I just got prescribed Buspar for anxiety. I take Wellbutrin for depression because it has the least side effects. Unfortunately does nothing for my anxiety. I am supposed to take Buspar twice a day I took my first one around 6 pm ... only half. I haven't slept all night, not one minute. Now my anxiety is really bothering me but I need sleep. I don't know what to do honestly, feeling hopeless.
If I take a low dose of Buspar in the morning will it still cause insomnia?
Question posted by Jacky89 on 15 Sep 2017
Last updated on 10 November 2022
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
6 Answers
I had surgery that caused me to be up in pain for several weeks. I couldn’t sleep and was so frustrated. My doc prescribed Buspar and it helped me sleep for about 4 weeks, but weird sleep. Now I am back to high anxiety and no sleep. I am feeling like my docs advice to increase it was a bad idea. I want to quit it. It seems like more harm is done taking it. Menopause to add to it after a complete hysterectomy, I feel like it causes insomnia and body jerks.
Im on day 2 as well .First night I was exhausted. 2nd night idk how much I slept I woke often and my mind was just basically talking to myself and i know i kept asking myself have I slept yet?! :/ but my anxiety has def gone down for me. Hoping to sleep better in future tho . Best wishes to you
Side effects should resolve within days to a week or so. If you're still not beginning to sleep through the night after another night or two let your doctor know. They may recommend temporarily reducing your dose for a few days.
PS, I've been taking buspirone for over four years and it's worked wonders for my anxiety/panic.
Did the insomnia ever go away with the buspar? I'm on day 2 and having really bad insomnia.
No it did not get better, someone suggested benadryl and I did that for a bit. I took Buspar for months and would get migraines that did not go away so I stopped the medication. I hope you have a different result with this med. Remember your body is different and it might work for you. Hang in there for a bit before you decide to stop it.
Hi Jacky-
Wellbutrin can cause an increase in anxiety and is usually not the first med to be prescribed for anyone with anxiety issues. Buspar is a funny med as it can work for some but not others. You may want to talk to your doctor about other med options that can help your depression and anxiety.
Hope you can get some sleep soon.
You have to take buspar at least twice a day. Try taking benadryl the first few nights and see if you still can't sleep after stopping the Benadryl
Hi, Jacky! This is a fairly common side effect when initiating Buspar therapy:
*Psychiatric
Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, nervousness, excitement, anger/hostility, confusion, depression, dream disturbances, attention disturbance, sleep disorder*
Side effects generally only last a few days to a week or so, but you need sleep. You probably wouldn't have a problem if only taking a morning dose but you should NEVER mess with your dosage on your own. Please contact your doctor, report this side effect and get her/his professional advice, okay?
Best regards and wishing you some ZZZzzz's soon!
Related topics
buspar, wellbutrin, depression, anxiety, insomnia, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, side effect, dosage, prescription
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.