Buspirone and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2016

For Anxiety "My experience with buspirone is that it gave me horrible headaches, but on the occasions I don't get a headache, I REALLY like the way buspirone makes me feel - chill. I was on Zoloft and Lexapro, and all those did for me was make me nauseated. With buspirone, I would break the tablet into .5 and sometimes go up to 15, even with food and water intake. Anyone else who's had this experience with buspirone, please share your story, whether it's similar or different - would love the feedback. And anyone with the same headache side effects, how do you go about treating that? Also, if you've had success with taking buspirone and Xanax together or within the same day, please advise. Xo"

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2016

For Anxiety "My experience with buspirone is that it gave me horrible headaches, but on the occasions I don't get a headache, I REALLY like the way buspirone makes me feel - chill. I was on Zoloft and Lexapro, and all those did for me was make me nauseated. With buspirone, I would break the tablet into .5 and sometimes go up to 15, even with food and water intake. Anyone else who's had this experience with buspirone, please share your story, whether it's similar or different - would love the feedback. And anyone with the same headache side effects, how do you go about treating that? Also, if you've had success with taking buspirone and Xanax together or within the same day, please advise. Xo"

• Bha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2016

For Panic Disorder "I just took 2 dosages of 5 mg in the night and in the morning. It has made tightness in my chest as if I would collapse. Shortness of breath and so tight in my head that I couldn't continue, although that went away in about an hour both times. I know its effects come in a long time, but what I was feeling was unbearable."

• blu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 25, 2020

Buspirone for Anxiety "On the first two days of BuSpar, I had constipation, then nightmares all night long. Like the worst nightmare of your life every night. Brain zaps. Waking up, laying there. Apathy. Borderline nausea all day. Headaches. Then started to feel like someone was tapping on my brain. Had enough when I started crying uncontrollably."

• Mab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2023

For Anxiety "I have major panic problems and bad anxiety, as well as PTSD from a past traumatic experience. Unfortunately, this medication did not work for me. I have tried it a number of different times over a few years, and each time I suffered from bad headaches. I was recently prescribed Xanax and have found it beneficial for my anxiety. However, it leaves me feeling very tired and having a brain fog. I would not recommend driving while using it. I do not want to continue Xanax, as it can be addictive and the tiredness is affecting me. I will try to find an alternative medication that can help. In the meantime, I will keep Xanax on hand in case it is severely needed. Stay healthy!"

• smh...
• June 21, 2021

For Anxiety "Took for antenatal anxiety. My OB said it was one of the least likely meds to give side effects. After trying to give it a go, the side effects have gotten out of control, and I can’t do it. I’ve been waking up with intense nightmares and been unable to fall back asleep, which isn’t helping my anxiety. My eyes have been itching nonstop since starting. The GI issues are terrible (nonstop nausea, burping, diarrhea, feeling dehydrated and unable to drink enough water). I’ve been insanely dizzy, exhausted, and foggy-headed to the point where I can’t get anything done or concentrate (also having ADHD, this is making it 10x worse). My chest keeps getting this weird pain shortly after I take it, I have ringing in my ears, and the headaches have been so severe I’ve had to take multiple headache pills every day. I also just feel really out of it and uncomfortable in my own skin. I do feel slightly happier from this medicine, but that slight pro is not worth all the cons."

• Bin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2017

For Anxiety "Only been on it for about a month, but so far, it's really helped. Had me on Paxil as well at first, and I hated how I felt on that - lots of headaches and sweating. Doing much better on the Buspar alone."

• Lis...
• April 1, 2013

For Anxiety "The first few days of taking buspirone, I experienced an increase in irritability and anger. I've been on it for about 2 months now at a steady 10 mg twice a day, and it definitely takes the edge off. The first few weeks on this dosage, I wasn't having panic attacks, I was more laid back about things, but now I feel like either my anxiety is growing or my body has become used to it, and it's not working as much as I'd like. I'm noticing the irritability again. I've had headaches every day. The dizziness shortly after taking the medicine doesn't bother me, it goes away after a few minutes. And I like that I feel functional and not like a robot. It definitely works, but maybe I need a higher dose."

• pre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2016

For Anxiety "I take this for anxiety, it seems like it calms. Hard to tell. I had to switch the dosage. In the beginning, taking 10 mg was too much, and it gave me a headache, so the doc said to break it in half and take it twice a day. The problem with that is it's hard to tell now if it's working, and I sometimes forget to take the other half. When I would take the whole 10 mg, I could tell the difference within a few minutes. Maybe I will try to take a 10 mg again to see if I still get the headache since it's been over a month now. *sighs* Finding the right medication is not easy!"

• Nic...
• June 11, 2016

For Anxiety "I've been on 15 mg 2x daily for one week now. After taking Xanax for years, I tried to stop and ended up having a seizure and was hospitalized for a few days. The doctors there prescribed me the buspirone, and I have not experienced any anxiety so far. I am now sleeping through the night, which was a huge concern for me since I was going days with little to zero sleep. Only problem now is I could sleep all day! And I constantly have a dull headache. I try to ignore it and carry on, but it's there all the time. I don't want to go back to benzos, but they seem to have the best results. I'll check back in a month with an update."

• CJS...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 14, 2017

For Anxiety "Began taking a small dose of buspirone in Feb. Had dizziness, headache, feeling nervous and excitable, and mostly feeling sleepy. Side effects have gone away. Did help with my anxiety. Caused a few days of jitters when I got off. Now I take half a dose when I feel anxious or know I am going to be in a situation I will not be comfortable (lots of people, etc.). If I take half a dose for only a few days, I only get the jitters for a few hours when I go off. Really like this drug!"

• Fra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2019

For Anxiety "Prescribed buspirone 10 mgs - 3x day, but I started by breaking them in half and taking 5 mgs - 3 times daily. The first 3 days, maybe a little tiredness and slight headache, but extreme diarrhea (may have been a virus). The 2nd week, I felt great! I kept thinking, where was this wonder medication the past 10 years of suffering. Week 3, probably the worst anxiety of my life. I had the feeling of a constant panic attack for 3 days straight and led to the body flu. I stuck it out and by week 4, started to feel better. I decided to up the dose to 20 mgs a day. Let me tell you, the 10 mgs was probably too much. I couldn't even remember if I dropped my kids off at daycare and still had anxiety. Week 7, upped to 25 mg. 10 mg in the morning and evening, and 5 in the afternoon. This lasted only 3 days, because I was so dizzy after taking the night doses, I had to close my eyes and fall asleep immediately. I am now on week 9, 15 mgs daily and feel pretty good.... Might even try 10 mg total."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2021

For Anxiety "Buspirone has helped me so, so, so much. I tried other meds that were just too intense for me, but Buspirone works wonders! My only side effects were that I had a slight headache for the first week. It sucks looking for new meds and seeing people's bad experiences. But just keep trying and stay strong."

• van...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 29, 2023

For Anxiety "Buspirone helps with my GAD. I've not had any side effects but headaches in the late afternoon. I've taken it with Quetiapine (for bipolar 2) for over a year. My NP added Vilazodone recently, and the headaches have become more frequent, but still manageable. I have noticed I'm anxious the first few hours of the day, but it subsides fairly quickly. It is the most expensive med I take, $20 for 90 days I think. Overall, buspirone is a good anxiolytic."

• Wel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2016

For Anxiety "Not a good experience AT ALL. I have anxiety and depression - usually manageable with 20 mg paroxetine but exacerbated by stress at work - also diagnosed with C-PTSD. Take diazepam as and when to deal with the most severe panic attacks. Psychiatrist assured me I could still take diazepam with this drug. After the 1st dose, I felt drowsy, spaced out, and dizzy with heavy legs. I actually fell down a small flight of stairs in my house and later on in the day slipped on the main staircase. Decided to persevere and take another in the evening. Woke up feeling like a zombie, could hardly stay awake, headache, and on edge. Discontinued. That night, I woke up TERRIFIED and spent the next day (today) either having intense panic attacks or wanting to commit suicide."

• fin...
• September 30, 2012

For Anxiety "Well, I've been having severe anxiety attacks. Certain noises, arguments, and even scary scenes in movies would bring these on. I started taking buspirone about 3 days ago. I have had some side effects such as fatigue, headaches, and belly aches, but I have noticed my anxiety level has lowered so much! I don't really feel nervous or have worried thoughts. So I am thankful for that. My doctor told me that it would take about 2-3 weeks to get into my system and for my body to recognize it. So I have hope! I will let you guys know how it goes!"

• Lea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2017

For Anxiety "I started Buspar 2 days ago. I'm not sure if it is working. My personal situation is creating chaos in my life, and anxiety and panic attacks are everyday occurrences. I'm having serious problems being able to sleep after 2 a.m. (always woke up and can't go back to sleep). Today I'm trembling and have a terrible headache, nausea, and tiredness. I don't know if I should continue this med or stop it before I get worse. Can anybody experience these side effects in the first days and then get better? I don't know what to do, and I can't stand still."

• Rac...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 27, 2022

For Panic Disorder "This drug ruined my life. I was on 15 mg three times a day with Lexapro 10 mg for 5 years, no problem. Then my doctor wanted to up the Buspar to 30 mg twice a day. Wound up in the ER with serotonin syndrome, which was misdiagnosed as a panic attack. They told me to take more Ativan. I went back down to 15 mg, and now it kept happening every time I take it. Rigid, stiff muscles, super high blood pressure, severe confusion, insane intense fear, headache lasting for 4 hours every time I take it now. My doctor said he didn't know what to do and needed a week to reassess my situation. He upped my Ativan again, which I didn't take because I didn't want to mask whatever was happening. After a week of not being able to function, I called the pharmacist to see if there was a recall of Buspar. She said no and asked my symptoms, I told her my symptoms, and she says that's serotonin syndrome. So I called my doctor to let him know, and he said yeah, Lexapro and Buspar shouldn't be taken together. What!"

• red...
• September 23, 2011

Buspirone for Anxiety "I've been taking BuSpar for about a week and a half now and haven't really seen any dramatic results so far. I started out taking a 15 mg pill in the morning and a 15 mg pill in the evening, being a total of 30 mg total. This gave me awful headaches, and I started experiencing lightheadedness. I bumped my dosage down to half of that now and am currently feeling better when it comes to the side effects. Hopefully, by the 3rd or 4th week, I will get the full effect from this medicine."

• Pun...
• September 21, 2016

For Anxiety "I've been on Buspar 15 days now. I can't say as of yet if it has helped a lot or not. It's not bad, but I have noticed certain things I go through that I'm not sure if it's side effects or just my anxiety. Like I feel drowsy about 30 minutes after. I've noticed a tingly or itchy sensation in my hands, feet, and arms (at different times). Also, more headaches than before I started Buspar. Lightheadedness, even though I've felt that way before taking it. Upset stomach or nausea. Sharp sensations in different places. Oh yes, and definitely noticed weird dreams. The reason I rate a five is that I do feel like it brings a calmness over me and my racing thoughts aren't so bad, and after the first week, I can see that it keeps me tired more, and I do sleep better."

• Jer...
• October 18, 2016

For Anxiety "Took 1 dose today for the first time, and I felt dizzy instantly and was out of it for the first hour. Within that hour, I ate dinner. I felt okay, but I experienced this sharp pain in my head that was worse than a migraine. The pain was excruciating. I really hope it's just a small side effect; otherwise, if I take it again tomorrow and I get this headache again, I'm not taking it anymore. So many side effects. Medical marijuana might help."

• Geo...
• April 20, 2011

For Anxiety "I've had GAD and dysthymia my entire life. Wellbutrin worked wonders for depression, but my anxiety has been horrible forever. My main symptoms are cold, sweaty hands and feet combined with a burning hot face, chest, and trunk and a feeling of agitation. I have these symptoms every day, and they do not seem to be triggered by outside events or thoughts. It feels like a chemical imbalance. No panic attacks. I started 5 mg of buspirone 3x/day and noticed improvement IMMEDIATELY! It felt like a warm, tingly sensation spreading through my veins, and my temperature started to equalize. I feel much less anxious and less urge to pick my cuticles and lips. I feel calmer. I am getting headaches but hope they will stop soon."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2021

For Panic Disorder "I'm prescribed 5 mg in the morning and 5 mg in the evening. This medication is not for me. It gives me horrible headaches, horrible insomnia, and a really weird, sort of nauseated, seasick feeling about 2 hours after taking it. Last night, I had to take a Xanax just to sleep from taking the buspirone. That's defeating the purpose. I can't stand these side effects. Done."

• kni...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 20, 2013

For Anxiety "Worked well for anxiety but got brain zaps and near-constant headaches on 10 mg/3x day. Didn't realize how well it worked for physical symptoms of anxiety until I started weaning to try a different medicine. Now that I stopped, tight chest, racing heart, and sweating are all back. Don't want to leave the house, very irritable. Doc is switching me to doxepin."

• Mil...
• April 28, 2021

For Panic Disorder "I’m a 40 YOF, 103 lbs. Was given this to take twice daily in replacement of 0.5 lorazepam for panic attacks. My lorazepam was a very low dosage and used maybe every couple of months. I used it the day after I had to drive in the metroplex, as that’s a trigger for me! The lorazepam calmed me back to my normal self. Buspirone was prescribed at 0.5 mg twice a day. I’m now on my third dose, haven’t slept, extremely snappy, angry, and jittery, like I have had far too much coffee! Extreme leg pain and dizziness along with diarrhea. Odd pain in my ears! Had to call in to work today due to complete lack of sleep! A terrible headache and a bit of confusion. Now I can explain being confused due to lack of sleep, please explain my desire to now organize everything in my home. I’m already a bit obsessed about organization, I like things in order. If this is the rubbish I will have to work through or deal with to possibly not have a panic attack, I’ll take the panic attack over this nightmare. I will NOT continue this med."