Buspirone (Buspar) Mnemonic

Published by Latrina Walden

  • February 20, 2025
  • 00:25

Latrina Walden

Founder & CEO of LWES | MSN, MHA, FNP-C, FNP-BC, PMHNP

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Meet The Author

Latrina Walden

Latrina is the Founder & CEO of Latrina Walden Exam Solutions (LWES). Her background is in creating a NP Academy that supports and educates current and future nurses through an Academy.
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Table of Contents

    Key Points

    • Buspirone (Buspar) is an anti-anxiety medication used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and is considered a second-line treatment after SSRIs and SNRIs.
    • It has a delayed onset of action (about 2 weeks), making it ineffective for treating acute panic attacks.
    • Unlike benzodiazepines, buspirone does not cause sedation or dependence, making it a safer option for long-term anxiety treatment.

    Mechanism of Action

    • Buspirone primarily targets serotonin and dopamine receptors, acting as a partial agonist at serotonin (5-HT1A) receptors and a weak antagonist at dopamine (D2) receptors.
    • Unlike benzodiazepines, it does not affect GABA receptors, meaning it has less sedative effect and a lower risk of dependence.
    • Patients should take buspirone consistently, even if they don't notice immediate effects. Another anxiolytic may be prescribed temporarily until buspirone takes effect.

    Indications

    • Primarily used to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
    • Considered a second-line pharmacologic treatment for GAD after SSRIs or SNRIs.
    • Acts as a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic, providing relief from chronic anxiety without the sedative effects or dependency risks associated with benzodiazepines.
    • Also used to treat anxiety-related depression, often accompanying chronic anxiety.

    Side Effects

    • Does not cause tolerance or dependence like benzodiazepines.
    • Common side effects include dizziness, headache, and mild GI distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Taking with food can reduce GI upset.
    • Compared to benzodiazepines, buspirone has fewer sedative and hypnotic effects, lowering the risk of sedation or sleep issues.
    • Grapefruit juice may increase buspirone's levels in the blood, raising the risk of side effects.
    • Concurrent use with MAOIs can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
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