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]

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What Is Buspirone (Buspar)? How It Works & Uses

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.

Can You Get High on Buspar?

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.

Understanding Buspar High

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.

Symptoms

When taken in large doses, BuSpar can cause:

• Sedation

• Dizziness

• Sleepiness

• Extreme calm

These symptoms are the result of taking more than the recommended dose and can be dangerous.

Length of Effects

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.

How Does Buspirone Make You Feel?

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 High vs. Xanax High

BuSpar and Xanax are both medications used to treat anxiety, but they work differently and have different effects.

BuSpar high

• Mild effects: A BuSpar high is usually mild and short-lived. You might feel very calm, sleepy, or dizzy if you take too much.

• Short duration: The effects of a BuSpar high typically last about 30 minutes.

• Low abuse risk: BuSpar is less likely to be abused than Xanax because it doesn’t produce a strong high.

Xanax high

• Intense effects: A Xanax high can be powerful. You might feel extremely relaxed, very happy, and sleepy.

• Longer duration: The effects of a Xanax high can last for several hours.

• Higher abuse risk: Xanax has a higher risk of being abused because of its intense effects. It can also be addictive.

Key differences

• Strength: Xanax provides a stronger high than BuSpar.

• Duration: Xanax effects last longer than BuSpar.

• Risk: Xanax has a higher potential for abuse and addiction.

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 Abuse

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.

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Common Ways BuSpar is Abused

• Taking larger doses: Some people may take more than the prescribed amount of BuSpar, seeking more intense calming effects or attempting to get high. This can lead to dangerous side effects and health issues.

• Combining with other substances: Mixing BuSpar with alcohol or other drugs can amplify its effects, which can be very harmful. This combination can increase the risk of severe sedation and other dangerous reactions.

• Altering the method of use: Snorting crushed BuSpar tablets is another form of misuse. This method can cause rapid, intense effects but also significantly increases the risk of severe health problems.

Signs of BuSpar abuse

• Physical signs: Unusual drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and changes in coordination or motor skills.

• Behavioral signs: Taking more medication than prescribed, using BuSpar without a prescription, or combining it with other substances to enhance its effects.

• Psychological signs: Increased anxiety, confusion, or mood swings due to inconsistent or excessive drug use.

Chronic misuse of BuSpar can lead to a variety of long-term health issues, including:

• Cognitive impairments: Long-term abuse can affect memory and cognitive functions.

• Mental health issues: Misuse can inflame anxiety and lead to other mental health problems.

• Physical health problems: Over time, misuse can cause significant physical health issues, such as liver damage or respiratory problems.

To avoid these risks, use BuSpar only as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Is Buspar Addictive?

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.

Risks of Misuse

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:

• Sedation: Taking too much BuSpar can cause extreme drowsiness, making it difficult to stay awake and alert.
• Dizziness and confusion: Overdosing on BuSpar can lead to dizziness and confusion, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
• Nausea and vomiting: High doses can cause gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea and vomiting.

Severe risks of misuse include:

• Seizures: In extreme cases, an overdose of BuSpar can lead to seizures, requiring immediate medical attention.
• Respiratory issues: Combining BuSpar with other depressants, like alcohol, can slow down breathing, which can be life-threatening.
• Hallucinations and mental health effects: Misuse can lead to hallucinations, impaired judgment, and exacerbation of anxiety or other mental health issues.

Here’s how to avoid the risks of misuse:

• Follow prescriptions: Always take BuSpar exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Avoid mixing substances: Do not combine BuSpar with alcohol or other drugs.
• Communicate with your doctor: If you feel your medication isn’t working, talk to your doctor rather than adjusting the dose yourself.

Buspirone and Alcohol: The Dangers of Mixing The Two

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.

Why mixing buspirone and alcohol is dangerous

• Enhanced sedation: Both BuSpar and alcohol have sedative effects. When taken together, these effects are amplified, leading to extreme drowsiness and fatigue.

• Impaired motor skills and judgment: The combination can significantly impair your coordination and decision-making abilities, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

• Respiratory depression: In severe cases, mixing BuSpar with alcohol can slow breathing to dangerous levels, which can be life-threatening.

Symptoms of mixing BuSpar and alcohol

• Extreme drowsiness: You may find it very hard to stay awake.

• Confusion and disorientation: You might feel very confused and have trouble thinking clearly.

• Difficulty breathing: Your breathing might become slow or irregular, which is a medical emergency.

• Loss of coordination: You may have trouble walking or performing simple tasks.

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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Do you need compassionate and effective addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one? If so, reach out to Gratitude Lodge – we have luxury rehabs in Newport Beach and Long Beach where you can address any issues with substance abuse or mental health.

We offer a supervised medical detox program to help people withdraw from drugs or alcohol as safely and comfortably as possible. You can get 24/7 clinical and emotional care alongside medications during a week of detox. You will then move into an inpatient treatment program at one of our luxury rehabs by the beach.

All addictions are different, so all our Buspar addiction treatment programs [6] offer targeted therapies, such as:

• Motivational therapy
• Talk therapy
• Counseling
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Holistic treatments
• Aftercare

Call our recovery experts today at 844-576-0144.

Sources

[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/