Buspar for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

According to the National Comorbidity Survey Replication of 2002, generalized anxiety disorder affects approximately 5.7 percent of the United States population. Benzodiazepines (e.g., valium) have been used to treat anxiety for 40 years and have been proven safe and effective. They also, however, carry the risk of addiction, dangerous alcohol interaction and serious side-effects. Buspar (busprione) was the first non-benzodiazepine medication developed to treat anxiety without these risks. Although it is safe and effective for some patients, not all respond well.

Significance

• Patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) suffer from low social functioning as much as those with major depression which, in turn, is more debilitating than functioning problems brought by other, possibly more familiar disorders such as diabetes or arthritis. Moreover, like these diseases, the changes in brain chemistry and brain function (physical expressions of the disorder) do not simply improve on their own; the brain circuitry becomes more ingrained the longer anxiety goes untreated. Effective treatment, and--hopefully--complete remission (disappearance of symptoms), however, are available from mental heath professionals.

  Although benzodiazepines have been replaced with SSRIs (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft) or SNRIs (e.g. Effexor) as the first-choice pharmaceutical treatment for GAD, Buspar tends to carry even fewer side effects than these medications

Identification

• Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry with at least three of the following symptoms: muscle tension, fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating or feeling restless or wound-up.

  Busprione (buspar) is a partial agonist for serotonin 5-HT1A receptors in the brain, meaning that it activates brain cells that regulate levels of the neurochemical serotonin; it does this less effectively than a "full agonist."

Buspar and Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Approved by the Food and Drug Administratin in 1986, Buspar (busiprione) has since been demonstrated safe and effective in numerous random control trials (which provide some of the best evidence). Although the mechanisms of anxiety are not fully known, serotonin appears to play a major role in regulating mood. Theoretically, then, by helping to regulate serotonin levels, Buspar can relieve symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.

  Buspar has distinct advantages over benzodiazepines, showing at least equal effectiveness but with fewer and less severe side effects, and no physical dependence or dangerous interaction with alcohol. Unfortunately, Buspar does not work for some patients, particularly those with a recent history of benzodiazepine use. Another disadvantage is that Buspar takes one to two weeks to relieve symptoms, compared to one to two hours for many benzodiazepines. Common side effects include headache, nausea, dizziness and upset stomach.

Considerations

• Buspar offers a more cost-effective alternative to many other medications for generalized anxiety disorder since Bristol Myers, the original manufacturer, lost a long legal battle to prevent manufacture of a generic brand.

Using Buspar

• As with any medication, be sure to fully consult with your doctor and read all instructions that come with the medication.