Buspirone: description, uses and side effects

This is one of the most widely used anxiolytic psychotropic drugs, popular for depression and ADHD.

In recent years the use of azapirones in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and as adjuvant drugs in problems such as depression or social phobia has become popular. In this article we will analyze therapeutic uses, side effects and contraindications of buspirone, the best known of these anxiolytics.the best known of these anxiolytics.

What is buspirone?

Buspirone is a drug with anxiolytic effects which 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 drugs to enhance its therapeutic action, particularly in the case of depression.

This psychotropic drug is part of the azapyrone group of drugs, to which other drugs containing the ending "-pyrone" in their nomenclature belong.to which other drugs containing the ending "-pyrone" 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.

Pharmacology and mechanism of action

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

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

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

What is it used for?

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

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

Buspirone is currently being studied as an adjunctive medication for use in conjunction with adjuvant to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment of depression, in the treatment of depression. in the treatment of depression, especially to counteract problems in sexual response, which are very common side effects of these drugs.

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

3. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

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

4. Sexual dysfunctions

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

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 could also be useful in the treatment of social phobia. However, as with depression, in this case it would be administered as an adjunctive drug to 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 are drowsiness, feelings of dizziness drowsiness, feelings of dizziness, headaches, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, tachycardia, tremors, insomnia, insomnia, nausea, abdominal painThe most common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, tachycardia, tremors, insomnia, confusion, irritability and paresthesias (abnormal sensory perceptions such as numbness, tingling or burning).

The symptoms in the above paragraph often disappear within a few days of starting use. A doctor should be consulted when side effects are severe, persist after several weeks of treatment, or include significant cardiovascular problemsThe side effects should be consulted if they are severe, persist after several weeks of treatment or include, among others, significant cardiovascular problems, motor coordination difficulties or explosive outbursts of anger.

The use of buspirone is not recommended in conjunction with drugs of the MAOI class (monoamine oxidase enzyme inhibitors) or in people with severe liver or kidney problems, such as metabolic acidosis, more frequent in cases of diabetes.