How long does it take for buspirone to work?
Buspirone, commonly prescribed for anxiety, is not a fast-acting medication and typically takes 2 to 4 weeks of regular use before most people experience noticeable improvement in symptoms. Unlike medications such as alprazolam or lorazepam, buspirone must be taken consistently and does not provide immediate relief. Full benefits may take up to a month or more to appear, and due to its pharmacology, the effect is usually gradual rather than instant.
What Is Buspirone Used For?
Buspirone is FDA-approved for treating anxiety disorders or the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. It has also been used off-label for:
- Augmentation of depression therapy
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Unlike benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, lorazepam), buspirone is non-addictive and does not cause sedation, muscle relaxation, or withdrawal effects.
How Long Does It Take for Buspirone to Start Working?
Buspirone is not a medication that provides immediate relief for anxiety. While some people may begin to feel some effects within the first week or two, it can take 2 to 4 weeks to reach its full therapeutic effect. For most people, the effects are gradual and are not instant.
How quickly buspirone begins working depends on several factors, such as:
- Dosage
- Patient metabolism
- Severity of anxiety
Does Buspirone Work Right Away?
No, Buspirone is not effective for acute anxiety or panic attacks and does not provide immediate relief like fast-acting benzodiazepines. Understanding these expectations are important to prevent early discontinuation of the medication.
How Long Does Buspirone Last in the Body?
It takes about 10-15 hours for buspirone to completely leave the body. This is based on its short half-life of 2-3 hours. Because buspirone breaks down more slowly in patients with liver problems, it could take longer to leave the body in those with a history of liver damage. One study found it takes twice as long compared to healthy patients.
Keep in mind that buspirone is not an “as needed” medication. It is typically prescribed 2-3 times a day. Missing doses may reduce effectiveness of the medication.
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What If Buspirone Isn’t Working Yet?
Do not stop taking buspirone without consulting a doctor. Possible reasons for delayed effect include:
- Dose may be too low
- Missed doses
- Not enough time has passed (full response can take 3-4 weeks)
Your healthcare provider may adjust the dose, recommend switching to another medication (like an SSRI), or suggest combining with therapy for best results.
Summary Table
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does buspirone work immediately? | No |
| When does buspirone start working? | 2–4 weeks |
| When is full effect seen? | Up to 4 weeks |
| How long does buspirone last? | 10-15 hours for full elimination (healthy individuals); usually dosed 2-3 times a day |
| What if buspirone is not working? | Consult a doctor for dose adjustment or alternatives |
This is not all the information you need to know about buspirone for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full patient medication guide and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Buspirone tablet [package insert]. Updated May 2024. Accord Healthcare Inc. Accessed on September 13, 2025 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3da22999-f5fb-49fd-acde-c3006598e985
- Duffy, J. D., & Malloy, P. F. (1994). Efficacy of buspirone in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: an open trial. Annals of clinical psychiatry : official journal of the American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrists, 6(1), 33–37. https://doi.org/10.3109/10401239409148837
- Lader M. (1987). Assessing the potential for buspirone dependence or abuse and effects of its withdrawal. The American journal of medicine, 82(5A), 20–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9343(87)90199-9
- Mahmood, I., & Sahajwalla, C. (1999). Clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of buspirone, an anxiolytic drug. Clinical pharmacokinetics, 36(4), 277–287. https://doi.org/10.2165/00003088-199936040-00003
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2024, January). Buspirone. Accessed on September 13, 2025 at https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/treatments/mental-health-medications/types-of-medication/buspirone/
- Nazari, H., Yari, F., Jariani, M., Marzban, A., & Birgandy, M. (2013). Premenstrual syndrome: a single-blind study of treatment with buspirone versus fluoxetine. Archives of gynecology and obstetrics, 287(3), 469–472. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-012-2594-x
- Wilson TK, Tripp J. Buspirone. [Updated 2023 Jan 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Accessed on September 13, 2025 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531477/
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Drug information
- Buspirone Information for Consumers
- Buspirone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Buspirone (detailed)
- Buspirone user reviews (1,375)