Prescription
Prescription RequiredGenericBuspirone Tablet
Buspirone tablets are used to help relieve symptoms of anxiety such as worry, tension, and irritability. They are not a sedative or a benzodiazepine, so they do not usually cause strong drowsiness or dependence. Your healthcare provider decides the best dose and length of treatment for you.
Requires a valid prescription from your provider. Not sure if it's right for you? Ask a pharmacist.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Compounded products are not FDA-approved and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice — always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
Clinical information
Medication information for patients and providers.
Use as directed by your healthcare provider. Take with or without food, but take it the same way each time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Buspirone acts on serotonin (5-HT1A) and dopamine receptors in your brain. These actions help balance chemicals that influence mood and anxiety. It does not work right away; most people start to feel calmer after 2–4 weeks of regular use. Benefits last about 6–8 hours per dose, so your provider may have you take it more than once a day.
Do not use if you are allergic to buspirone or any of its ingredients (can cause severe rash or swelling). Do not use if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or linezolid) within the past 14 days; dangerous blood pressure spikes can occur. Avoid if you have severe liver or kidney disease unless your provider specifically approves. Talk to your provider before use if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children under 18.
Serious: MAO inhibitors (Nardil, Parnate, Emsam) can cause high blood pressure crises—never combine. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, and ritonavir can raise buspirone levels and increase side effects; dose changes may be needed. Rifampin and some seizure medicines (phenytoin, carbamazepine) can lower buspirone levels, making it less effective. Moderate: Other anxiety or antidepressant drugs (SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics) may increase risk of serotonin syndrome—watch for confusion, sweating, or fast heartbeat. Grapefruit juice can boost buspirone in your body; avoid drinking large amounts. Alcohol can add to dizziness and should be limited.
Very common (more than 1 in 10 people): dizziness (12%), headache (9%). Common (1–10 in 100): nausea, dry mouth, nervousness, light-headedness, tiredness, trouble sleeping. Uncommon (1–10 in 1,000): blurred vision, ringing in ears, muscle aches. Rare but serious: severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling of face or throat, trouble breathing), serotonin syndrome (confusion, fever, stiff muscles), unusual movements of face or tongue. Most mild side effects improve within the first few weeks. Contact your healthcare provider if side effects are severe, do not go away, or you notice any serious symptoms.
Store at room temperature (68-77°F, 20-25°C). Keep tablets dry and in their original tightly closed container. Protect from moisture, heat, and direct light. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Safely dispose of unused or expired tablets through a take-back program or mix them with coffee grounds in a sealed bag before throwing them in the trash.
Frequently asked questions.
Unlike some anxiety pills that work right away, buspirone builds up slowly. Most people notice less worry or tension after 2–4 weeks of taking it regularly. Keep taking it as prescribed even if you do not feel results right away.
Small amounts of alcohol can increase dizziness and make you feel more tired when taking buspirone. It is safest to avoid or limit alcohol. Talk with your provider about what is right for you.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed one and return to your normal schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
Buspirone is not a benzodiazepine and has a very low risk of dependence or withdrawal. Most people can stop it by following their provider’s plan without serious problems.
Buspirone is often used with antidepressants, but there is a small risk of serotonin syndrome when combined. Tell your provider all medicines you take so they can adjust doses and watch for warning signs like confusion, sweating, or a racing heartbeat.
Yes. Grapefruit juice can raise the amount of buspirone in your blood and increase side effects such as dizziness. If you enjoy grapefruit, talk to your provider about safer options.
There is limited information on buspirone in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Animal studies show no clear harm, but human data are limited. If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before using buspirone.
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