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How Long Does Buspirone Take to Work?
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Mental Health
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What to Do If Buspirone Isn’t Helping After 6 Weeks
If Buspar isn’t helping with anxiety after 6 weeks let your provider know that the medication hasn’t helped. There are several paths forward, and selecting the right one for you is a shared decision with your provider!
It may be that the dose simply isn’t high enough. Your provider may recommend increasing the dose. The typical maximum dose of Buspar is 60 mg per day, split up across two or three doses. Studies have shown no significant difference between twice vs three times daily dosing. Your provider may also recommend adding a second medication for additional benefit. Non-medication changes like exercise, time outdoors, or therapy can also be helpful for combating anxiety.
While you’re taking Buspar, it’s important to remain consistent. Missed doses can have a significant impact on the medication’s effectiveness. Buspar can be taken with or without food, but it should be taken the same way every time. If you’re finding it challenging to remember to take medication multiple times daily, you’re not alone. Many people find it helpful to set an alarm or calendar reminder, use a visual cue like a sticky note, or use a pill container placed in a clearly visible location like on the bathroom counter.
Keep your provider updated on any new supplements or medications you’re taking, as they may reduce the efficacy of Buspar. Do not stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor. Even if you’re not sure buspirone is helping, stopping suddenly can lead to rebounding anxiety symptoms.
Can You Take Buspirone With Other Anxiety Medications?
Buspirone can be safely combined with some other anxiety medications, but not all. If you’re wondering about the safety of buspirone with other medications you’re taking, speak to your healthcare provider about your questions. It’s important to make sure your provider is aware of all medications and supplements you take.
One study looked at combining Buspar with SSRIs, which are medications like Prozac (fluoxetine), Celexa (citalopram), and Zoloft (sertraline). SSRIs can be used for both depression and anxiety. The researchers included 119 patients in the study. While they did not see a clear benefit to adding Buspar to an SSRI, they also found no significant difference in the rate of adverse events. They concluded that adding Buspar to an SSRI is safe and well tolerated.
Another type of medication used for anxiety and depression is called MAOIs. Some MAOIs can also be used for Parkinson’s Disease. Examples of MAOIs include Emsam/Zelapar (selegiline) and Nardil (phenelzine). These medications cannot be safely taken with Buspar. Doctors recommend a 14 day waiting period off of either medication when switching between Buspar and an MAOI. This is to avoid the risk of something called serotonin syndrome, which can be very dangerous.
FAQs
When does buspirone kick in?
It can take 2-4 weeks to notice the benefits of buspirone. The change happens gradually as your brain adjusts. By the 4-6 week mark, full benefit is usually achieved for the dosing level.
Can you feel buspirone the first day?
Because buspirone takes a couple of weeks to build up in your system and take effect, you likely won’t feel anything the first day. This doesn’t mean the medication won’t work! Continue to take it as prescribed, and keep your provider updated on any questions or concerns.
When should you increase the dose of buspirone?
Your provider will help guide you through the initial dose adjustment process. It’s common to increase the dose every couple of days early in treatment to reach a standard level. If you’re not noticing benefits, or seeing only a little improvement, let your provider know!
Can you take buspirone as needed?
Buspirone is not approved for as-needed use. Reaching a consistent level of effectiveness requires several weeks of regular dosing, usually two or three times daily. If you’re struggling to stick to the frequent dosing required, talk to your healthcare provider about strategies that may be helpful, and if a different medication may be right for you.
What are the common side effects of Buspar?
The most common side effect of buspirone is dizziness, which occurs in just over 10% of patients. Drowsiness occurs in approximately 10% of patients. With dose changes, people may experience headache or nausea.
Is buspirone addictive?
No, buspirone is not addictive. The brain pathways that buspirone works on are different from those of benzodiazepines like Xanax, which can be addictive.
Does buspirone cause weight gain?
Buspirone is considered weight-neutral, meaning it is not typically associated with weight gain. This sets it apart from some other anxiety medications, including certain SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which may contribute to weight changes. If you're concerned about how your medication might affect your weight, talk to your provider about options.
Is buspirone an SSRI?
No. Buspirone is an anxiolytic that works on serotonin receptors differently than SSRIs. It belongs to a class of medications called azapirones. Buspirone is sometimes prescribed alongside an SSRI, but it is a separate type of medication with a different mechanism of action.
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If you’re struggling with anxiety, a healthcare provider on Mochi Health's telehealth platform can help you determine the best course of action for your needs. Check your eligibility here.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided does not constitute recommendations for treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific situation, symptoms, and treatment options.
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