Buspirone and Dizziness: What Users Say

• A12...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2021

Buspirone for Anxiety "BuSpar was the first drug after 7 SSRIs that truly saved my anxiety. I thought I was never going to get better. I was plagued by anxiety and panic so badly every day. Benzodiazepines worked but were only able to be used for the short term. I could feel it working in my brain after one dose. It continually got better. Some minor dizziness & feeling tired. Other than that - anxiety gone. Thank the Lord!"

• Pin...
• May 31, 2014

Buspirone for Anxiety "I've had generalized anxiety disorder since before they knew what it was. I have been on all SSRIs, the side effects have kept me from being on them long enough to see if they worked. Then Ativan through clonazepam, still anxiety-ridden. As a last chance medicine, my doctor gave me BuSpar. At this point, I was beyond jaded and thought, 'oh great, another pill that won't work'. But it did, at 30mg split to 10mg 3 times daily. I felt the cloud of anxiety lift after the first pill. I stopped catastrophizing everything and got my life back. It is an older medicine, no longer a 'go-to' medicine, but should be. The others made me zombie-like, etc. I had the dizzies for a week, pushed through, they stopped. I am now so incredibly happy and anxiety-free."

• Dyl...
• October 27, 2014

Buspirone for Anxiety "I was prescribed benzodiazepines for my post-traumatic stress disorder-induced anxiety. The benzos worked great for me, but after admitting myself into a rehab program for substance abuse, I was told I could no longer take the benzos as there is a high risk for abuse and addiction (even though this wasn't the medicine I was abusing). After a number of panic attacks, I sought help from the doctor for a non-addictive alternative. They gave me Buspar 10mg 3x a day. This improved my anxiety, but I still had days that were debilitating. I saw the doctor again, and he upped the dose to 15mg 3x a day, and I have been completely anxiety-free since. Make sure you have the proper dosage before claiming this doesn't work. And the side effects like dizziness are easily countered with a good meal."

• Hea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2018

Buspirone for Panic Disorder "I was initially started on BuSpar 5mg twice a day for panic disorder and PTSD as my therapist said I could not stay on Klonopin at her practice. I tried the 5mg twice a day for 2 weeks, then she increased it to 10mg twice a day, which I took for a month. I ended up with severe heart palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, and feeling like I was going to pass out, in addition to my blood pressure being raised. I ended up on a heart monitor, seeing a cardiologist, in addition to other heart-related tests all because my therapist is dead set on taking me off Klonopin. I've been on 1mg of Klonopin since 2008 and take it only as needed, mostly once a panic attack begins. I will never take BuSpar again, as I have been off of it now for about a week after all those symptoms and they are almost all gone now. Just wanted to share some of my side effects in case anyone else out there is having the same because I had a difficult time finding someone with the same side effects."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 15, 2014

Buspirone for Anxiety "I am 23 years old and suffer from generalized anxiety disorder. I did not want to be on an addictive med, and was very adamant about that with my doctor. I was prescribed BuSpar and have been taking it for a year now (10mg 3 times a day) and it seems to work quite well. It calms me down and makes me think more rationally rather than experiencing constant worry and fear. I feel more free and open to life. Side effects I've experienced include dizziness, hot flashes, and extreme hunger for about an hour after taking it. Taking it with food in your stomach is a must as it decreases the side effects for me. One complaint though is short-term memory problems and 'cloudy' mind effect, but I will take that any day over my anxiety!"

• mim...
• June 9, 2014

Buspirone for Anxiety "I just started taking BuSpar, and at first, I was scared because I hate bad side effects and don't like to take pills at all. So I finally took my pill, 10mg. I felt good at first, then came the side effects: lightheadedness, sweating, and dizziness. But after 20 to 30 minutes later, it was over. I felt fine, went out to socialize, and I couldn't believe it - didn't have a panic attack or anxiety attack. They work for me."

• Ins...
• May 15, 2014

Buspirone for Panic Disorder "I have only been taking BuSpar for about a month, but I have seen a rapid turnaround in my anxiety. I am not cured, I still get panicked from time to time, but I am now able to deal with my worries without getting lost in them. I used to go about life in a sort of depersonalized haze, but the medication has worked in bringing me back to reality. As for side effects, I think it is safe to say that I got them all in the first couple of weeks: nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, slight depression, etc. However, it was nothing that was too bad. As I continued to take it, the side effects decreased. Furthermore, the benefits that I have obtained from it far outweighed any complaints that I might have had. I would suggest trying it for anxiety."

• Wor...
• April 24, 2013

Buspirone for Anxiety "Been on this medication for over 12 years. Works well for me. Calms me down without the 'brain zapping' I got from Paxil and Lexapro. Dosage has been adjusted throughout the years. I am told 60 mg a day is the maximum dose. I am currently on 15 mg 3 times per day. It took a good two weeks to get into my system, and I remember thinking it wasn't working at first. It's no Xanax, but it has helped me much more than Paxil and Lexapro did. This works well for me, and I have no issues taking it for the rest of my life. I do get some increased hunger and minor dizziness after each dose for about 15 minutes, but that beats being anxious and worrying all the time. It is also pretty cheap."

• Bus...
• June 13, 2016

Buspirone for Anxiety "One week on, started full dose yesterday. 30mg. No side effects, and no haziness. I get slightly dizzy but doesn't interfere with walking. I have tried 3 others before this, and each time I had flu symptoms, couldn't leave the bathroom, couldn't work or take care of my children. This medicine has been nothing but great for me. I haven't had a headache or the tremors for a few days, which is already life-changing! I can focus, and I have slowly realized that my mind is quieting down. If nothing has worked for you, please give this a try! No addiction to it they say. I'm excited that I feel this great. I can't wait to see what next week and the week after is. I'm looking forward to tomorrow, which is a foreign feeling. Good luck."

• Rc9...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2014

Buspirone for Anxiety "I have generalized anxiety, few panic attacks ever, mostly just obsessive irrational thoughts, and constant fears which aren't normal. This definitely helps me calm down and keeps my brain quiet when it normally never stops. For about 2 weeks, I would get spells of dizziness, along with a feeling of restlessness and an inability to focus (felt very much like ADD) but it has been going away! This medicine helps for general anxiety, but I don't think it would do much for panic. I take 5mg 3x a day."

• Anonymous
• September 27, 2012

Buspirone for Anxiety "Female, age 60. I have taken BuSpar for 20 years, starting in 1992 at age 40. I would go off for 3 years after being on for 3 years. I had a horrible relapse of anxiety and would have to go back on. Now I have been on it for 6 years without stopping at 5mg 3 times a day. I love BuSpar and plan to stay on it for life without stopping. I have done things that I could never do without BuSpar, like hiking the Grand Canyon at age 58, just driving there would have given me panic, let alone dealing with day to day stress. I will take my chances with long-term use, better than feeling sick daily, not being able to eat, sleep, or leave the house. That's no way to live. Side effects for me include slight dizziness."

• Anonymous
• November 24, 2012

Buspirone for Anxiety "I developed generalized anxiety disorder seemingly out of nowhere after taking prednisone for an infection, and for three months felt like I could barely function. The physical and mental symptoms were so all-encompassing. My docs suggested Lexapro but I wasn't depressed, just anxious. I did some internet research on my own and asked that they try me on Buspar instead. SO GLAD I did. I've been on it for six years now and I feel totally normal, like I used to before the anxiety set in. I've never noticed any side effects to speak of, besides the weird flushed dizziness when I first started taking it, which went away after a couple of weeks. On 22.5 mg per day but I miss doses all the time, to very little effect. Amazing med."

• Har...
• June 19, 2019

Buspirone for Anxiety "I have been on BuSpar for over a month now. 5mg x2 daily. I was on BuSpar several years ago and stopped because I didn't feel I needed it anymore, that was a mistake. I suffer from GAD which was destroying my life: racing thoughts, stomach problems, constant fear, and panic. This medication is not a Benzo, so don't expect immediate results. For me, it took approximately 2 weeks before I really started to feel the effects. This drug is not an SSRI, and it hasn't caused any sexual problems for me as some SSRIs are known to do. The side effects I have experienced are flushing and dizziness, however, they subside about an hour after taking. BuSpar does have a fairly short half-life, and I can feel the effects diminish after about 4 hours. I'm also on Valium 2mg (10 per month) as needed when my anxiety becomes elevated, but while on BuSpar, I haven't really had a need for the Valium, but I'm glad I have it just in case. I would recommend this medication for anyone suffering from panic attacks/GAD. Don't give up!"

• Tim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2020

For Anxiety "This medication buspirone was recommended to me for anxiety after taking Lamictal for around 6 months. During that time my depression got better but anxiety got worse. To combat this, my doctor put me on 10mg twice a day. Unfortunately, my anxiety appears to have gotten even worse, and the side effects have been terrible even after 2 months. Sensations of dizziness, headache, disorientation, and disassociation occurred daily. Almost always twice a day, but sometimes up to 4 times lasting 30-45 minutes but at most 2 hours. Abdominal pains, loss of appetite also. Physiological panic attacks have occurred daily as well. I don't act anxious but my body is seething. Heart rate, heated flushedness, agitation, fear, uncontrollable inner narrative, etc. I feel awful on it and fear after quarantine this side effects will be detrimental for my job in commercial electric work with large machinery and power tools."

• Lif...
• April 11, 2010

Buspirone for Anxiety "I have been taking BuSpar for 8 plus years. I still have some side effects of dizziness if taken on an empty stomach and coffee, but I think that is asking for trouble. I can honestly say it saved my marriage and family life. High-stressed medical position always being on call which increased my anxiety. Anxiety was at such a level that no one could stand to be around me. I take 10mg once in the morning, which lowers my anxiety to a tolerable level for the day. When I feel extra stress coming on, I take 10mg in the morning and 10mg at night. It does not work for everyone, as many have mentioned, but it has given me a second wind to enjoy life to the fullest."

• Aub...
• May 21, 2013

Buspirone for Anxiety "Started taking BuSpar 15mg twice a day about a month ago, and I will be honest, at first, I hated it! I almost quit taking it! The first week, it seemed as if it was making my anxiety worse. My chest was pounding, and I could not sleep at all! I decided to stick with it, and I'm glad I did because all of that is gone now. I mainly had issues with social phobia, and I have noticed I am getting better in social situations. The only thing is every now and then I feel a little dizzy for about 20 minutes after taking it, but that's it! It doesn't take anxiety away, but helps you deal with it and better rationalize things."

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2020

Buspirone for Anxiety "Doctor prescribed this BuSpar to me for my anxiety. I got which worsened with Wellbutrin XL (I take that for depression). I used to take Xanax but decided to discontinue the use of it. My doctor prescribed me this and told me to take it when needed or every day, whichever I prefer. I have zero complaints about this medication. When I first took it, I got super dizzy and light-headed. But other than that, it does calm me and make me feel much better."

• Kee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2020

For Anxiety "Took buspirone, 20 mg/day, for four months, for general anxiety. Have been taking lamotrigine also for one year and five months. Initial buspirone side effects: prolonged haziness, nausea (disappeared after +/- 10 days), fatigue. Over time, experienced a general calming effect. Downside: a lot of undesirable, sedative effects. Lack of focus, slowness to absorb information, poor impulse control, short-term memory loss. Physical side effects: tinnitus, dizzy spells, loss of balance, loss of appetite, weight gain, muscle cramps. Consumption of even small amounts of alcohol led to blackouts and (uncharacteristic) volatile outbursts. Work performance declined quickly, conflicts at home emerged. Stopping this medication led to improvements in productivity, focus, impulse control, physical energy/stamina, memory. Brief periods of tension also re-emerged."

• Kee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2020

For Anxiety "Took buspirone, 20 mg/day, for four months, for general anxiety. Have been taking lamotrigine also for one year and five months. Initial buspirone side effects: prolonged haziness, nausea (disappeared after +/- 10 days), fatigue. Over time, experienced a general calming effect. Downside: a lot of undesirable, sedative effects. Lack of focus, slowness to absorb information, poor impulse control, short-term memory loss. Physical side effects: tinnitus, dizzy spells, loss of balance, loss of appetite, weight gain, muscle cramps. Consumption of even small amounts of alcohol led to blackouts and (uncharacteristic) volatile outbursts. Work performance declined quickly, conflicts at home emerged. Stopping this medication led to improvements in productivity, focus, impulse control, physical energy/stamina, memory. Brief periods of tension also re-emerged."

• Dan...
• April 14, 2017

Buspirone for Anxiety "So, I give this 7 out of 10. I'd give it 10 out of 10, but the first week on this was really uncomfortable. I almost stopped using it. I started out at 10 mg Buspar once a day and then after a week increased to 10 twice a day. The first week, I won't lie, was a doozy. My psych said that her patients either love it or hate it and it's pretty much 50/50 with little gray area. But since it's inexpensive, been around for a while, and is pretty safe, she likes that to be the first option when dealing with GAD. Fair. The first week, I was really, really dizzy. Felt a bit fuzzy in the head, kind of jumpy. I had to pull over while driving and sit down for a bit. BUT after about two weeks. Whoa. My life is changed. I'm no longer so anxious!"

• TJa...
• June 20, 2016

Buspirone for Anxiety "My anxiety was extremely bad, and I had tried Lexapro, but the side effects for me were horrible; so my doctor started me on BuSpar. I've been on it now for going on two weeks, and I can say I do feel a slight difference. My anxiety is still there, but not as bad. I'm still having attacks off and on, but I'm going to stick with this and give it some more time. The only side effect I have is dizziness, but I've learned that if I eat even just a piece of toast, it helps with that. Other than that, no side effects. I say if you're suffering, give this a try and stick with it."

• AC ...
• December 15, 2017

Buspirone for Anxiety "I have been suffering from SEVERE anxiety all of my life. It was debilitating for me. People around would never know I was experiencing it because I would make myself lose and look happy, when really I was full of anxious energy and worry. I worried about EVERYTHING, death mostly. It was obsessive. I never wanted to try medicine so I just kept dealing with it. Recently, it peaked to the point I could no longer handle it. After researching medications, I decided to try BuSpar, specifically for anxiety. I know most do not see the benefits for at least 2 weeks, however, I’m on day two and I feel 'normal'. I have never felt normalcy ever in my life, but I finally feel free of anxiety. I felt dizziness upon the first dose, nothing else yet."

• JMT...
• January 14, 2013

Buspirone for Anxiety "I suffer from anxiety and have tried several medications in the past. I just started using BuSpar 5mg twice daily. I notice in the morning, I am dizzy and have vision problems. It goes away after about 30 mins, and I find it is helpful to eat when I take it as side effects are not as bad. I do like it as I am not as high strung throughout the day. My kids have noticed a big difference in my mood. I'm going to give it a bit longer."

• Ken...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2020

Buspirone for Anxiety "I wouldn’t say this medicine is horrible, but it didn’t help me. I feel like this is for people with very mild anxiety. My anxiety is very high, so it only helped a little. It made me dizzy and gave me a headache. I tried it for 8 days and stopped. I’m now on Zoloft 25mg and really liking it so far."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2013

Buspirone for Anxiety "I'm 31-year-old female, and have been taking BuSpar for anxiety and panic for three months, and have decided to discontinue. It took roughly 3 weeks before I noticed a difference. I am slower to irritate, less agitated, and can better manage the constant nagging sensation of anxiety. I've been sleeping better, but really require a full night's sleep or else I'm drowsy all day. And I've been more at ease with new people. These changes have certainly been positive but minimal. Lately, every day, 2 times a day about 20 minutes after my dose (10mg twice a day) I would get a ringing headache, body shocks, and dizziness or nausea. I thought this would go away, but it hasn't, and it is getting to the point that my anxiety level is increasing."