I've been on Buspar (15MG twice a day) for almost 4 weeks now. The past couple of weeks I have noticed that my memory, especially short term, has become much much more foggy. For example, this has caused me to miss doses because I cannot remember if I took the drug or not. I had a very sharp memory and could recall things in great detail before starting Buspar. Now it feels like I can't remember things that happened five minutes ago. I'm going to my follow up with my doctor in a couple of days and will defiently tell him about this. Has anyone had similar experiences? I have heard that memory problems is a side effect of buspar and is one of the main reasons people come off of it.
Can Buspar cause memory problems?
Question posted by User1524 on 29 March 2017
Last updated on 14 December 2022
Added 29 March 2017:
I am only 20 years old
Answers
badsunsgal
28 Jan 2020
i have been taking buspar for about a month and a half, and i am experiencing this memory problem. except, i am finding it hard to remember anything. i cannot remember things from last year or last week. i will be in the middle of speaking and suddenly just stop because i do not remember what i was talking about. in addition to the memory problems ive been experiencing mass amounts of depersonalization, dream hallucinations, uncontrolled body movements, irrational anger and increased anxiety. it does make me feel extremely awake and energetic though.
tonman87
14 Dec 2022
I know this is old…but curious how you take it and how much your daily dose is to cause those effects? Thanks!
chuck1957
30 March 2017
USER1524; yES MAKE SURE YOU TALK TO THE DOCTOR ABOUT THE MEMORIE PROBLEMS THIS IS OR CAN BE A PROBLEM BUT IT COULD BE JUST AN ADJUSTMENT IN DOSE BUT PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU POINT THIS OUT TO THE DOCTOR. HERE IS WHAT I FOUND UNDER Buspar dose so see what the doctor says. (((( reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); abnormal muscle movements; chest pain; fainting; fever; irregular heartbeat; loss of coordination;___ memory problems; new or worsening mental, mood, or personality changes (eg, anger, hostility, confusion, depression); seizures; suicidal thoughts or actions; unusual restlessness; vision changes. there it is. Chuck1957 this was off of our site here drugs.com.
chuck1957
30 March 2017
Okay, User you well see about half way down that it does say memory problems, and confusion so makes sure you point it out to the doctor. Chuck1957 again.
Cgriff06
4 May 2017
I'm on 20mg 3 times a day and I'm having the exact same thing happen
chuck1957
4 May 2017
User1524; THIS may be something you might have to work out with the doctor remember you NEVER drop the dose by saying, more than 5 mg every 3 to 4 days. if the doctor says go to 2 get a tapering BUT HOW IS IT WORKING FOR THE REASONS YOU ARE TAKING IT FOR. Talk with the doctor but I know of many people that have no problems and others for some reason do better with less amount of the medication have the memory problems gotten worse since the doctor increased the dose.? Keep taking and talk with the doctor this is a known problem but people do come back or after being on it several months the side effects get better. Hang in there feel free to ask again if anything changes.
Inactive
4 May 2017
I agree with Chuck, I am one of those people who was successfully helped with Buspar at small doses, 5mg, to reduce side effects and still be effective for treating anxiety. It worked for me for a year and a half. I have recently read that it is not made for long term use. But it sure helped to pull me out of a very anxiety-ridden state. I am fine without it now. But small doses were the most effective for me.
Rose1980
24 April 2018
I am so glad that I found this site. I am on 15 mg of Lexapro daily and my Dr just upped my Buspar to 30 mg daily from 15 several weeks ago. I have no memory problems nor have I had any in the past. But lately I will read something and a minute later I dont remember what I just read. I am so frustrated because the panic attacks and anxiety are debilitating but so is being extremely tired all the time and not being able to remember anything. I feel stupid. I kept wondering what was causing memory loss at such a level until I googled it. The main reason I asked to be on the combination of lexapro and buspar is because it helps me not have panic attacks and keeps my anxiety under control. Buspar is also non habit forming. Which is why I preferred that to benzos which can cause dependency, memory loss and horrible withdrawals. I am certainly going to call my Dr about this.
I really feel stuck between a rock and a hard place because I don't feel comfortable trying newly marketed meds since the side effects are not really known but I dont want to go back on klonopin or xanax. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Now I know what's causing my mind to feel fuzzy and the memory loss.
TNicholls
11 May 2018
I woke up this morning looked at my work email and realized that I had a major paper due out to a client. I had known this for over a week after holding a 2 hr. conference call to discuss content. This type of memory loss has been occurring since starting Buspar (30mg /2X/day) which I’ve been on for over a year. I forget names, even after saying them 2-3 times. I easily forget we’re I put things down just a few minutes earlier. This medication provides relief to my anxiety but I cannot continue on it if this occurs. I also take Trintellix (20mg/day) which is a fairly new medication so maybe the interaction is greater but not widely known.
I was evaluated last year by a neurologist but he assured me that he did not see anything out of the ordinary.
Very upset about this happening.
Inactive
22 May 2018
Unfortunately, I have developed the same exact problem while taking buspar this time, this past month to be exact. I have taken it successfully off and on for a few years. But now, my memory has gotten terrible, and I have started something new along with the memory problem - panic attacks! They started when I started back on buspar this past month, so I am on my last day of this horrible debilitating side effect.
I wake up in the middle of the night and early morning with extreme anxiety. Only started with the buspar - it is now doing me more harm than good. Time to say goodbye to it!
Related topics
buspar, anxiety, panic disorder, memory
Further information
- BuSpar uses and safety info
- BuSpar prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of BuSpar (detailed)
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