Buspar (buspirone) is primarily used for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety[1]. It is especially indicated for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)[3] and has been found effective in controlled trials for this condition, including in patients with coexisting mild depressive symptoms[1][2]. Buspirone is not typically used for anxiety or tension caused solely by ordinary life stress, and clinical evidence does not support its use for social anxiety, panic disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder[4][5].
Buspar may also be used adjunctively to treat anxiety symptoms in patients taking antidepressants for depression[6]. It is favored in some cases because it has a low risk of dependency, withdrawal, or significant side effects compared to other anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines[8].
References
- [1] BuSpar – accessdata.fda.gov
- [2] Efficacy of buspirone in generalized anxiety disorder with coexisting mild depressive symptoms – PubMed
- [3] Buspirone (oral route) – Side effects & dosage – Mayo Clinic
- [4] Buspirone: Still Effective After All These Years? – The Carlat Report
- [5] Buspirone: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action | DrugBank Online
- [6] Effectiveness of Buspirone in Alleviating Anxiety Symptoms in Antidepressant-Treated Patients with Depression – Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience
- [8] Buspirone Uses: Is Buspirone Effective for Anxiety? – GoodRx