Buspirone (Buspar) Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long-Term, & What to Do About Them

What Is Buspirone?

Buspirone belongs to the class of drugs known as anxiolytics, a class of medication prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. This medication works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced, hence, contributing to anxiety symptoms. Unlike benzodiazepines, another class of anti-anxiety medications, buspirone does not have sedative effects and is considered non-addictive.¹

There are several FDA-approved uses for buspirone, including the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and providing short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. However, buspirone also has off-label uses that are not approved by the FDA. Some non-FDA-approved uses of buspirone include the management of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, and panic disorders.

Common Side Effects of Buspirone

Like any other drug, buspirone can sometimes cause unwanted side effects that may or may not require medical attention.

Common side effects of buspirone may include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Nervousness
• Excitement
• Trouble sleeping
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Sweating or clammy skin
• Rash

These side effects are usually mild and may go away as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if they persist or worsen, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Serious Side Effects of Buspirone

Buspirone may produce serious side effects that require timely medical attention such as allergic reactions or potentially life-threatening cardiovascular complications. This is why it is important to seek immediate medical help if any adverse reactions are experienced while taking the drug.

Serious side effects of buspirone may include:

• Chest pain
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Bladder issues
• Tremor
• Seizures
• Congestive heart failure
• Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)
• Bradycardia (slowed heart rate)
• Serotonin syndrome
• Hallucinations
• Suicidal ideation

If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking buspirone and call your doctor or 911 right away.

Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is an adverse condition that occurs when there is an excessive buildup of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. This occurs when certain medications, such as buspirone, increase serotonin levels beyond what the body can handle, which may lead to potentially life-threatening complications.

High serotonin levels can cause a range of symptoms such as:

• Agitation
• Confusion
• Rapid heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Dilated pupils
• Tremors, muscle rigidity
• High body temperature
• Seizures

Serotonin syndrome is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention and can have serious consequences if left untreated. It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly for any signs or symptoms of serotonin syndrome while taking buspirone or other medications that affect serotonin levels.

Allergic Reactions

Some people may experience allergic reactions to buspirone, which can range from mild to severe. It’s impossible to predict whether a rash will soon involve shortness of breath, so get medical advice if you experience this. Allergies due to buspirone may be rare but can happen anytime during the treatment.²

Allergic reactions to buspirone may include:

• Trouble breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Hives or rash
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Muscle stiffness or twitching
• Confusion or agitation
• High fever or sweating
• Seizure or loss of consciousness

If you have a history of allergies to other medications, especially those that affect serotonin levels, you may be at a higher risk of allergic reaction to buspirone. You should tell your doctor about your allergies before taking the drug.

It is noteworthy to avoid taking buspirone with other medications that can increase serotonin levels, such as antidepressants unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Interactions With Buspirone

Buspirone can interact with many other medications, foods, and health conditions that may increase the risk of side effects or reduce effectiveness.

Some examples of buspirone interactions include:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): MAOIs include medications such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and selegiline. These drugs can cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome when taken with buspirone.
• Calcium channel blockers: These medications include diltiazem, which treats high blood pressure and angina (chest pain from poor blood flow to the heart). This drug can increase the blood levels of buspirone and cause more side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea.
• Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir / Ritonavir): This combination antiviral drug is used to treat COVID-19. This drug can also increase the blood levels of buspirone and cause more side effects.
• Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice can affect how buspirone is metabolized by the liver and increase its effects or side effects
• Renal or liver disease: These conditions can impair the clearance of buspirone from the body and increase its effects or side effects.

Buspirone has other possible interactions, so you should tell your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and medical conditions you have. It is also important to avoid drinking alcohol while taking buspirone as it can worsen your anxiety and impair your judgment.

Acting on your doctor’s instructions on how to take buspirone is crucial and it is important to report any unusual symptoms or problems that may arise.

Who Experiences the Most Side Effects on Buspirone?

Some people may experience more side effects from buspirone during the first week of their treatment or when changing doses. Buspirone side effects may vary depending on several factors, such as the dose, duration, and individual sensitivity of the person taking it.

Some health conditions may also increase the risk of developing side effects, such as liver or kidney problems, bipolar disorder, or a history of drug abuse. Additionally, some medications, substances, and herbal supplements may interact with buspirone and cause harmful effects, such as serotonin syndrome.

Buspirone Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Side Effects

Some people may have concerns about taking buspirone. For example, they may worry about its side effects, such as drowsiness, nausea, or headache. They may also wonder if it is addictive or interacts with other drugs or alcohol.

Here are some of the common questions about taking buspirone:

How Long Do Buspirone Side Effects Tend to Last?

Buspirone can cause some side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and nervousness. These side effects are usually mild and tend to go away within a few weeks of starting the treatment. However, some people may experience more severe or persistent side effects that require medical attention. If you have any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away: chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, confusion, hallucinations, fever, rash, or muscle stiffness.²

Does Buspirone Cause Anger or Other Emotional Side Effects?

Buspirone may cause some emotional side effects in rare cases, such as anger, hostility, irritability, or agitation. These side effects are more likely to occur when starting the medication and may decrease over time. If you experience any of these side effects while taking buspirone, you should talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose or switching to another medication.

Buspirone Withdrawal

Unlike some other anti-anxiety drugs, buspirone does not cause physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms when it is stopped. This is because buspirone works differently in the brain.

Meanwhile, buspirone does not affect GABA directly. It only modulates the activity of another neurotransmitter called serotonin which works in mood regulation and emotional processing.

Buspirone stimulates serotonin receptors to a certain degree, but not as much as serotonin itself. Since the brain does not need to adjust to a sudden change in serotonin activity, there is no withdrawal when buspirone is stopped.

Other Warnings & Precautions For Taking Buspirone

Buspirone may not be suitable for everyone and may cause some side effects. Because of these factors, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to see if taking buspirone may be a suitable treatment for your anxiety symptoms.

Here are some precautions for taking buspirone:

• Do not take buspirone if you are allergic to it or its ingredients.
• Do not take buspirone if you take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), a type of antidepressant, or have taken one in the past 14 days. This may cause a severe increase in blood pressure.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking buspirone. This may increase the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired coordination.
• Buspirone may make you sleepy, dizzy, or less alert than usual. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially kidney or liver disease, or a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The effects of buspirone on the unborn baby or nursing infant are not known.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines may interact with buspirone and affect how it works or increase the risk of side effects.

Interference With Thoughts & Body Movement

Buspirone is a medicine that can help with anxiety, however, it may affect your ability to think clearly and move quickly. This is called interference with cognitive and motor performance.

Studies show that buspirone is less likely to cause this problem than other antianxiety medicines, but it can still happen in some people. Therefore, you should be careful when driving a car or using machines until you know how buspirone affects you. You should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking buspirone, as it may worsen the problem.¹

Pregnancy

Anxiety can be related to pregnancy itself, such as fear of labor, becoming a parent, or other aspects of life. About 35% of pregnant women have severe anxiety and 20% have an anxiety disorder, and some have questions about taking anxiety medication while pregnant.

Buspirone is an anxiolytic drug that belongs to pregnancy category B, meaning that animal studies have not shown any fetal harm, but human studies are lacking. Some data suggest that buspirone exposure in the first trimester may not increase the risk of major malformations, but more research is needed. Therefore, buspirone should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and under the guidance of a doctor.

Kidney or Liver Disease

Do not use buspirone if you have kidney or liver disease. Buspirone can accumulate in your body and cause harmful effects if your kidneys or liver are not functioning correctly.

Interaction with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI)

Do not use buspirone if taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). This is a type of antidepressant that can interact with buspirone and cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.

Drinking Alcohol

Do not drink alcohol while using buspirone. Alcohol can increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by buspirone and impair your ability to perform tasks that require alertness.

Buspirone Interaction With Other Drugs

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbal products, and supplements. Some medicines can affect how buspirone works or increase the risk of side effects.