Buspar and Buspirone are both anti-anxiety medications. However, Buspar is a common medication for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in older adults, and Buspirone is prescribed in some instances.
While Buspar is not suitable for the elderly, Buspar is prescribed for the younger demographic of adults with GAD. This article will look at whether Buspar is better for the elderly than Buspirone.
Buspar (Buspirone) was first developed in the 1960s. It is a non-addictive medication, meaning it doesn’t require the medication you take to be effective. In the United States, buspirone is sold under the brand names Buspar and Xanax, and it has been widely used since its launch in the 1960s.
Buspirone is available as a prescription medication. It can be taken by mouth, usually once daily, for several weeks at a time. Buspirone is also available in capsule form, and is taken as needed. The main advantage of Buspar is that it doesn’t require a doctor’s prescription, which means that it can be taken without a problem. The most common side effects of Buspar include nausea, dry mouth, stomach upset, insomnia, dizziness, headache, and tremor.
Buspar is available as a 20mg capsule or a 30mg tablet. You can take Buspar at a lower dosage or as needed.
The most common side effects of Buspar include:
Buspar may have some side effects, such as:
In general, you should take Buspar at the lowest effective dose. Your doctor will prescribe Buspar for this use.
Your doctor will adjust your dose based on your body’s response to the medication. Typically, the initial dosage is one capsule a day, taken by mouth, for about four to six weeks. The medication should be taken at the same time each day, with or without food.
Your doctor will adjust your dosage based on your age. Your body’s response to the medication will be adjusted based on your age. For example, adults older than 65 may start taking Buspar at a lower dose, which is usually 25 mg. You should also take the medication at the same time each day to ensure that the effects of the drug are not too much. Your age is also a factor in the effectiveness of Buspar. Older adults are more likely to experience side effects, such as dry mouth and constipation.
Your doctor may prescribe Buspar for a variety of different patient populations, such as:
Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your age, age-specific health conditions, or your specific age group.
Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmDLast updated on March 26, 2025
Drug Information| | |
Buspirone is a medication prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is classified as a tricyclic antidepressant with an atypical antidepressant spectrum of activity.
Buspirone is an atypical selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) which is used with a GABAA-inhibiting enzyme to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Buspirone is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders or to treat symptoms of anxiety such as insomnia and panic disorder. It works by affecting the reuptake of serotonin between the nerve cells of the brain.
Buspirone is thought to work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the nervous system, which helps to alleviate feelings of nervousness and anxiety. It also helps to reduce panic episodes, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and other anxiety symptoms.
Buspirone is not approved for use in children under the age of 18 years in the UK.
Generic versions of Buspar are also available, typically being at a higher concentration point than the brand name equivalents.
Seek medical attention if you or your child experiences sudden and unexpected anxiety symptoms after taking Buspar.
Discuss the benefits and risks of taking Buspar with your healthcare provider.
This product is further evidence that buspirone is effective in treating symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Buspirone is sometimes used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Buspirone may interact with other medications or substances, cause adverse reactions in patients, and be used as a supplant in hospitals and clinics.
This is not the same as needing to take a blood pressure medicine for the right conditions. Buspar can interact with certain medications and substances.
Buspirone may also cause side effects in some patients, including nausea, dizziness, headache, and changes in mental status. Serious side effects are rare but could occur. Serious side effects require medical attention and include allergic reactions, seizures, and changes in blood pressure (fainting).
Serious side effects can occur but rarely require medical attention. Serious side effects include sudden hearing loss, severe stomach or kidney damage, unusual changes in heart rhythm (arrhythmias), and changes in blood pressure (high blood pressure).
Serious side effects include sudden loss of vision, hearing loss, chest pain, confusion, irregular heart rhythm, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in behavior (such as agitation, hallucinations, mood swings, or suicidal behavior).
Buspirone should be used in children with a history of seizures or mental health conditions who have stopped taking MAO inhibitors within the past 6 months to treat anxiety disorders. Seizures and mental health conditions may make buspirone a more appropriate option for treatment of these conditions. Serious side effects are rare but could occur but rarely require medical attention and require medical attention and require medical attention and require medical attention and require medical attention and require medical attention and require medical attention and require medical attention and require medical attention and require medical attention and require medical attention and require medical attention and require medical attention and require medical attention and require medical attention and require medical attention and require medical attention and require medical and require medical and need medical and require medical and avoid interactions.
|buspirone (generic) | Generic | Dosage (generic) | time(s) | available | Available | Warnings (in clinical trials) | (documented) | (documented) | |
|buspirone (generic) | 30 | 3/4 tablets | 0.25-0.5mg, 0.25-0.5mg, 0.5-0.
Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmDLast updated on April 17, 2025
Drug Information| | |
Buspirone is a medication prescribed to treat anxiety and help manage symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Buspirone is primarily used to treat anxiety symptoms in adults who do not respond to other anxiety medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).
Buspirone works by affecting the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help improve control over anxiety and reduce the risk of nervous system reactions like nervous spasms and seizures.
It may also help with managing symptoms of other mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and anxiety-providing disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Buspirone is typically taken orally with or without food. The dosage may vary based on the condition being treated and other factors such as the patient's response and severity of symptoms.
The effects of Buspirone can last from several weeks through the first day after taking the medication. Symptoms of anxiety that you may notice with Buspirone may improve as the body adjusts.
The duration of treatment with Buspirone will depend on the specific condition being treated and the dosage and schedule prescribed by your healthcare provider.
In general, Buspirone is generally considered an effective and safe supplement to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and its symptoms. It can improve symptoms, but it should be used under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional.
It's important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage and frequency of treatment. Additionally, it's important to note that Buspirone does not work if the patient does not have a known response to the medication or if the condition does not improve after several weeks of starting treatment.
Buspirone is available in the USA as an over-the-counter (OTC) prescription. Many individuals (such as Jessica) require Buspirone for a condition such as anxiety or to manage symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
However, OTC buspirone is not appropriate for everyone. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking Buspirone to ensure it is effective and appropriate for your specific health history.
It can be dangerous to take Buspirone if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Buspirone is generally prescribed for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), but it can cause side effects in some people. Serious side effects are rare but could include headache, dizziness, nausea, stomach pain, or dizziness. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking Buspirone for anxiety symptoms.
Additionally, Buspirone is typically used to treat symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD can include difficulty performing compulsive behavior attempts, focusing more on previously unseen goals rather than on real life experiences, and changes in behavior or mood. It can cause drowsiness.
Additionally, OTC buspirone is not approved for the treatment of depression. It's essential to research the potential benefits and risks of Buspirone for depression, especially when it occurs because of underlying conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.
Additionally, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking Buspirone to ensure it is effective and appropriate for your specific needs and circumstances. They can help you determine the benefits and risks for Buspirone treatment. Additionally, it's important to use Buspirone as prescribed and to be patient and not switch from one medication to the next.
Therefore, while Buspirone is generally considered an effective medication for anxiety disorders, it can cause side effects in some people. If you or a loved one is prescribed Buspirone and you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical attention immediately.
Buspar is an anti-depressant medication used to treat anxiety and depression. It can also be used in combination with other medications to help you stay calm and less anxious.
Buspar works by blocking the release of certain chemicals that cause anxiety and depression. When the brain is under stress, it can become overactive and feel anxious. When the anxiety is too high or too low, the chemicals that make up the serotonin and norepinephrine receptors may become overactive.
Buspar is generally considered safe for most people, but it may cause some side effects. These may include:
Less common side effects include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately:
If you notice any of these symptoms, stop taking Buspar and talk to your doctor immediately:
If you notice any of the following symptoms, stop taking Buspar and speak to your doctor immediately:
In addition, some individuals may have suicidal thoughts or actions. If you experience suicidal thoughts or actions, it is important to seek medical help right away.
No, it is not approved for everyone. However, some people may have used Buspar for a long time and need a different medication to treat anxiety or depression. It is important to discuss your options with your doctor before starting a new medication.
No, it does not cause depression. However, it is a type of medication called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Serotonin is a chemical that is thought to increase the levels of serotonin in your brain. This increases the levels of serotonin, leading to feelings of heightened alertness, increased happiness, and increased pleasure.
No, Buspar is not approved for the treatment of depression. However, it can cause certain side effects.
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