Buspirone Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments

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Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 14, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 5 mg; 10 mg; 15 mg; 30 mg; 7.5 mg

Usual Adult Dose for:

• Anxiety

Additional dosage information:

• Renal Dose Adjustments
• Liver Dose Adjustments
• Precautions
• Dialysis
• Other Comments

Usual Adult Dose for Anxiety

• Initial Dose: 7.5 mg orally 2 times a day
• Maintenance Dose: Dosage may be increased 5 mg per day at intervals of 2 to 3 days, as needed.
• Maximum Dose: 60 mg per day

Use: Management of anxiety disorders or the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms.

Renal Dose Adjustments

• Mild to Moderate Renal Impairment: Dose adjustments may be required; however, no specific guidelines have been suggested. Caution is recommended.
• Severe Renal Impairment: Not recommended.

Liver Dose Adjustments

• Mild to Moderate Hepatic Impairment: Dose adjustments may be required; however, no specific guidelines have been suggested. Caution is recommended.
• Severe Hepatic Impairment: Not recommended.

Precautions

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available.

Other Comments

Administration Advice:

• This drug should be taken at the same time each day, and consistently with or without food.
• The usual therapeutic dosage is 15 to 30 mg per day given in divided doses; the dosage should be individualized for each patient.
• The usefulness of this drug should be periodically reassessed if used for extended periods.

General:

• The effectiveness of this drug for more than 3 to 4 weeks has not been demonstrated.
• Overdosage: There is no specific antidote.
• Anxiolytic agents like this drug are not typically used to treat anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life.

Patient Advice:

• Avoid drinking or ingesting any grapefruit products.
• Avoid driving and other potentially dangerous activities such as operating machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

More about buspirone

• Check interactions
• Compare alternatives
• Pricing & coupons
• Reviews (1,294)
• Drug images
• Side effects
• Patient tips
• During pregnancy
• Support group
• Drug class: miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics
• Breastfeeding
• En español

Patient resources

• Drug Information

Other brands

BuSpar, Vanspar

Professional resources

• Prescribing Information

Related treatment guides

• Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced
• Anxiety
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Panic Disorder

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Buspirone Interactions Checker – Drugs.com

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There are 480 drugs known to interact with
buspirone, along with
5 disease interactions, and 1 alcohol/food interaction.

Of the total drug interactions,
104 are major, 374 are moderate, and 2 are minor.

Does buspirone interact with my other drugs?

Enter other medications to view a detailed report.

• View all 480 medications that may interact with buspirone
• View buspirone alcohol/food interactions (1)
• View buspirone disease interactions (5)

Most frequently checked interactions

View interaction reports for buspirone and the medicines listed below.

• Major
• Moderate
• Minor
• Unknown

• Abilify (aripiprazole)
• Adderall (amphetamine / dextroamphetamine)
• Ambien (zolpidem)
• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Cymbalta (duloxetine)
• Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
• Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
• Flonase (fluticasone nasal)
• Klonopin (clonazepam)
• Lamictal (lamotrigine)
• Lexapro (escitalopram)
• Lyrica (pregabalin)
• Metoprolol Succinate ER (metoprolol)
• Metoprolol Tartrate (metoprolol)
• Norco (acetaminophen / hydrocodone)
• ProAir HFA (albuterol)
• Prozac (fluoxetine)
• Seroquel (quetiapine)
• Singulair (montelukast)
• Synthroid (levothyroxine)
• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
• Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
• Wellbutrin XL (bupropion)
• Xanax (alprazolam)
• Zofran (ondansetron)
• Zoloft (sertraline)
• Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Buspirone alcohol/food interactions

There is 1 alcohol/food interaction with buspirone.

Buspirone disease interactions

There are 5 disease interactions with buspirone which include:

• depression
• renal/liver disease
• glaucoma
• liver disease
• drug dependence

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More about buspirone

• buspirone consumer information
• Compare alternatives
• Pricing & coupons
• Reviews (1,294)
• Drug images
• Side effects
• Dosage information
• Patient tips
• During pregnancy
• Support group
• Drug class: miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics
• Breastfeeding
• En español

Related treatment guides

• Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced
• Anxiety
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Panic Disorder

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.

Major	Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate	Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor	Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown	No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Buspirone (Buspar) Dosage: What You Need to Know

Disclaimer

If you have any medical questions or concerns, contact your doctor. Articles in the Health Guide are based on peer-reviewed research and information from medical societies and government agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Buspirone (brand name Buspar) is FDA approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and the short-term treatment of anxiety. Buspirone is part of a class of drugs known as anxiolytics (drugs for anxiety). Anxiolytics relieve anxiety symptoms by changing the levels of certain brain chemicals like serotonin (MedlinePlus, 2020).

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The mechanism of action of buspirone is not well known, but it increases the activity of serotonin receptors (5-HT1A receptors), which may help reduce anxiety.

Vitals

• Buspirone (brand name Buspar) is an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) and the short-term treatment of anxiety.
• Most likely, it relieves the symptoms of anxiety by affecting the level of serotonin in the brain.
• Buspirone is available as 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg and 30 mg tablets. The maximum daily dosage of buspirone is 60 mg.
• You can take buspirone with or without food – whichever way you choose, be sure to take it consistently.

Buspirone is also used off-label for unipolar depression as an add-on treatment (adding one drug to another to treat the condition with maximum effect). Another use of buspirone is to reduce the sexual side effects of SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) antidepressants, which can include anorgasmia, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction (Wilson, 2020).

Dosage of buspirone

Buspirone tablets (also known as buspirone hydrochloride) are available in strengths of 5 mg, 7. 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg and 30 mg. The recommended starting dose for generalized anxiety disorder is 10-15 mg per day. You can split this into 7.5mg or 5mg doses. Depending on your response, your healthcare provider may advise you to increase your dose by 5 mg every two or three days until you achieve the desired effect. The usual maintenance dose is 15-30 mg per day. The maximum daily dose of buspirone is 60 mg (Wilson, 2020).

For adults over 65 years of age, the recommended starting dose is 5 mg twice daily, increased by 5 mg daily every two to three days if necessary. The usual maintenance dose is 15 to 30 mg per day, divided into two to three doses. The maximum amount you should take per day is 60 mg (PDR, n.d.).

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The levels of buspirone in your body may vary depending on whether you take the medicine with food or on an empty stomach. You can take buspirone with or without food – whichever way you choose, be sure to take it that way. consistently (DailyMed, 2019).

If you miss a dose of buspirone, take it as soon as you remember. However, you should skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose – never take two doses to make up for a missed dose.

Buspirone should be stored at room temperature out of the reach of children.

Side effects of buspirone

Studies have shown that buspirone is generally safe and well tolerated. However, as with many medications, side effects can occur.

The most common side effects of Buspirone include dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness, headache, nervousness, stomach problems such as nausea, diarrhea, weakness, blurred vision, and chest pain (DailyMed, 2019).

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This is not a complete list of side effects of buspirone. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you have questions about buspirone side effects or more information about medications.

Buspirone Warnings

Buspirone may cause serious neurological effects. These include (DailyMed, 2019):

• Akathisia (anxiety)
• Pseudoparkinsonism, a drug-induced condition that mimics the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
• Tardive dyskinesia or involuntary repetitive movements such as blinking, grimacing, twitching or shaking.
• Central nervous system slowdown (drowsiness, slow reflexes, etc.)
• Serotonin syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by elevated levels of serotonin in the brain. Symptoms include mental status changes (confusion, agitation, or restlessness), muscle twitches or rigidity, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, loss of muscle coordination, dilated pupils, nausea, vomiting, and sweating. Serotonin syndrome can occur after taking any medication that increases serotonin levels. If you experience any symptoms of serotonin syndrome while taking buspirone, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Buspirone is classified as Category B by the FDA. It is not clear whether it is safe to take buspirone while pregnant or breastfeeding. Pregnant or lactating women should only take buspirone if clearly needed.

You should not drive or operate heavy machinery while using buspirone as it may cause sedation.

Buspirone is not recommended for people with significant liver problems (liver failure) or reduced kidney function (renal failure).

Buspirone drug interactions

Buspirone can cause dangerous drug interactions, so always tell your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines you are taking.

Never take buspirone with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as this may lead to serotonin syndrome. Do not take buspirone by mouth for 14 days of taking MAO inhibitors. Examples of MAOIs include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine (DailyMed, 2019).

Taking medications that affect CYP3A4, the liver enzyme that breaks down buspirone, can affect the levels of buspirone in the body. This may require dose adjustment. These medications include diltiazem, verapamil, erythromycin, itraconazole, nefazodone, rifampin, ketoconazole, ritonavir, dexamethasone, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine (DailyMed, 2019).

Buspirone may cause drowsiness and alcohol may increase this effect. You should not drink alcohol while taking buspirone (MedlinePlus, 2020.).

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Some studies show that drinking grapefruit juice while taking buspirone may increase the concentration of buspirone in the body. Therefore, avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice while taking buspirone (DailyMed, 2019).

Recommendations

1. Buspirone: MedlinePlus drug information. (2020). Retrieved September 17, 2020, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a688005.html
2. Buspirone hydrochloride – Summary of medications. Digital directory of prescribers. (no data). Retrieved September 17, 2020, from https://www. pdr.net/drug-summary/Buspirone-Hydrochloride-Tablets-USP-5-mg-10-mg-15-mg-30-mg-buspirone-hydrochloride- 1524
3. DailyMed – BUSPIRONE HCL – Buspirone hydrochloride tablet. (2019). Retrieved September 17, 2020, from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=33999f17-f689-40a1-955a-fb19c0590e0e
4. Wilson, T.K., & Tripp, J. (2020). Buspirone. At Stat Pearls. Stat Pearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30285372/

Learn more

Antipsychotics – description. The action of neuroleptics.

Oxylidine (benzoclidine)

Original domestic drug. Blocks the reticular formation of the brain.

Has a sedative, hypotensive, adrenolytic and ganglion blocking effect. It is a thymoanaleptic with a strong anxiolytic and hypnotic effect.

Indications:

1) anxiety-depressive syndrome in disorders of cerebral circulation and organic inferiority;

2) poor tolerance to other blood pressures.

Doses – 300-500 mg/day.

Buspirone (buspar)

Anxiolytic properties predominate, i.e. a tranquilizer. Target – syndrome: undifferentiated anxiety of various origins. Doses – 20-30 mg / day – 60 mg / day.

Well tolerated.

Sometimes – dizziness, nausea, gastralgia, dysphoria. Can not be combined with MAO inhibitors (increases blood pressure). Increases the level of haloperidol in the blood.

Combined preparations

Amiksid

Composition: amitriptyline 25 mg, chlordiazepoxide 10 mg. Pharmacokinetics: rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. T ‘/ ₂ = 20 hours (amitriptyline) and 10 hours (tranquilizer).

Metabolized in the liver. 94% binds to plasma proteins. Indications: Anxious depression of various origins.

Daily dose – 1-6 tablets.

Side effects and contraindications as for tricyclic ADs.

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotics occupy a central place in clinical psychopharmacology as the main means of active therapy. The discovery of neuroleptics and their effects in mental disorders occurred in 1946-1954, when chlorpromazine and reserpine were synthesized.

It has been found that there are chemical compounds of different structure, but having similar therapeutic effect and causing the same side effects.

It was found that the drugs called “psychotropics” have certain effects on healthy people.

Antipsychotics (“antipsychotics”, “major tranquilizers”, “neuroleptics”) are drugs that have an inhibitory effect on the functions of the central nervous system, without causing impairment of consciousness, intellectual disturbances and can eliminate the symptoms of psychosis.

There are different principles for classifying antipsychotics.

Grouping drugs by structural relationship, which determines the similarity of pharmacological action

Phenothiazine derivatives:

– aliphatic phenothiazine derivatives chlorpromazine, tizercin, propazine, diprazine;

– phenothiazine piperidine derivatives sonapax, neuleptin, mepazine, pyrorthyl;

– phenothiazine piperazine derivatives triftazin, meterazine, etaperazine, liogen, frenolone, mazheptil.

Thioxanthene derivatives (thioxanthenes): chlorprothixene, sordinol, thiothixene, clopixol, fluanxol.

Butyrophenone derivatives (butyrophenones): haloperidol, trisedyl, methylperidol, benzperidol, droperidol.

Indole derivatives: carbide.

Benzodiazepine derivatives: Leponex, Zyprexa.

Benzamide derivatives: barnetyl, prosulpin, eglonil, tiapridal. Original antipsychotics: zotepin, rispolept.

Long-acting drugs: pimozide, penfluridol, fluspirilene, moditendepo.

Rauwolfia alkaloids.

Mental effects of psychotropic drugs are presented in Table. 25. By increasing the strength of the general antipsychotic effect, neuroleptics can be schematically lined up in the following sequence (for childhood and adolescence): neuleptil, propazin, tizercin, sonopax, chlorprothixene, chlorpromazine, frenolone, eglonil, etaperizin, meterazin, triftazin, leponex, haloperidol, trisedil , pyroportyl, mazheptil.

According to the increase in the severity of the calming, sedative effect during anxiety and agitation, the preparations form the following series: sonopax, chlorprothixene, neuleptil, propazine, leponex, chlorpromazine, tizercin.

By increasing anti-anxiety action: sonapax, chlorprothixene, eglonil (seduxen, phenazepam – from the group of “small” tranquilizers), leponex.

By increasing activating, psychostimulating effect: sonapax, carbidine, etaperazine, frenolon, triftazine, eglonil, meterazine, haloperidol, trisedyl, pyrorthyl, mazheptil.

The mechanism of action of neuroleptics

Mental disorders occur as a result of a violation of neurotransmitter processes in the central nervous system. Serotonin, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, dopamine, etc. act as mediators for the transmission of nerve impulses in synapses.

Psychotropic drugs act in the same brain structures as mediators, contributing to their accumulation or destruction. The mechanisms of action of neuroleptics are multifaceted and versatile and not fully understood. In their complex effect on the neurotransmitter systems of the brain, an important place is occupied by:

1) blocking effect on 0 ₂ receptors, and thus on the synthesis and release of dopamine, which is associated with antipsychotic effects and extrapyramidal disorders;

2) neuroleptics are characterized by adrenolytic and related hypotensive action;

3) anticholinergic effects;

4) antihistamine action.