Has anyone had bad experiences with Busiprone?

[formydogs]

I have been taking Xanax .25 MG for several years and it has been working well for me so far. Recently my mom was diagnosed with cancer which has greatly increased my anxiety. My doctor prescribed Buspirone. I've been taking both for about 2 months now and it doesn't seem to be helping my anxiety and my movements sluggish and unstable.

[litethatnevergoesout]

hello for my dogs,

I’ve been taking buspirone for about 4 years now, I recall telling my neurologist that it really helped when I first started it I’ve since lost touch with its efficacy and feel like it’s more of a placebo type of thing. I still take it as prescribed. don’t know if this helps much.

litethatnevergoesout

[formydogs in reply to litethatnevergoesout]

Thank you for feedback it does help.

[bethelbee in reply to litethatnevergoesout]

If it's not working anymore, perhaps time for a different dose or a different medication?

[MindfulMoment]

Buspirone is a weird drug to me. Doctors love to tout how effective it is and that it’s just like Ativan or Xanax but not addictive. I whole heartily disagree. It makes me feel too cloudy to think straight and gives me brain zaps. It doesn’t work anything like Xanax or Ativan. Nor does it work like an ssri. I’m prescribed it to take as needed. I avoid it because it makes me feel so weird and doesn’t do anything for the physical feelings of anxiety. So then I’m left with all these weird sensations and my brain can’t seem to put the pieces together so I just go take a nap.

[bethelbee in reply to MindfulMoment]

I've never heard any doctor say Buspar is just like Ativan or Xanax. It is nothing like them. Buspar is not a Benzodiazepine and is not fast acting. It is in a different class and should be taken daily to stay in the system, requires you to take it as you would most antidepressants to build up in your system. It is not one to be taken only prn. I was on it several years ago and it really helped and am considering trying it again as my Ativan(which I only take prn) doesn't always work.

[MindfulMoment in reply to bethelbee]

I should have made my comment different. My doctors always said the efficacy was like Ativan or Xanax. Not that it’s also a benzo. For me it never did anything good. It is interesting you say Ativan doesn’t always work for you. I don’t take benzos anymore unless I have a terrible day of panic which I don’t have many anymore. But Ativan always worked amazing for me but xanax not so much. I actually feel like when it wears off the panic comes back more intense. It’s so weird how a drug can work wonders for one and be so awful for another. Makes no sense to me. The brain is so weird.

[bethelbee in reply to MindfulMoment]

The brain is definitely weird. But since each of us has different body chemistry, it makes sense that each of us would respond differently to the same medication. I was on Xanax years ago and for me that and Ativan work about the same. Lately Ativan isn't always helping because my anxiety has been pretty severe some days. I try to only take it when I really need it. I've gone weeks without needing it. Tried getting an appointment with my doctor but can't get in until the middle of November.

[MindfulMoment in reply to bethelbee]

That’s so ridiculous. My doctor never seems to be able to see me when I need help. I don’t know what they expect us to do in the middle of what feels like a crisis. I’m waiting on an appointment with a psychiatrist rather than my PCP, for medication management. I just don’t trust my PCP anymore. She just throws new medications at me and swears they are the best thing ever. It never works. And she is so against benzos. You’d think I was asking for heroine or something. If benzos aren’t for people with panic attacks than who are they for?

[bethelbee in reply to MindfulMoment]

I love my PCP but she won't prescribe any psych meds. I am not on antidepressants anymore because I became treatment resistant to them a few years ago. Was on them for decades. (Have had TMS and it was successful for my depression). Many docs are against benzos. Luckily the one I see from my therapist's office isn't, but I really need to see him about alternatives. If I continue to feel as I am there's no way I can wait. He only works 3x/week, is getting ready to retire. Someone new is supposed to be starting but not for a couple months and there is another doc there that I saw ages ago but not sure he is even taking anybody now. You're right, what are we supposed to do??!! I even tried contacting BetterHelp(they don't have Psychiatrists and don't take insurance) and another online outfit, Brightside, but don't think they take my insurance and frankly with any of them I really don't want to start with someone new. Looked up other docs in my area and most got poor reviews. Thought about going to the ER but they won't do anything for me. I may call the crisis line and talk to them. They've been helpful in the past with other issues. Isn't it frustrating as hell??

[Eliana5 in reply to MindfulMoment]

Exactly! Doctors (I'm not knocking them) but they are not well trained on Psychiatric medications and will prescribe you anything just to get someone out the door. They won't even do a two week follow up which is vital while being on these meds. They just prescribe the latest and that can be dangerous. Or whatever the salesman brings in and they get a kickback on it. I'm glad you are seeing or will be seeing a Psychiatrist. Sometimes it can be hard to get in but don't lose hope. They want to help you. If you do contact a crisis line they might know of a Psychiatrist that will take you right away. I had to go to the Psychiatric ward at a local hospital because I was desperate but they at least put me in the right meds and even referred me to a Psychiatrist right away...who took me. They are trained in all medications, and all forms of mental illness. They make sure to do follow - ups, there are also Psychiatric nurses available to call if you have a question. Calling a "Doctor or nurse" for a concern..well I wish people good luck on that. Psychiatrists have no problem prescribing Klonopin (which I feel is the best one with the longest half life) or any other Benzodiapenes.

[Eliana5 in reply to bethelbee]

Is there any you can switch from a Doctor to a Psychiatrist? Doctors while great are really not trained in Psychiatric medication and usually prescribe what the salesmen bring in or the drug of the moment. Psychiatrists are amazing, know about panic, sleep, anxiety, panic, worry, fear, etc. And more severe Psychiatric disorders. I tried to go to a Doctor once and never again for a Psychiatric medication. I told him "Please, No SSRI's..I can't take these" so he puts me on Lexapro. It ended up giving me permanent Tinitus (constant ringing in ears). I tried to get in to see him and could not do I took myself off of it but sadly the Tinitus never went away. He didn't give me any info on it and didn't even do a follow up visit which is vital if you are on Psychiatric medication. I'm not knocking Doctors but they are not really trained for this and a Psychiatrist can even do a cheek swab in the office and find the right med for you. They make sure to do follow ups and if you have a concern there are Psychiatric nurses in the office you can call. With Doctors? Well..good luck.

[bethelbee in reply to Eliana5]

The doctor I was referring to IS a psychiatrist. He's booked until the middle of November. He's the one I've been seeing. The office does not have a Psychiatric nurse practitioner. I had one at another office a while ago and really liked her. She is no longer there. I am not on any other psych meds, became treatment resistant to antidepressants a few years ago after being on them for decades; they no longer work. I did have one of the cheek swabs for meds but it was so inaccurate. I do take Ativan prn for my anxiety. I had success with TMS for the depression. Thx for the info but I am well versed in the difference between all the practitioners. I am in my 60's and have been dealing with depression and anxiety for decades.

[Eliana5 in reply to bethelbee]

That's terrific! I wanted to help but sorry I didn't. I was just sent a text by this forum to ask if I could answer a question, so I thought I could help in some way but apparently not. I won't try to help anyone on here anymore. A "Thank you" would have been sufficient. Have a blessed day and I hope it all works out for you.

[bethelbee in reply to Eliana5]

Don't let my response stop you from trying to help anyone else. I did say thx but wanted to give you a bit of my history. We all have different stories and backgrounds and reasons we are as we are. I've been on here for a few years. I certainly don't know everything. I do appreciate you trying to help. Hope things work out for you as well. Take care.

[bethelbee in reply to Eliana5]

I'm sorry if I came off as flippant, that was not my intention at all. No excuse but I have been dealing with a lot, am not feeling well and am really frustrated. I am sorry..

[Eliana5 in reply to bethelbee]

Thank you for that. I hope everything gets better for you. Take care. xo

[bethelbee in reply to Eliana5]

Thx, you too...

[bethelbee]

I took Buspar several years ago and it really helped me then. Am considering asking to try it again since the Ativan I've been taking prn doesn't always work.

[Eliana5]

Hi..I have been on both and I'm still on Busphar and Klonopin. I have been on these for fifteen years. I take 15mg in the morning and 15mg at 6pm or bedtime (Busphar). I have severe anxiety and panic attacks. My Psychiatrist worked me up to that. It really has not helped me too much I don't think..it might be helping to control my constant fear and worry but I'm not sure. I guess the miracle for me was Klonopin. Xanax has a very short 1/2 life. .25 you are taking is an extremely small dose. I'm not quite sure why she/he has you on that small of dose but it's very small. Usually they start you on .5 and then go up from there as needed. The only thing about Xanax is due to it's very short 1/2 life it is only in your system for three hours and even less than that on the amount you are taking. I'm taking the maximum of Klonopin and it has not let me down yet. I take 2mg in the morning and 2mg at bedtime.They can also be split in 1/2 as there is a scoreline. Although I usually take as directed. These drugs are not "PRN's" you have to take them everyday or they stop working.

The Klonopin is amazing. I no longer have the unexplained fear, dread, doom or feeling something awful is going to happen. I no longer worry about other people, this or that. I don't feel like a "Zombie" on it. It's been amazing and best of all no more panic or anxiety attacks! It is the best out of all the Benzodiapenes because it has a very long 1/2 life..meaning the drug stays in your system for 6-8 hours. With Xanax I see people taking it like candy because it just doesn't stay in your system long enough. Klonopin..they usually start you on .5 then gradually wean you up to 1mg twice a day than if needed 2mg twice a day depending on how severe your anxiety is. You might want to ask your Doctor if they would not mind switching you over to Klonopin and start off on .5 twice a day or 1mg twice a day. If you see a regular Internist or Doctor for prescribing Psychiatric medication I would switch to a Psychiatrist. They know so much more and can even do a cheek swab and put you on something your body can tolerate. Doctors are not well trained in Psychiatric meds and prescribe whatever.

The Busphar might needed to be increased as well as it sounds like it's not really doing much. I know a lot of people on it and like me, say it just doesn't do much for them but when they get on Klonopin they feel like a whole new person. Your system needs to get used to it because it is doing its job and you might feel a bit tired at first but after a week or two the side effects like that go away. I'm also on Seroquel, Wellbutrin and Remeron (Mirtazapine) all excellent medications. I hope this helps.

[Eliana5]

I just sent you a response but may have accidentally sent to the wrong recipient. The response to your post is above.

[formydogs]

It was a doctor who initially prescribed the Xanax he is retiring at the end of the year so he referred me to a psychiatrist who put me on Buspar after 2 adjustments to the amount they suggested taking I do not see any positive improvements. In 2 weeks I have med check with the psychiatrist I will ask him about Klonopin and if ask him about the Xanax dosage. Thank you for excellent advice.