In Collaboration With

THERAPEUTICS

Brands

• BuSpar
• see index for additional brand names

Generic?

• Yes

Class

• Anxiolytic (azapirone; serotonin 1A partial agonist; serotonin stabilizer)

Commonly Prescribed for

• (bold for FDA approved)
• Management of anxiety disorders
• Short-term treatment of symptoms of anxiety
• Mixed anxiety and depression
• Treatment-resistant depression (adjunctive)

How The Drug Works

• Binds to serotonin type 1A receptors
• Partial agonist actions post-synaptically may theoretically diminish serotonergic activity and contribute to anxiolytic actions
• Partial agonist actions at presynaptic somatodendritic serotonin autoreceptors may theoretically enhance serotonergic activity and contribute to antidepressant actions

How Long Until It Works

• Generally takes within 2–4 weeks to achieve efficacy
• If it is not working within 6 to 8 weeks, it may require a dosage increase or it may not work at all

If It Works

• The goal of treatment is complete remission of symptoms as well as prevention of future relapses
• Treatment most often reduces or even eliminates symptoms, but not a cure since symptoms can recur after medicine stopped
• Chronic anxiety disorders may require long-term maintenance with buspirone to control symptoms

If It Doesn’t Work

• Consider switching to another agent (a benzodiazepine or antidepressant)

Best Augmenting Combos for Partial Response or Treatment-Resistance

• Sedative hypnotic for insomnia
• Buspirone is often given as an augmenting agent to SSRIs or SNRIs

Tests

• None for healthy individuals