Buspin (buspirone) is an anti-anxiety treatment usually used, either on its own or with other medications, to help manage anxiety, depression, and certain related conditions. It may be more widely recognized by the name Buspar.

This product is relatively unique among similar medications in that it is not habit-forming and doesn't sedate or produce cognitive side effects that may impair daily activities. This means it can be used long-term with minimal risk and little negative impact in day-to-day life.

What to Expect from Buspin

Though predominantly prescribed for anxiety, Buspin has been shown to improve focus and impulse control in ADHD, reduce irritability and aggression in dementia, and improve sexual desire in individuals experiencing HSDD. Again a doctor should be consulted to determine ideal dosage as it's highly dependent on individual circumstances.

To summarize, Buspin may be prescribed for:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Clinical depression
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)
• Some symptoms in dementia

Buspin provides benefit when used as both a short term or long term treatment, easing symptoms of:

• Restlessness
• Jitteriness
• Jumpiness
• Fidgeting
• Tension
• Muscle aches
• Sweating
• Pounding heartbeat
• Difficulty sleeping
• Irritability

Perhaps more significantly, patients who take Buspin say the medication has a calming effect, allowing patients to relax and think calmly and clearly, which has obvious benefits to nearly every aspect of life.

Dosage & Administration

Buspin comes in tablets. Taking with or without food is optional, but it should always be taken the same way---either always on an empty stomach or always on a full stomach. The medication is absorbed differently depending on whether the stomach is full or empty, so sticking to the same routine helps keep levels of the drug stable in the body, helps determine the ideal dosage, and helps prevent side effects.

Buspin can be used as a stand-alone and a supplementary treatment. Conditions other than anxiety are not approved uses in all areas, meaning the medication is being used off-label. Off-label use is legal as long as a doctor has prescribed it.

Treatment is typically very similar in both long- and short-term treatment:

• Treatment starts with 15 mg per day, taken in three 5 mg doses.
• If not producing significant effects after two or three weeks, dosage may be increased every few days up to 30 mg per day.
• Treatment may continue for as long as it provides benefit.
• Treatment may cease without concern for withdrawal symptoms if no longer providing benefit.

The above treatment outline may vary depending on other medications being taken and individual patient response.

Adverse Effects

Buspin is a safe medication with little risk of side effects in otherwise healthy patients. However, caution is warranted if there is a history of:

• Bipolar disorder
• Kidney or liver impairment
• Metabolic acidosis

A small percentage of patients do experience mild side effects from Buspin, most commonly:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Mild stomach upset
• Headache
• Difficulty sleeping

The above symptoms are not cause for concern unless severe, and often stop occurring as the body adjusts to treatment. Use caution doing dangerous activities until effects are known.

Buspin may interact with a range of other medications, reducing their effectiveness. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing medications. MAO inhibitors in particular should be avoided while taking Buspin.

There is little information available as to this medication's effect on unborn or nursing babies; discuss potential benefits and risks with a trusted doctor before using if pregnant or breastfeeding.