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Starting buspirone -- help please?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 7/21/2015 10:43 PM (GMT 0)
I've been suffering from debilitating anxiety for the last 4 years (and less severe anxiety for as long as I can remember). I've tried almost every type of therapy in the book. I've finally found a psychiatrist whom I trust, and I'm allowing my medications to be changed more than I have in the past. I'm currently taking Lexapro (20 mgs/day) and clonazepam (generic Klonopin) (2 mgs/day). I'm still having a lot of anxiety and my pdoc has recommended adding buspirone (starting with half a 15 mg tablet/day for a week, then up to 15 mgs/day). Does anyone have any experiences with buspirone to share? Any benefit, especially when taken along with an SSRI and/or a benzodiazepine? Any side effects? How long until you noticed any changes?
Thank you in advance!
Lindy
Posted 7/21/2015 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
Lindy,

I've been on Buspar twice now (currently taking 15mg/daily). The first time I took it (back in 2008) it worked really well for my anxiety. It started working in about two and a half weeks. I was on it for about a year and a half. I started on it again last April after a massive panic attack (after not having an attack for over five years). I do believe I had a higher level of anxiety this time and the buspar didn't work as well for me until my anxiety was lowered (by way of Xanax). Now, it works pretty well!!
The only side effects I ever had was a tired, lightheaded feeling about 20 minutes after taking my morning dose. I remedied that by making sure I took it at least an hour after I ate.
Buspar is super mild and has a really short half life, so it takes a while to build up in your system. I have heard really good things about adding Buspar on to ssri's though!! How long have you been on Lex??

I wish you the best of luck!
Posted 7/21/2015 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your reply, Momtogigiandquinn. Your words are reassuring. I've been taking Lexapro for many years -- I'm guessing about ten?
Lindy
Posted 7/22/2015 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
The buspar might just give it the extra boost it needs!! Let's hope so:)

Post Edited (Momtogigiandquinn) : 7/21/2015 8:40:52 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/22/2015 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
I take 15mg x 3 a day, it is a very mild anxiety med and it takes time to build up in your system like Mom said. I have no side effects from it, it's a little too mild for me and doesn't work all that well but I still take it cause my doctor and shrink both refuse to give me a benzo, lol.
Posted 7/22/2015 1:37 AM (GMT 0)
same for me as long as my anxiety isnt major it works great for me . no bad side effects and best of all no risk of dependency as with a benzo. it works right away for me and i dont have to be on it all the time for it to work. sometimes i go weeks with out it and if i do need to take it -it kicks in right away. its the perfect drug for my situation. more people should try this befote asking for a benzo.
Posted 7/22/2015 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds like it's not terribly effective on its own for major, debilitating anxiety like mine. Luckily (?) I have my two other anxiolytics (Lexapro and clonazepam) to help it out. I've never been on three anti-anxiety meds at the same time, but, as I said, I do trust my pdoc. Just took my first (half) pill tonight ... waiting anxiously (of course) to see what happens ... nothing like a person with severe anxiety waiting to see what her anxiety meds do ...
Lindy
Posted 7/22/2015 3:48 AM (GMT 0)
When I was on it on a light dosing (I was working on and around machinery at the time, had to be FULLY aware at the time) it did a decent job for me but just not a majorly good job. For you it maybe a different reaction.

Good luck!
Posted 7/22/2015 9:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

I have not used buspar before but it is one I have considered for the same reason as AL in that my doctor won't prescribe a benzo for me.

I hope it works well for you.

Hibee
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