Buspirone is a prescription medication used in treating anxiety disorders. The drug was originally developed for antipsychotic treatment, however, was found to be ineffective in dealing with psychosis. Despite its potentially useful effect on anxiety, the drug may cause sexual side effects in some patients such as an increase or decrease in libido. 40% of patients had at least one of these before starting buspirone, and 58% of them experienced improvement during 4 weeks of treatment with buspirone.1
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What is Buspirone (Buspar) & How Is It Used?
Buspirone is an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry. Commonly known as Buspar, buspirone helps treat anxiety by acting on certain chemicals in the brain that may be imbalanced. Hence, calming the mind and reducing feelings of worry and tension.
Physicians may also prescribe it off-label for other conditions such as social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) based on their professional judgment and the available scientific evidence.2
Does Buspirone Have Sexual Side Effects?
Unlike some medications for anxiety treatment such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) antidepressants, buspirone has a lower risk of causing sexual side effects. While SSRIs are known to potentially decrease libido and cause other sexual issues, buspirone has a more favorable sexual side effect.
However, you should know that the positive impact of buspirone on sexual function may not be immediate and may vary from person to person. The effects can persist as long as the person continues to take buspirone but may fluctuate or fade over time as well.
*All medications, including buspirone, can cause side effects that can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive discussion of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.
What Causes Buspirone’s Positive Effect on Sexual Functioning?
Buspirone’s positive effect on sexual functioning may be attributed to its specific pharmacological properties. Research suggests that the drug may enhance sexual function by modulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine in the brain.1
While research provides insights into the positive impact of buspirone on sexual functioning, it is important to consider individual variations. Talk to your healthcare professional for personalized advice and management of sexual side effects.
Buspirone Sexual Side Effects on Men
When it comes to men’s sexual performance, the effects of buspirone may vary. Buspirone is generally considered to have a lower risk of sexual side effects compared to other medications like SSRIs. Despite its positive effect, some individuals may still experience changes in libido or erectile dysfunction.3
A study was conducted on the influence of buspirone on sexual dysfunction in depressed patients treated with SSRIs. Approximately 58% of patients given buspirone reported an improvement in sexual function as compared to 30% of those given a placebo. The result suggests that buspirone’s effect on sexual dysfunction could be more of reversing SRRI’s sexual side effects than acting as a direct antidepressant effect.1
Buspirone Sexual Side Effects on Women
Buspirone can have different effects on women’s sexual functioning and libido. In some cases, it has been found to help improve sexual problems caused by certain antidepressants like SSRIs.
The positive effect was more evident in women and occurred early during treatment.1 It may reverse the sexual difficulties caused by SSRIs in women without making their anxiety worse. However, buspirone can also have negative effects on sexual functioning.
Some women may experience a decrease in sexual desire, difficulties reaching orgasm, or changes in arousal while taking buspirone. It’s important for women to talk to their healthcare provider about any concerns or changes they notice in their sexual function. The provider can offer personalized advice and explore other treatment options if necessary.4
Can You Take Buspirone to Treat Sexual Dysfunction from Antidepressants?
Buspirone can help treat erectile dysfunction caused by taking antidepressants. Adding buspirone to the treatment can alleviate sexual problems caused by antidepressant medications in both men and women.
When treating someone with multiple medications, the prescriber may adjust the prescription or timing of administration to optimize the benefits and reduce the risks of side effects. You need to consider the interactions between the medications and the treatment goals, aiming to find the right balance.
Buspirone, although primarily used for anxiety, can also be used off-label to address sexual dysfunction not related to depression treatment. Again, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your specific circumstances.5
What Anxiety Medications Have the Fewest Sexual Side Effects?
When it comes to treating anxiety, some medications are associated with fewer sexual side effects.
Here are some of the antidepressants that have a low association with sexual dysfunction:
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin): Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the class of medications known as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). It works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps to improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. This medication has been shown to cause less sexual dysfunction compared to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It can be a suitable option for individuals concerned about drug-related sexual side effects.
- Buspirone (BuSpar): Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medication that works by affecting serotonin receptors in the brain. It does not impact serotonin levels as significantly as SSRIs, which may contribute to a lower risk of sexual side effects.
- Hydroxyzine (Vistaril): Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that can be used to manage anxiety. It is considered to have a low risk of sexual side effects and is sometimes prescribed as a non-addictive alternative to benzodiazepines.
- Amitriptyline (Elavil): Amitriptyline is an older tricyclic antidepressant that may be considered a less expensive alternative. However, it’s important to note that while it may have a lower association with sexual side effects, it can have other adverse effects that should be taken into consideration.6
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Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About the Sexual Side Effects of Buspirone
If you are taking buspirone for anxiety or as an add-on treatment for depression, you may want to know about its possible sexual side effects. Buspirone may improve or worsen your sexual functioning, depending on your individual response and the type and dose of your antidepressant.
You should ask your doctor or psychiatrist about the benefits and risks of buspirone for your sexual health, and how to manage any sexual problems that may arise. There are also options for online psychiatry services for better convenience to you, and doctors who you can build a long-lasting relationship with.
Questions to ask your care team about the sexual side effects of buspirone include:
- How long will it take for me to adjust to taking buspirone?
- Am I at risk for more severe symptoms if I am already taking other anxiety/depression medications?
- What is the best dosage to ensure fewer side effects?
- When should I reach out to you if I am experiencing sexual side effects?
- Is there anything I should tell my therapist about this new medication?
- How does buspirone affect my sexual function?
- How common are the sexual side effects of buspirone?
- What can I do to cope with the sexual side effects of buspirone?
- What are the common side effects of buspirone? Are there any rare or severe side effects?
- Is buspirone safe to use during pregnancy? What are the potential risks to the unborn baby?
- Can buspirone pass into breast milk? Should breastfeeding mothers avoid taking buspirone?
- How should buspirone be taken? Are there any specific instructions regarding dosage or administration?
- Can buspirone cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly? Should the dosage be gradually decreased when discontinuing the medication?
- Does buspirone have any interactions with certain foods or beverages? For example, is it safe to consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking buspirone?
In My Experience
In my experience as a pharmacist, I emphasize the importance of addressing sexual side effects when prescribing anxiety medications. Open and honest discussions between patients and healthcare providers play a crucial role in making informed decisions about treatment options. Medications such as buspirone are generally associated with a lower risk of sexual side effects, but individual variations in response exist. By acknowledging this concern, patients can work with their healthcare providers to find the most suitable medication that minimizes potential impact on sexual function while effectively managing anxiety symptoms.
In addition to medication, seeking support for anxiety is highly beneficial. Incorporating therapy or counseling alongside medication treatment can provide a comprehensive approach to managing anxiety. Therapy helps individuals develop coping strategies, acquire tools for self-care, and address the root causes of anxiety, leading to significant improvements in overall well-being. By combining medication and therapy, patients can experience better outcomes and a higher quality of life.
To ensure optimal care, I encourage patients to maintain open lines of communication with their healthcare providers throughout the treatment process. Regular check-ins and discussions about any concerns, including sexual side effects, allow for adjustments to medication dosage or alternative treatment options, if necessary. It is important to remember that each person’s experience is unique, and working closely with healthcare professionals is key to finding the most effective and tailored approach to managing anxiety while considering sexual health.
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