Buspirone: description, uses and side effects

In recent years, the use of azapirones has become popular in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and as adjunctive drugs in problems such as depression or social phobia. In this article we will analyze Therapeutic Uses, Side Effects, and Contraindications of Buspirone, the best known of these anxiolytics.

• Related article: "Types of psychotropic drugs: uses and side effects"

What is buspirone?

Buspirone is a drug with anxiolytic effects that in recent years has begun to be used to treat a wide variety of psychological disorders related to emotional aspects. It is also frequently combined with other medications to enhance its therapeutic action, particularly in the case of depression.

This psychopharmaceutical is part of the group of azapirones, to which other drugs that contain the ending "-pirone" in their nomenclature belong, such as gepirone, ipsapirone, or tandospirone, which is used to maximize the effectiveness of antipsychotics. In any case, buspirone is the most widely used and studied azapirone.

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Pharmacology and mechanism of action

The mechanism of action of buspirone depends on its high affinity for 5-HT1A serotonergic receptors, as a result of which it exerts an antagonistic effect on this neurotransmitter. This in turn allows a increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. However, its activity is complex and depends on the administered dose.

The maximum pharmacological potency occurs between 60 and 90 minutes after taking the drug. The effects diminish markedly after about 3 hours, although there are studies that indicate that the metabolization is slower, and it may take more than two weeks for buspirone to be completely eliminated from the organism.

Unlike other psychotropic drugs that are used to manage anxiety, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates, buspirone has a low potential for addiction and dependence and it interferes to a lesser extent in the lives of the people who consume it. It is for these reasons that the popularity of this drug is progressively increasing.

• Related article: "Dopamine: 7 essential functions of this neurotransmitter"

What is it for?

Buspirone was designed and is used primarily to treat anxiety-related symptoms. However, recent research suggests that its effects on neuronal transmission may also be beneficial in other types of psychological problems.

1. Generalized anxiety disorder

The main indication for buspirone is the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, which is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry and tends to cause physical symptoms, such as muscle tension, gastrointestinal difficulties and fatigue. In these cases, drug therapy can take almost a month to take effect.

2. Major depression

The possibility of using buspirone as a medication is currently being studied. adjuvant to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment of depression, especially to counteract problems in sexual response, very common side effects of these drugs.

Also, other studies suggest that long-term administration of buspirone may be effective in itself in relieving the symptoms of this disorder. The results are promising, although more research is required to confirm the effectiveness of these applications.

• Related article: "Major depression: symptoms, causes and treatment"

3. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Another prospect for the use of buspirone is the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, better known by its abbreviation "ADHD." This alteration is related to dopamine neurotransmission, which could explain the good preliminary results that are being obtained in this field.

4. Sexual dysfunctions

In addition to being useful for managing the problems of excitatory and orgasmic dysfunction associated with the use of antidepressant drugs, the Research suggests that buspirone may be effective in cases of hypoactive sexual desire, and not necessarily only in those with a pharmacological.

5. Agitation and aggressiveness

In the scientific literature we can find references to the use of buspirone in the management of disorders related to psychophysiological agitation, irritability and aggressiveness, particularly in children and the elderly with dementia.

6. Social anxiety disorder

Some studies suggest that buspirone may also be helpful in treating social phobia. However, as with depression, in this case it would be administered as an adjuvant drug to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs, the drugs of choice for this disorder.

Side effects and contraindications

Among the most common side effects of buspirone drowsiness, dizziness, headaches stand out, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, tachycardia, tremors, insomnia, confusion, irritability and paresthesias (abnormal sensory perceptions such as numbness, tingling or burning).

The symptoms in the previous paragraph often disappear within a few days of starting use. It is advisable to consult a doctor when the side effects are severe, remain after several weeks of treatment or include notable cardiovascular problems, motor coordination difficulties or outbursts of anger, among others.

The use of buspirone in conjunction with drugs of the class of MAOIs (inhibitors of the enzyme monoamine oxidase) or in people with severe liver or kidney problems such as metabolic acidosis, which is more common in cases of diabetes.