Buspirone - why would anyone prescribe this medication??

My doctor prescribed Buspirone for me 18 years ago. Within days, my balance was off and I felt like I had constant vertigo. Those side effects did not dissipate. Conversely, I've heard and read about others who have taken Buspirone with great results and no side effects. I've never heard anyone, doctor or patient say it's 10x better than Xanax.

About 16 years ago my Dr. put me on Buspirone for anxiety. After about 18 months I felt good so I got off of it. Duhhh, I felt good because it was working. Well after I got off of it I had some major things happen in my life and my anxiety went through the roof. That was the beginning of lots of trial and error in meds. I now take buspirone again (60 mg daily). But I also take 2 mg. Klonopin, 1200 mgs. Gabapentin, and 20 mg. Lexapro daily to keep my anxiety in check. I also (on my own) take ashwaganda. I wonder sometimes if I'd only never quit the buspirone in the first place would I be where I am.

My doctor told me this medication works for generalized anxiety disorder, and not for panic attacks. It is not at all like Xanax which is a “rescue drug” that works on GABBA transmitters. Buspirone works on serotonin (they think). I’ve had extremely good luck with it since 2001. It’s a lot of trial and error with anxiety drugs, so hopefully you will have better luck with something else. Good luck to you.

I tried it years ago & it just made my head spin. But I do know people who take it twice daily & it works for them. I believe it has to build up in your system. I could be wrong. But I was so dizzy I didn’t try it again after a few doses. Unfortunately all meds are hit or miss.

Hi. Pslpain!
Because it works for a majority of people... including me who's life changed from the hell of anxiety disorders to a happy healthy productive life.
It doesn't work the same way as a benzodiazepine like Xanax which is a mild sedative that simply masks your symptoms. Buspirone addresses the the root cause of anxiety and corrects it over the long term... and isn't addictive like any of the benzos.
I'm sorry you apparently had a bad experience but don't disregard the fact that tens of thousands of people have benefited from this medication since it was approved to treat anxiety in 1986.