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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3 to 27 of 27. Go back in thread:
Posted by ChrisK on July 18, 2001, at 6:18:09
In reply to Wanted: OPINIONS/EXPERIENCES w/ BUSPAR, please!, posted by Janelle on July 17, 2001, at 23:21:24
For me and others I have spoken to (including my pdoc) Buspar is an expensive sugar pill. Couldn't touch any of my anxiety or panic problems. The best thing that helped my anxiety was Klonopin and the best thing for the obsessive racing thoughts was Zyprexa. I would consider both of them better alternatives to Buspar.
Posted by irishcatholic on July 18, 2001, at 9:25:02
In reply to Re: Wanted: OPINIONS/EXPERIENCES w/ BUSPAR, please!, posted by ChrisK on July 18, 2001, at 6:18:09
Buspar after two days produced the worst black
moods I've ever experienced. That freebie "starter pack"
went right down the toilet shortly afterwards!
Posted by Elizabeth on July 18, 2001, at 9:26:58
In reply to Wanted: OPINIONS/EXPERIENCES w/ BUSPAR, please!, posted by Janelle on July 17, 2001, at 23:21:24
> I have to hone in and fine tune the anxiety/obsessive racing thoughts problem I am continuing to have and am considering Buspar.
I guess it's worth a try. I just posted about it to someone else, and I'll tell you the same thing I told them: it seems to me that although it does work for some people, quite often BuSpar just has no effect. Occasionally someone will get *more* anxious or jittery on it, but that's not as common as it is with, say, the SSRIs (Prozac, etc.). It takes quite a long time to work, and my opinion is that you should give it 8 weeks at a therapeutic dose (one big problem is that the "therapeutic dose" seems to vary widely from person to person: it would be nice if your doctor were willing to increase the dose as high as 90 mg if you tolerate that much, but it's probably not likely) before calling it a failure.
-elizabeth
Posted by Janelle on July 18, 2001, at 15:00:36
In reply to Re: Wanted: OPINIONS/EXPERIENCES w/ BUSPAR, please!, posted by v on July 18, 2001, at 6:00:55
Thanks for the info about your experience on Buspar a couple of times. I have heard that it is kind of "weak" - doesn't do much re: anxiety/racing thoughts, which I have (big time) and that's why I'm asking about it.
Interesting how every time you STOPPED the Buspar, you noticed an increase in your depression. Hmmmmm ... as far as I know, Buspar has NO a-d properties, so it's "mysterious" why that happened!
I've been on Klonopin for anxiety for a long time, and can tell you that it has worked wonders for me. It still helps, but I've recently been dx'd with BipolarII/hypomania and need something "stronger" than Klonopin (just started Lamictal).
Klonopin is slow acting versus other benzo's such as Xanax, so I think that if you do try it, you'll have to give it some time to kick in, like with the a-d's.
Good luck!
-Janelle
Posted by Amy Blue on July 18, 2001, at 15:05:32
In reply to To V: thanks, and about KLONOPIN: » v, posted by Janelle on July 18, 2001, at 15:00:36
Buspar is basically an SSRI but it's given in lower doses. At high doses it's basically an SSIR (from what I've read). That's why there is an increase in depression for some people when stopping. When I took BuSpar in conjunction w/ Prozac and other SSRIs, it did not alleviate my anxiety at all.
Klonopin is much better choice for anxiety and obsessive thoughts.
Posted by Janelle on July 18, 2001, at 15:06:19
In reply to Re: Wanted: OPINIONS/EXPERIENCES w/ BUSPAR, please!, posted by ChrisK on July 18, 2001, at 6:18:09
Holy cow - you have mentioned exactlyv what I've heard (and which is why I asked for feedback from people on this board!) - that Buspar is an expensive sugar pill, that is "weak" and doesn't begin to touch many people's anxiety or panic problems.
Coincidentally, I've been on Klonopin a long time and just recently started Zyprexa for my anxiety and obsessive racing thoughts, and to get me to fall asleep at night (I have awful insomnia). This combo is effective, but I'm also on EffexorXR, which unfortunately is proving to be too stimulating and activating for me, so I plan to go off that and onto a more sedating, calming a-d. Thanks for your input. The more I hear, the more I will not bother with Buspar. Besides, my pdoc seems to feel that I need to hone in on the right a-d (that my anxiety, etc. is packaged with my depression).
-Janelle
Posted by Janelle on July 18, 2001, at 15:08:40
In reply to Re: Wanted: OPINIONS/EXPERIENCES w/ BUSPAR, please!, posted by irishcatholic on July 18, 2001, at 9:25:02
Yipes - Buspar after two days produced the worst black moods you've ever experienced. Wise move that you put that freebie "starter pack" right down the toilet shortly afterwards!
The more I hear, the stronger I feel that I will NOT bother trying Buspar. Consistently, it sounds worthless. Thanks for your response.
-Janelle
Posted by Amy Blue on July 18, 2001, at 15:17:42
In reply to CHRIS K re:Buspar and Klonopin (you gotta read!) » ChrisK, posted by Janelle on July 18, 2001, at 15:06:19
Remeron and Serzone are sedating. I also found zoloft to be extremely sedating, and after adjusting to Celexa I slept like a baby. It took 8 weeks to get to that point but it was sooo worth it. I've tried 7 or 8 ADs and Celexa was my fave.
I also had very bad insomnia on Effexor. In fact, I think at one point I hadn't slept a wink in several days. Leading me to feel psychotic, and my pdoc to think I was bipolar, and yadda yadda yadda. What a mess!
Posted by Janelle on July 18, 2001, at 15:52:59
In reply to BuSpar as AD/Klonopin, posted by Amy Blue on July 18, 2001, at 15:05:32
Thanks - I had no idea that Buspar is basically an SSRI (but it's given in lower doses). That sure does explain why there is an increase in depression for some people when stopping.
So far, all the feedback I've gotten on here is CONSISTENT in saying that taking BuSpar did NOT alleviate anyone's anxiety at all!
I take Klonopin, and it does help somewhat with my anxiety.
Posted by Janelle on July 18, 2001, at 15:56:17
In reply to Re: BuSpar » Janelle, posted by Elizabeth on July 18, 2001, at 9:26:58
Thanks for the info. Based on what I've heard and read on here (great info!) I don't think I will bother with Buspar. So far, not ONE person I've heard from on here (or anywhere else for that matter) has had any positive effect on anxiety with it! And it sounds like it may take even longer than the already long-taking SSRI's to even kick in if it's going to.
-Janelle
Posted by Janelle on July 18, 2001, at 16:02:08
In reply to Janelle re: sedating ADs, posted by Amy Blue on July 18, 2001, at 15:17:42
THanks for the info on sedating A-D's! I've heard consistently that Remeron and Serzone are sedating and will ask my pdoc about trying one of those or maybe Luvox (I hear that can be sedating as well as good for OCD or obsessive and compulsive tendencies, which I have).
I tried Zoloft and it didn't work, and was NOT sedating at all for me! I also tried Celexa and that WAS sedating, but not to the point where it got me to sleep. I felt lethargic, drowsy and got headaches with it, yet also felt more agitated inside too.
I'm no wondering if I should have given the Celexa more time in light of your saying that it took 8 weeks to get to where you did, and that you have 7 or 8 ADs and Celexa was your fave. However, I was on Celexa for 4 weeks and got nothing but continuous side effects.
What a shame that you also had very bad insomnia on Effexor, and at one point hadn't gotten a wink of sleep in several days. I was up almost one whole night, but now with Zyprexa/Klonopin at night, I'm getting somewhat better sleep (but far from great).
-Janelle
Posted by sl on July 18, 2001, at 17:43:11
In reply to To ELIZABETH Re: BuSpar » Elizabeth, posted by Janelle on July 18, 2001, at 15:56:17
> will bother with Buspar. So far, not ONE person I've heard from on here (or anywhere else for that matter) has had any positive effect on anxiety with it! And it sounds like it may take
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010714/msgs/70640.html
His input is at the bottom. :)
sl
PS I started Buspar yesterday.
Posted by Janelle on July 18, 2001, at 21:33:24
In reply to Re: To ELIZABETH Re: BuSpar, posted by sl on July 18, 2001, at 17:43:11
any input from Dr. Bob within that link you gave. Hope you come back here - maybe it was another link or I'm blind and missed it? HELP! Thanks!
-Janelle
Posted by sl on July 18, 2001, at 23:58:43
In reply to To SL -- huh? I don't see ... » sl, posted by Janelle on July 18, 2001, at 21:33:24
There isn't any, it was posted by MB. He(?) was someone who used BuSpar to good effect, and you mentioned not having seen even ONE good reference...so there it is. :)
sl
> any input from Dr. Bob within that link you gave. Hope you come back here - maybe it was another link or I'm blind and missed it? HELP! Thanks!
> -Janelle
Posted by Elizabeth on July 19, 2001, at 7:35:10
In reply to To V: thanks, and about KLONOPIN: » v, posted by Janelle on July 18, 2001, at 15:00:36
> Interesting how every time you STOPPED the Buspar, you noticed an increase in your depression. Hmmmmm ... as far as I know, Buspar has NO a-d properties, so it's "mysterious" why that happened!
Of course it has AD properties. It augments serotonergic ADs (SSRIs, Effexor, etc.) and acts as an AD by itself in higher doses. It's a partial agonist at the 5-HT1a receptor which is believed to be involed in depression. (It's not a serotonin reuptake inhibitor.)
> I've been on Klonopin for anxiety for a long time, and can tell you that it has worked wonders for me.
If you've been taking Klonopin for a long time, there's less of a chance that Buspar will work for you (that doesn't mean it won't: it's a different type of drug altogether, and I do encourage you to give it a try).
One thing Buspar will *not* do is alleviate benzo withdrawal symptoms. You shouldn't expect to be able simply to switch from Klonopin to Buspar.
> Klonopin is slow acting versus other benzo's such as Xanax, so I think that if you do try it, you'll have to give it some time to kick in, like with the a-d's.
Not like with the ADs. It takes about an hour for Klonopin to work, not several weeks.
-elizabeth
Posted by terra miller on July 20, 2001, at 0:19:58
In reply to more Buspar stuff » Janelle, posted by Elizabeth on July 19, 2001, at 7:35:10
> Of course it has AD properties. It augments serotonergic ADs (SSRIs, Effexor, etc.) and acts as an AD by itself in higher doses. It's a partial agonist at the 5-HT1a receptor which is believed to be involed in depression. (It's not a serotonin reuptake inhibitor.)Elizabeth, I have read this about the serotonin and Buspar. Do you know just what it means in layman's terms? My issue is that the meds that I have tried that do something to serotonin tend to not be tolerated well. Is buspar primarily a dopamine effecting med, or is there more serotonin action than I originally thought? Any information goes to helping me consider potential side-effects that I typically get on SSRI's and others that have serotonin effects. Thanks. -terra
Posted by Elizabeth on July 20, 2001, at 16:10:08
In reply to Re: more Buspar stuff » Elizabeth, posted by terra miller on July 20, 2001, at 0:19:58
> Elizabeth, I have read this about the serotonin and Buspar. Do you know just what it means in layman's terms?
Sure. Buspirone imitates the actions of serotonin at one of the many types of serotonin receptors (the one designated, uncreatively, type "1a"). (A partial agonist is just an agonist that doesn't produce the full effect when on the receptor.) SSRIs increase the available pool of serotonin, which activates all types of serotonin receptors indiscriminately.
> My issue is that the meds that I have tried that do something to serotonin tend to not be tolerated well. Is buspar primarily a dopamine effecting med, or is there more serotonin action than I originally thought?
It's a weak dopamine antagonist. Its main direct effect is activation of the serotonin 1a (5-HT1a) receptor. It does have indirect effects on dopaminergic transmission with chronic use.
> Any information goes to helping me consider potential side-effects that I typically get on SSRI's and others that have serotonin effects.
Because of its selectivity, BuSpar can be expected not to have a lot of the side effects that SSRIs tend to cause, such as nausea and sexual dysfunction. (I've even heard of people using BuSpar in addition to an SSRI to counteract the sexual side effects.)
The big minus about BuSpar is that (again, probably because of its selectivity) it just doesn't work for a lot of people. If it doesn't seem to be doing anything, I'd suggest that, if you can tolerate it and your doctor says it's okay, you consider taking more than the usual recommended doses. It's safe to take BuSpar in much higher doses, and it has antidepressant effects when doses are used in the range of 60-90 mg. I would guess that these higher doses also work better for anxiety.
I hope this is helpful.
-elizabeth
Posted by gentle ben on December 18, 2002, at 10:28:15
In reply to Wanted: OPINIONS/EXPERIENCES w/ BUSPAR, please!, posted by Janelle on July 17, 2001, at 23:21:24
obviously im no expert
but i had an anxiety disorder for 6-7 years
and was pretty adamant that i was never gonna take anything for it
well , i can happily say that i have been on buspar about 2 months and i have not felt this good in years ( and that just means feeling normal)
anyway from what ive read about it it does not work for everybody
but has for me
and it is giving me the space to go and get this anxiety sorted outhope things work out for all of ya
happy xmas
Posted by scoper on December 21, 2002, at 11:52:48
In reply to Wanted: OPINIONS/EXPERIENCES w/ BUSPAR, please!, posted by Janelle on July 17, 2001, at 23:21:24
Hi,
I have been on Buspar for a while now. Actually about 14 months. It works, regardless of what anyone tells you. If you take a look at its method of action, you will see that there are no other drugs that act like it. It is also very expensive. I believe that it is the most expensive of all the Antidepressants/Antianxiety agents out there! Evidentely it must do something.
If you combine about 15-20mg a day with a small dose of an SSRI, you will feel great! However, the higher you raise the SSRI, the more anxious you will feel. A good rule of thumb is to increase the Buspar as you increase the SSRI. But only a little. With 20mg. of Celexa, 15mg. of Buspar completely eliminates the nervousness caused by the SSRI. On the negative end though, Buspar seems to worsen OCD a bit, and will not help depression much at all, unless you take a very high dose. But, as far as an antianxiety agent, it is very good when it pertains to the mind racing end of things! It is not quite as effective as Xanax overall, but very close, dose for dose.
Scoper.
Posted by ZeeZee on December 21, 2002, at 20:31:42
In reply to Re: Wanted: OPINIONS/EXPERIENCES w/ BUSPAR, please!, posted by scoper on December 21, 2002, at 11:52:48
I have been waiting until the holiday is over and my family is back home to try what my doc has recommended for now - to add Buspar to my St. John's Wort. Have you had any negative side effects from it? I took it just once and awoke around 3:00 a.m. with a wave of anxiety, which is not typical of me. That is how I tend to feel on SSRI's although 1,000 times worse. Although I'm anxious to try it in hopes of finding relief I am fearful of the effects. Any further details of your experience you could provide would be helpful.
Thanks
Posted by scoper on December 22, 2002, at 19:25:49
In reply to Re: Wanted: OPINIONS/EXPERIENCES w/ BUSPAR, please! » scoper, posted by ZeeZee on December 21, 2002, at 20:31:42
> I have been waiting until the holiday is over and my family is back home to try what my doc has recommended for now - to add Buspar to my St. John's Wort. Have you had any negative side effects from it? I took it just once and awoke around 3:00 a.m. with a wave of anxiety, which is not typical of me. That is how I tend to feel on SSRI's although 1,000 times worse. Although I'm anxious to try it in hopes of finding relief I am fearful of the effects. Any further details of your experience you could provide would be helpful.
> Thanks
The wave of anxiety you mention with Buspar is initially normal with Buspar. It even says that in the side effect profile. It has some elevation properties for the Dopamine D2 receptor, which is responsible for some excitement and nervousness out of the gate. It elevates the S1 Serotonin receptor as well, so that too will cause some nervousness. It can lower that receptor too, but only if it is aggravated. In other words, depending on your brain chemistry, it will either cause you to feel calm, or make you feel excited. All in all though, within a month, you will reach a point where you feel calmer and calmer by the day. It will last a little longer each day. You have to give yourself time to adjust to the medication, and let it work. Be patient. I reccommend a 15-30mg. dosage a day. The higher you go, the more Dopamine you will release, so be aware that at 60mg., a high dose, you will feel more antidepressant effects than antianxiety.As to your combining it with St. John's Wort, I think it is a great idea! St. John's Wort will also cause anxiety at higher doses, and can dramatically raise Serotonin levels. So, having something there to bring down the elevated Serotonin would be good. You are lucky to have a Psychiatrist that believes in St. John's Wort, as it is effective in a milder way than the SSRI's. Furthermore, it is proven to boost Norepinephrine and Dopamine along with Serotonin, giving it a more broad usage profile than the SSRI's. St. John's is good for ADD, in my experience, and better for GAD than the SSRI's. Personally, I like the herb, and don't forget that in Europe, it is prescribed about twice as often as the SSRI's. I think it has a bad rap in this country due to the money made from the drug industry! Think about it!?
Lastly, St. John's Wort can be taken up to 1800mg.! That would be to treat OCD problems. So, it is very safe, and better tolerated than the SSRI's or Tricyclics. I advise you to try to stay on that, and consider adding some GABA or L-Taurine at night for further antianxiety effects.
Scoper.
Posted by ZeeZee on December 22, 2002, at 21:05:42
In reply to Re: Wanted: OPINIONS/EXPERIENCES w/ BUSPAR, please! » ZeeZee, posted by scoper on December 22, 2002, at 19:25:49
Wow! Thanks for all the information, it was very helpful and encouraging. However, I'm so sensitive and fearful of the effects of med's that I can't imagine tolerating increased anxiety from Buspar for a day let alone a month! I will try it anyway, because my back's up against the wall, and hope for the best.
Posted by Gabbix2 on December 22, 2002, at 21:47:09
In reply to Re: Wanted: OPINIONS/EXPERIENCES w/ BUSPAR, please! » scoper, posted by ZeeZee on December 22, 2002, at 21:05:42
If Buspar works for you, it works. There isn't much else to say.
However, to say "it works no matter what anyone says' is reductive.It did nothing for me, nothing, except make my face puffy. Fortunately I had no negative effects either, a rare thing I find, with a medication that doesn't work for me. I actually requested it from my G.P because I thought it would be perfect for me.
My Psychopharmacologist had never prescribed it because he said it would be pointless for my type of depression/G.A.D.It was.
B.T.W. I was also on an SSRI.Depression is multifaceted and making generalizations about what will work and what won't is most definately unrealistic.
Posted by lauren12345 on December 24, 2002, at 22:41:30
In reply to Re: Wanted: OPINIONS/EXPERIENCES w/ BUSPAR, Scoper, posted by Gabbix2 on December 22, 2002, at 21:47:09
Ive been taking Buspar for a while. I discovered that it makes me fall asleep about one hour after I take it. It can be any time of day that I take the medicine. The sleepiness is uncontrollable and I have fallen asleep at work and at school. This is a dangerous side effect of Buspar. Im not sure how common it is, but I have done some research and found others with the same side affects as myself. It is something to consider before starting to take this medicine. I feel "normal" as a result of Buspar, which is a very good thing, but falling asleep uncontrollably is unacceptable. I thought I might have narcolepsy, but I changed my med schedule and found out that is was the Buspar after all.
Posted by wingedcat on December 26, 2002, at 4:05:38
In reply to Wanted: OPINIONS/EXPERIENCES w/ BUSPAR, please!, posted by Janelle on July 17, 2001, at 23:21:24
Buspar gave me many sleep disturbances. I could not sleep a night without a nightmare where I felt "stuck" (normally I rarely have nightmares and when I do I can wake myself up). I'd wake up still paralyzed, and dream with my eyes open (hypnogogic hallucinations). It became unbearable and I had to discontinue after two weeks. I hope your experience is better than mine.
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