Buspirone (BuSpar) is an anti-anxiety medication that’s been used since the late 1960s to treat anxiety disorders. Although this medication was introduced as an alternative to benzos, it’s essential to use Buspirone only as directed by a healthcare provider to avoid complications.
If you have been prescribed this medication, you may have questions like “Does Buspirone get you high?” or “Is Buspirone addictive?.” This guide addresses these issues and also shows you how to connect with compassionate and effective care [1]
BuSpar (buspirone) is a medication that helps people with anxiety. It works on certain chemicals in the brain [2], like serotonin and dopamine, that might be unbalanced in people who are anxious. Unlike some other anxiety medications, BuSpar does not make you sleepy or relaxed and is not addictive.
BuSpar helps balance the brain’s chemicals, making you feel less anxious. It mainly works by affecting serotonin and dopamine, two important chemicals in the brain. By helping to balance these chemicals, BuSpar can reduce feelings of anxiety [3] like fear, tension, irritability, dizziness, and a pounding heartbeat.
Doctors prescribe BuSpar to help people with GAD (generalized anxiety disorder). This condition can make people worry a lot and feel tense. BuSpar can help with both the mental and physical symptoms of anxiety, like headaches and a fast heartbeat. Because it doesn’t make you sleepy, it is a good choice for people who need to stay alert during the day.
BuSpar is not meant to treat severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It should not replace other medications prescribed for these conditions. Sometimes, doctors might use BuSpar for other reasons not officially approved, such as helping with symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome)[4], helping people quit smoking, or improving depression when used with other medicines.
BuSpar is a helpful option for many people with anxiety, especially for those who cannot take other anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor to see if BuSpar is the right medication for you.
Does BuSpar get you high? BuSpar can make you feel very calm, but getting high on it would require a very large dose. Normally, when taken as prescribed by a doctor, BuSpar has a low chance of being abused or causing addiction. Typical doses range from 5mg to 30mg.
To experience a buspirone high, someone would need to take double or more than the regular dose, which is considered abuse. Taking too much BuSpar can cause sedation, dizziness, sleepiness, and a feeling of extreme calm. However, this high only lasts about 30 minutes, and can lead to life-altering BuSpar addiction.
People commonly misuse BuSpar by mixing it with alcohol or other substances, or by taking it in ways that are not prescribed, like snorting it. These methods can be dangerous and lead to serious health problems.
Take BuSpar exactly as your doctor advises. If you feel it’s not working, talk to your doctor before changing the dose. Never mix BuSpar with alcohol or other drugs. Following your doctor’s instructions helps you stay safe and get the best results from your treatment.
When taken in large doses, BuSpar can cause:
These symptoms are the result of taking more than the recommended dose and can be dangerous.
The high from BuSpar doesn’t last very long. Typically, the effects wear off after about 30 minutes. However, during this time, the intense calm and sedation can impair your ability to function normally.
When you take BuSpar (buspirone) as prescribed, it helps to balance certain chemicals in your brain. This can reduce feelings of anxiety and make you feel calmer.
BuSpar helps to reduce anxiety, which can make you feel more relaxed and less tense. You might notice that your worries don’t bother you as much, and you can think more clearly.
Unlike some other anxiety medications [5], BuSpar does not make you sleepy. This is helpful if you need to stay alert during the day, like when you are at school or work.
If anxiety makes you feel dizzy, have a pounding heartbeat, or feel tense, BuSpar can help reduce these physical symptoms. You might feel more comfortable and less physically affected by anxiety.
BuSpar doesn’t work right away. It may take a few weeks before you start to feel better. Keep taking it as your doctor prescribes, even if you don’t feel the effects immediately.
Everyone is different, so people may react differently to BuSpar. Some might feel very calm, while others feel just a little less anxious. Talk to your doctor about how you’re feeling so they can help adjust your treatment if needed.
Take BuSpar exactly as your doctor tells you and not to change your dose without talking to them first. This will help you get the best results and feel better safely.
BuSpar and Xanax are both medications used to treat anxiety, but they work differently and have different effects.
Both BuSpar and Xanax are helpful for treating anxiety when used correctly. However, Xanax carries a higher risk of abuse and addiction due to its stronger and longer-lasting effects. Always use these medications as prescribed by your doctor to stay safe and get the best results.
BuSpar, when used as prescribed, can effectively manage anxiety symptoms. However, like any medication, it can be misused. Understanding how BuSpar can be abused and the risks associated with such misuse can help inform safe and effective treatment.
Chronic misuse of BuSpar can lead to a variety of long-term health issues, including:
To avoid these risks, use BuSpar only as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
BuSpar, when taken as prescribed, is generally safe and does not lead to addiction like some other anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines. It does not have a high street value and is not usually the drug of choice for people seeking to get high.
While BuSpar is not addictive, it can still be misused. One way people misuse BuSpar is by combining it with alcohol to boost its sedative effects. This is often an attempt to self-medicate during periods of severe anxiety or stress. However, mixing BuSpar with alcohol is very dangerous and can lead to extreme sedation.
Sometimes, people may feel their prescribed dose of BuSpar isn’t effective enough and take more than directed without consulting a doctor. This can lead to an overdose, which can cause severe health issues like seizures.
Some people have reported crushing and snorting BuSpar to achieve a quick and intense high. This method can cause rapid sedation, with some people experiencing sensations like their brain being zapped or shocked. Other serious side effects from snorting BuSpar can include hallucinations, poor decision-making, excessive sweating, dizziness, and memory loss.
To ensure your safety, always use BuSpar exactly as your doctor prescribes. Misusing BuSpar can lead to harmful and unpredictable effects. If you feel your current dose is not effective, talk to your doctor rather than adjusting the dose yourself. Following your doctor’s instructions is the best way to stay safe and get the most benefit from your treatment.
Misusing BuSpar carries several risks, ranging from mild side effects to severe health complications. Understanding these risks can help people make more informed decisions about their medication use.
Immediate risks of misusing this medication include:
Severe risks of misuse include:
Here’s how to avoid the risks of misuse:
Mixing buspirone with alcohol can be extremely dangerous. Both substances affect the central nervous system, and their combined effects can lead to severe health complications.
To stay safe, always avoid alcohol while taking BuSpar. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, talk to your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance and ensure you are using BuSpar safely and effectively.
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[1] https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/health-professionals-communities/core-resource-on-alcohol/recommend-evidence-based-treatment-know-options
[2] https://www.acnp.org/g4/GN401000125/CH123.html
[3] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
[4] https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome
[5] https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/benzodiazepines
[6] https://www.gratitudelodge.com/addictions-we-treat/
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