Buspar As a Standalone

[anxious J]

Hi does anyone know how effective Buspar is as a standalone for long term anxiety use ? Thanks

[stevo1111]

I have been on Buspar as a stand alone for about 6 or so weeks now, well, in combination with CBT. Seems to be getting better with each dosage increase and each week. I'm on 11mg (7.5+ half of a 7.5) 2x per day right now. This is honestly the first med that has really even touched my generalized anxiety and, call me crazy, it seems to diminish the first adrenaline shock when a panic thought comes about, helping me get over my fear of panic.

To compare, I gave Lexapro a fare shake going up to 15mg and taking it for about 4 months and it did not touch the generalized anxious feeling. It did however absolutely block the ability to go into panic mode. Buspar does not have that claim, but I am seeing positive results in that realm also. Buspar slowly but surely began giving noticeable calmness and improvements at about 7 days and it has continued to improve with time and impress me.

It is worth a shot as the side effects are very mild.

[anxious J]

That is very good to hear stevo, Buspar half life is so short would the dose still be effective in the morning as that's when my anxiety seems to peak & hate waking up to this horrible constant gad ? Thanks J

[insights]

Buspar is one of a number of drugs that seem to work very well for a few and not at all for most. It is usually only effective for GAD and maybe social anxiety. I have never come across anyone with either PD, PTSD or OCD that benefited from it.

When it works it can be a great drug, relatively side-effect free and no withdrawal problems. However, it has a very short half-life so needs to be taken at least 3 x day which can sometimes be inconvenient.

Ian

[anxious J]

Can buspar be used long term without it poop out

[insights]

Can buspar be used long term without it poop out

Unfortunately, yes. Ironically, one of its off-label uses is to restore the effectiveness of SSRIs that have pooped out. There is a lot of weirdness in psychotropic meds.

Ian