More than ten million Americans take Buspar to help them control anxiety, a condition that can lead to fear, irritability, restlessness, and a pounding heartbeat. But what is it exactly, and how does it work? This article looks at the basics of this popular anxiolytic medication, including its normal dosage and side effects. It also discusses alternatives, as well as instances in which this drug should not be taken.

Buspar is the brand name for a generic drug called buspirone hydrochloride, which was first approved by the FDA in 1986. It is often used to treat generalized anxiety disorder or GAD, which is characterized by persistent feelings of nervousness and fear that affect a person's ability to function in everyday life. In addition, this medicine can be used to treat certain physical symptoms that occur with anxiety, such as trembling and dizziness.

Unlike some other medications, Buspar has no known addictive properties and can be safely taken long-term. However, this medication should not be taken by those with a history of drug hypersensitivity (an immune-mediated reaction to drugs). It is also recommended that pregnant women avoid taking Buspar as it can pass into breast milk and may harm the fetus.

Before taking this medication, it's important to consult with a doctor about any other health issues and medications you are currently on. The doctor will need to know your complete medical history, including any allergies you may have. You should also tell the doctor about any other prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including herbal and alternative remedies. In particular, you should not take Buspar within 14 days of any monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants. This group of medications includes isocarboxazid, methylene blue injection, and phenelzine, among others.

The simplest way to understand how Buspar works is that it is in the azapirone family of medications and affects serotonin receptors in the brain. Basically, it helps your body to produce more serotonin, which in turn helps you feel calm. This is why it's sometimes called an augmenter medication, as it helps other psychotropic medications work better at treating depression or anxiety.

Your doctor will typically prescribe Buspar in a low dose and slowly increase your dosage over the course of two to four weeks. This allows the medication to kick in and start reducing your depression or anxiety symptoms without causing too many side effects.

This is one of the reasons why this medication is usually prescribed alongside other medications as opposed to Xanax, which is a much more rapid acting benzodiazepine that can cause psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. It's also not recommended to combine it with alcohol or other drugs, as this can have adverse side effects, such as drowsiness or dizziness. Ultimately, this medication should be a last resort if other treatment options do not provide results. It can be difficult to find the right combination of treatments for anxiety, and it can often be a case of trial and error until you get the best mix.