Buspar

BuSpar, also known by the generic name of buspirone, is an anti-anxiety drug which is used for the relief and management of anxiety. The usual action of anti-anxiety drugs is to suppress the central nervous system. BuSpar, on the other hand, does not depress the CNS and can be used in several situations which would otherwise be contraindicated with anti-anxiety medications. A history of drug abuse or addiction is a usual contraindication for other anti-anxiety drugs, which are currently on the market. There is no evidence that BuSpar causes tolerance or physical dependence, therefore the medication can be used as an alternative for patients with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Antianxiety medications are contraindicated in patients with a history of depression and/or are suicidal. It is known that CNS depressants can worsen depression symptoms by depressing the CNS even further and decreasing the amount of serotonin. BuSpar may be an option for treatment due to the belief that the desired effect takes place through interactions only with serotonin and dopamine. Buspar does not have a sedative effect that most CNS depressants do, so the patient will not exhibit withdrawal symptoms that are usually seen in the other anti-anxiety drugs. CNS depressants are contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation, but with safety being established only in animal studies with BuSpar, this medication may be an option for pregnant and lactating women. The patient should be aware that studies have not been conducted with humans, but with the pregnancy B category, less risk has been noted.
Another important fact about BuSpar, is there is a delayed onset for the medication . It generally takes 10 to 14 days for the onset of therapy, and experienced anxiety symptoms to subside. The patient should be informed to continue taking the medication during this time. The delayed onset experienced with BuSpar is why the medication is not used for PRN administration, since the