Buspar (Buspirone) is undoubtedly one of the most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety. It helps individuals counteract stress, relax, and think clearly. In the end, it becomes easier to handle everyday tasks without the burden of uncontrollable stress.
According to WebMD, Buspirone (the active ingredient) reduces irritability and jitters. Additionally, it may help patients deal with sleep deprivation, sweating, and irregular heartbeat. As an anxiolytic, this medication uses an effective mechanism of action by controlling natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters).
This capability answers the question – is Buspar good for anxiety? Medical practitioners recommend taking the drug orally between two and three times per day. It can be taken with or without food but you should follow the same pattern to ensure a positive outcome.
You can split the tablet to guarantee the correct dosage. The instruction sheet provides guidelines on how to split the tablet properly. On the other hand, you should avoid consuming grapefruit, which may contribute to the development of adverse reactions.
Relief
Anxiety is a condition that affects millions of people in the United States annually. Fortunately, sufferers can count on a wide variety of treatment options to find long-lasting relief. Some of the solutions combine medication, counseling, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Buspar is a popular treatment option thanks to its proven efficacy. The majority of medical practitioners use SSRI and SNRI antidepressants to treat generalized anxiety conditions. These types of inhibitors provide an effective solution for different types of anxiety disorders.
Doctors usually add Buspar to the treatment regime to enhance effectiveness. This medication is often prescribed as a standalone treatment option since some patients do not respond to SSRI and SNRI inhibitors. The approach is also relevant to patients exhibiting adverse reactions.
Buspar is a superior option when compared to Xamax since it has fewer potential side effects. Research studies revealed that the active ingredient Buspirone is effective at counteracting anxiety in the same way as benzodiazepines. The best part is that it comes with minimal side effects.
Benzodiazepines previously dominated the market as the best treatment option for anxiety disorder. However, the situation changed as newer and more effective medications appeared on the market. In the end, patients experience limited withdrawal symptoms thanks to the introduction of newer medicines.
Research studies
Scientists are conducting extensive studies to determine the suitability of Buspar as a treatment option for depression. The studies focus on whether patients who derive clinical benefits from SNRI and SSRI inhibitors could maximize results with the addition of Buspar.
Initial tests showed that one in three patients who failed to find relief from depression after taking SSRIs benefited from the addition of Buspar. When taking the medication, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It is vital to avoid consuming alcohol while taking Buspar as it retards its efficacy.
A combination of alcohol and medication can make you feel sedated. On the other hand, Buspar does not work well with grapefruit.
Mechanism of action
The product requires some considerable time to show meaningful results. In some cases, it may start producing results in 14 days. Many patients may experience relief after more than two weeks. Hence, the need to exercise patience. Physicians may prescribe a benzodiazepine, such as Ativan and Xanax or hydroxyzine (Vistaril).
These medications provide faster relief of the symptoms while the patient is waiting for Buspar to kick in. Clinical studies have shown adverse reactions associated with withdrawal are less likely with Buspar than benzodiazepines. In a few cases, the medication may trigger side effects, such as muscle aches, nausea, and irritability.
These reactions may start immediately after discontinuing the treatment. For this reason, a physician can recommend gradually decreasing the dosage to minimizing the withdrawal symptoms.
One of the advantages of Buspar is that generic medication is available to patients at an affordable price. The market is overflowing with the generic buspirone since the patent expired in 2001. Furthermore, the majority of medical insurance schemes cover anxiety tablets like Buspar.
It comes as no surprise that many people ask the question – is Buspar good for anxiety? Anyone struggling with anxiety disorder needs relief from restlessness and constant worries. Thankfully, buspirone is a potent ingredient capable of helping patients relax and resume normal day-to-day activities.
Anxiety disorder can undermine personal relationships, productivity in the workplace, and the quality of life. BuSpar or buspirone hydrochloride (HCL) is pharmacologically and chemically different from other medications used to treat anxiety. Hence, it does not trigger side effects in the same way as benzodiazepines or other sedatives.
Many patients find relief from this medication without experiencing any unwanted adverse reactions. These benefits have helped make buspirone hydrochloride a popular treatment option. Its efficacy is supported by clinical evidence and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its use for treating anxiety in 1986.
The original patent holder, Bristol-Meyers Squibb discontinued production for the medication in 2001. This development paved the way for the introduction of generic buspirone hydrochloride on the market. In turn, the generic products are helping to keep the prices lower.
Summary
Buspirone hydrochloride forms part of medications classified as azapirone. This class also incorporates antipsychotic and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) drugs that help patients combat the symptoms of stress-related conditions. These medications act directly on the neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin to control symptoms of anxiety.
Part of its mechanism of action entails acting on serotonin receptors as an agonist. Buspar can be combined with other medications or singularly. Physicians can use it as first-line treatment if a patient reacts adversely to medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
The doctor evaluates the patient’s condition to determine the ideal treatment option. Any signs of side effects may result in the alteration of the treatment plan to ensure positive patient outcomes. Some patients may need to adopt a gradual reduction of dosage to prevent unwanted withdrawal side effects.
Buspar may be taken for several months or the whole year to maximize results. The lengthy treatment period helps counteract the symptoms of anxiety disorder.