Skip to content
BuSpar (buspirone)
Mental Health Anxiety BuSpar
Mental Health Anxiety BuSpar

BuSpar (buspirone) online prescription available

If you are currently living with anxiety, BuSpar (buspirone) can help. Get a new prescription or refill of BuSpar today from a caring, board-certified primary care doctor online.*

Expert telehealth care for anxiety Available as a tablet Top-rated physicians, personalized anxiety treatment
Book an appointment
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Not all medications are suitable for every patient. Our primary care physician may recommend that you consult a psychiatrist, either via telehealth or in-person, to ensure you receive the best possible mental health care. They will provide guidance, referrals and additional resources as needed. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
circles-dark.18c7e306

About BuSpar (buspirone)

BuSpar is an anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety medication, which decreases serotonin & increases both dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain. It’s FDA approved for generalized anxiety disorder management and may be used off-label to help treat depression. Unlike other forms of anxiolytics that can be taken as needed, buspirone works best if taken daily.  

Some conditions that BuSpar is known to treat include generalized anxiety disorder. BuSpar is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation and under brand names, including buspirone hydrochloride.

BuSpar may be prescribed as a tablet in 4 different doses:

  • 5 mg

  • 7.5 mg

  • 10 mg

  • 15 mg

  • 30 mg

It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.

BuSpar (buspirone) uses

There are 2 FDA-approved uses for BuSpar, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here.

Treat generalized anxiety disorder

Anxiety disorders that last longer than six months.

Augmentation of unipolar depression

Currently approved for off-label use

BuSpar side effects

The side effects associated with taking BuSpar are typically mild. Most BuSpar side effects are associated with dizziness and lightheadedness. BuSpar has some common side effects. They may include:

  • Drowsiness

  • Headache

  • Nausea

  • Nervousness

  • Restlessness

  • Blurred vision

  • Tiredness


Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:

  • Allergic reactions: rash, itching

  • Severe dizziness

  • Trouble breathing

  • Chest pain

  • Irregular heartbeat

  • Easy bleeding or bruising


You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or develop other new or concerning symptoms.

circles-dark.18c7e306

How to take BuSpar (buspirone)

Your doctor will provide you with instructions on how to take your BuSpar (buspirone) prescription.

Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.

BuSpar can come in different forms and doses, so follow the specific instructions on your prescription. It is typically prescribed 1 or 2 times per day. Some particular instructions may include taking 15mg daily and increasing by 5mg daily as needed.

What to avoid while taking BuSpar

BuSpar has many possible drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs. 

Avoiding large amounts of grapefruit juice when taking BuSpar is essential as this can increase the level of BuSpar in the body and any adverse effects.

Ask your doctor for medical advice before taking sleeping pills or muscle relaxants.

Although it’s generally safe to drink mild amounts of alcohol with buspirone, some research shows that regular alcohol consumption may increase side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Alcohol may also reduce the medication’s ability to do its job, making it harder to manage anxiety disorders.

Ask your doctor before taking BuSpar if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.

Do not take buspirone if you take a drug with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor activity.

Do not suddenly stop taking BuSpar, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Medication alternatives to BuSpar

If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another nonbenzodiazepine or an antidepressant in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:

Generalized anxiety disorders

Lexapro (escitalopram) Prozac (fluoxetine) Zoloft (sertraline) Cymbalta (duloxetine) Celexa Effexor Paxil

BuSpar prescription FAQs

How much does BuSpar cost?

The typical cost of 15 mg tablets of brand name BuSpar is around $12 for a supply of 30 tablets. This price will vary depending on insurance and the pharmacy you choose. Generic formulations may be much cheaper. 

What does BuSpar help with?

Buspar treats anxiety disorders and can be added to other medications.

What time of day should you take BuSpar?

If Buspar is prescribed twice daily, it should be taken in the morning and night, ideally 10-12 hours apart.

How long does it take to get used to taking BuSpar?

Based on clinical trials, Buspar can take 3 to 4 weeks to build up in your system. You may notice improvement in symptoms before then, in as little as a week. 

How can I refill my BuSpar prescription?

An online doctor can, if deemed appropriate, refill Buspar at any local pharmacy.

Who should not take BuSpar?

Anyone who has had a known allergic reaction to BuSpar should not take it. Also, please only use Buspar if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others. This can cause dangerous drug interactions.

What happens if I miss a dose of BuSpar?

Take the missed dose as soon as you can. However, if it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular schedule.

What happens if I take too much BuSpar?

Symptoms of an overdose are dizziness or lightheadedness, severe drowsiness or loss of consciousness, stomach upset, nausea or vomiting, and small pupils.

3 simple steps to request your BuSpar prescription today

How It Works Step 1
Step 1

Book a BuSpar prescription request appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
How It Works Step 2
Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your BuSpar prescription.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
How It Works Step 3
Step 3

Pick up your BuSpar prescription, if prescribed

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

How pricing works

To get a new or refill on your BuSpar prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week
  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team
  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests
  • Free memberships for your family
  • Cancel anytime

Paying with insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

+

Visits

Copay

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

We accept these insurance plans and many more:


humanaaetnacigna logo background

 

Paying without insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

+

Visits

$129

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.
Book an appointment
*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included. Please refer to our refund policy for additional information.

Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.



PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.