Buspirone is used for treating symptoms of anxiety. It has been approved for use in adults and children ages 6 to 17 for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Occasionally, the drug can also be used in an "off-label" fashion to treat other medical conditions. Using the medication to improve aggressive behavior and hyperactivity in children with autism is a common off-label buspirone use.
What Is Buspirone Used For? -- An Overview
Most people experience anxious feelings before an important event, such as an exam, business presentation, or first date. It is also common to experience anxiety in response to stressful and emotional events in life, such as the death of a loved one.
Anxiety disorders, however, are illnesses that load people's lives with overwhelming anxiety and fear that are chronic and unremitting, and that can grow progressively worse.
Depending on the type of anxiety, a person can experience several possible
anxiety symptoms, including:
- Feeling tense, fearful, or apprehensive
- Feeling shaky, jittery, or nervous
- Unexplained sweating or trembling
- Avoiding certain places or activities because of fear
- A pounding or racing heart or trouble catching your breath
- Fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying.
Buspirone is not for "everyday anxiety" associated with the usual stresses of life. Instead, it is intended to be used to treat anxiety disorders or to treat temporary anxiety symptoms associated with a particularly stressful event (such as emotional or physical trauma).
While buspirone does not work as quickly as benzodiazepines (a group of medications commonly used to treat anxiety), its primary advantages over benzodiazepines include:
- Less drowsiness, confusion, and other similar side effects
- Much less risk of addiction and dependence.
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