Tea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 3, 2022

Buspirone for Anxiety "I have been terrified of driving over high overpasses and bridges my entire life and just accepted it as normal. After adding 5 mg BuSpar twice a day to the 10 mg of Lexapro, I no longer feel crippling anxiety when driving. I actually look forward to driving and being in crowded places, which used to drive my anxiety. It took a couple of months for me to realize it was working since I really don't have any side effects other than slight drowsiness if I take it on an empty stomach. I didn't think it was doing anything until I got behind the wheel one day and noticed I was no longer scared. I'm 49 years old and never knew I could live life without anxiety until BuSpar. I hope it continues to help."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2019

For Anxiety "I have tried for 15 years to control my anxiety, but nothing worked. I have been on every benzo, and all they do is put me to sleep. Buspirone has saved me from a life of worrying, being scared to be in public, and I don't think a lot about dying, which has been very scary for me. Have an open mind when you try this med and give yourself time to adjust to the drug. It has made a world of difference in my life and marriage."

• Sad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2019

For Anxiety "I was battling horrible mood swings, and then my mother died, which made them 10x worse. I begged therapists and doctors to help me medicate, as I had been battling what I believed was bipolar and sensory disorders for years (it was actually a mixture of severe anxiety and mild depression). I finally was put on a combo of Wellbutrin and Buspar, and it has done me wonders. Although I do feel a little sedated and unfocused for about 20 minutes after taking the Buspar, I would trade that over the way I felt before any day. My relationships have improved, and I feel great 99% of the time."

• Pj2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 28, 2019

For Anxiety "I started this medication, buspirone, due to anxiety. I was struggling to leave my house and live my life due to the severity of my anxiety. I started 5 mg twice a day and was told to increase to 10 mg twice a day if need be. The first few days, I had really bizarre dreams and drowsiness. I then started taking my first dose in the morning and my second dose no later than 2 pm. This helped so much with the dreams. I sleep like a baby now. I tried increasing to 10 mg, but the drowsiness was too much. I just take the 5 mg now twice a day at 6 am and 1 pm. I take it with food, and that alleviates the drowsiness. Don’t give up on this med because of the side effects. There are ways to adjust dosing and dosing time to avoid the side effects. This drug has changed my life for the better. I’m not someone who likes to take medications, but this wholeheartedly works!"

• 5fr...
• July 5, 2017

For Anxiety "I experienced my very first anxiety attack three months ago, stemming from stress from work and eventually from fear of dying (provoked by the symptoms of the attacks). I began to fear nights because they occurred at night, preventing me from properly sleeping. I went two months without seeking medical help until I did. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. They prescribed me BuSpar/Buspirone; I've been on it for a little over a month now (7.5 mg twice a day), and oh my gosh, it saved my life. I haven't had an anxiety attack since the first day I began taking it! The first week, the only side effects I got were feeling groggy in the morning, but at night when you take it, they do help you immensely to fall asleep."

• Wac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2017

Buspirone for Anxiety "I used BuSpar 5 mg once every few years. It's very good for me and very mild. I tried double dosage once, and I was groggy. But on 5 mg, I was perfectly normal. When I get my anxiety attack (once every decade or so), my hands shake, can't eat, color of my face goes pale... but immediately after taking BuSpar, I feel much better. Please note that these medications don't work just as well on everybody. The nature of psychotropic medication would work wonders on one person and horribly or not at all on another person. You gotta keep trying until you find something that works for you."

• 40s...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2013

For Anxiety "This is my second day on Buspirone, 10 mg, twice a day (one every 12 hours), and already it has calmed my anxiety tremendously! I plan on continuing with Buspirone on a 'need-to' basis, like when a major event arises in my life. I have obsessive-compulsive disorder with high blood pressure, so when major events occur in my life, my mind runs 80 miles an hour trying to plan and manage everything down to the last detail. Then, I find myself overwhelmed, and I have anxiety attacks simply because I can't do it all by myself! Thanks to Buspirone, I'm calm and collected, and I can think more thoroughly and more effectively. My main side effects so far would be light-headedness and sleepiness, which is way better than anxiety attacks!"

• Anonymous
• August 1, 2011

For Anxiety "I have been taking this medicine for around 4 years. It has helped my anxiety so much. It stops the overwhelming thoughts and panic. I suffered a traumatic event and felt so much anxiety after, I didn't know what to do. I was prescribed 15 mg 2x a day but only take it once and feel that it's enough. The only side effects I feel are 'brain zaps' and dizziness if I forget to take the medicine after a day or two, but it goes away. It makes me drowsy too, but exercise helps with this. It may have caused weight gain, but nothing too over the top. The positive outcome of taking this medicine outweighs the negatives. Everyone is different, but this medicine works for me!"