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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Flopka on April 18, 2002, at 18:46:14
I know the response to my subject line often is "Absolutely nothin'!" However, I have been on Buspar for about 2 weeks at a low dose, and maybe it's just "the placebo effect," but, aside from the side effects, it's actually kind of helping me. I do notice a difference. (Even though it's not supposed to kick in for weeks.) Or, maybe it's the sunny, warm week we've been having. Who knows.
I believe Buspar is not indicated for treatment of social anxiety, but I thought I would try it anyway, mainly because the thought of selling my soul to Paxil terrifies me. (My sister was on it for a few months and it helped her general anxiety greatly, but she's now 30 pounds heavier with persistent tremors.) I have observed that while it doesn't do much to make my anticipatory anxiety disappear, it does seem to work in calming the anxiety I feel when I have finished with a social encounter - it just seems to fade, where before it would sometimes hang over me all day.
However, I wonder if Buspar is really considered "safe" because there haven't been many complaints about it - and if there haven't been many complaints because relatively few have actually used it. I am wondering if anyone here has taken Buspar solo (not in conjunction with SSRI's) for any significant period of time. I'm also somewhat concerned (and confused) about its relationship to dopamine receptors.
I am still taking the starter dose of 10 mg daily (5/5), and I haven't really shaken off the side effects that are supposed to go away. I sleep like a rock for about four hours each night, then wake up like a light bulb going on and cannot get back to sleep. (Since I'm used to sleeplessness anyway, this does not bother me, but I don't want to continue any longer than I have to.)
For about an hour after taking a dose, I feel very weak (but clearheaded); then the weakness goes away, and I feel pressure in my head. When I began taking it, I also had the bizarre experience of extreme drowsiness followed by incredible alertness - a minute seconds drowsy, followed by 30 seconds alertness, then a minute drowsy, etc. This seems to have gone away.
I also have noticed an enhanced sense of smell (and a dry nose), which really surprised me. My sense of smell has always been bad since a bad cold four years ago, but suddenly I could smell every person on the crosstown bus, and the lettuce in people's sandwiches! (Sadly, this too has gone away - the enhanced sense of smell, I mean, not the dry nose.)
I also hear that Buspar isn't hard to withdraw from; but then again, I'm not sure how much of that is just drug company hoo-hah and how much of it is actual.
If anyone else has any Buspar experiences to share (particularly positive ones), I would like to hear. Thanks.
Posted by TenelKa on April 18, 2002, at 21:10:04
In reply to Buspar! What is it good for?, posted by Flopka on April 18, 2002, at 18:46:14
Actually, I was on BuSpar for quite a while. It helped a little, but it wasn't the right one for me. Nevertheless, the only side effect I had after the initial side effects wore off was dizziness after I took it, and I was on 45 mg per day. I recently switched meds from BuSpar and had NO withdrawal whatsoever, nothing at all, it went really well. It didn't give me any funky side effects, it didn't make me go crazy, and it quieted all those @#$(*ing worries that I had for a bit :P Good luck and keep posting! I hope that this helps! Don't give up!
~TK
Posted by mat on April 19, 2002, at 7:33:46
In reply to Buspar! What is it good for?, posted by Flopka on April 18, 2002, at 18:46:14
hi
you mentioned that you are concerned about buspars relationship to dopamine receptors.
i don't know anything about that. does buspirone act like an antipsychotic, or as a dopamine-agonist?
thank's a lot for your answermat
Posted by Flopka on April 19, 2002, at 10:16:04
In reply to Re: Buspar! What is it good for? » Flopka, posted by mat on April 19, 2002, at 7:33:46
> hi
> you mentioned that you are concerned about buspars relationship to dopamine receptors.
> i don't know anything about that. does buspirone act like an antipsychotic, or as a dopamine-agonist?My impression is that nobody really knows for sure what Buspar's deal is with dopamine agonist/antagonist properties. I think believe that Buspar is thought by some to be a potential risk *in theory* for tardive dyskinesia (you know, the horrible type of tremors that never go away, affecting the face, etc). But my impression from what I've read is that in practice, this either (a) has rarely or never been actually reported and/or (b) it's been found that Buspar may actually help control TD-like tremors. I'm not clear on it.
In any case, I don't believe you could even get TD from small doses of Buspar taken over a short period of time. However, I'm always worried about this in the back of my mind. Because I seem to be profoundly in the minority in my positive and QUICK reaction to SMALL doses of Buspar, I am a little paranoid that maybe I am the exception to the rule and will wake up one morning in horrible facial contortions. :-) Since I only plan on taking small doses of Buspar for a limited time (maybe up to 6 weeks), I'm sure there's nothing to worry about. Still, it's in the back of my mind.
Posted by omega man on May 4, 2002, at 12:52:30
In reply to Buspar! What is it good for?, posted by Flopka on April 18, 2002, at 18:46:14
I found its really good for extreme head crazy type anxiety without making you feel spaced or buzzed...
all of a sudden you find yourself dealing with everything on a non "what if the worst happens" way of thinking...
very good but needing some more development on the horrible physical feelings ///very like mild food poisining..
> I know the response to my subject line often is "Absolutely nothin'!" However, I have been on Buspar for about 2 weeks at a low dose, and maybe it's just "the placebo effect," but, aside from the side effects, it's actually kind of helping me. I do notice a difference. (Even though it's not supposed to kick in for weeks.) Or, maybe it's the sunny, warm week we've been having. Who knows.
>
> I believe Buspar is not indicated for treatment of social anxiety, but I thought I would try it anyway, mainly because the thought of selling my soul to Paxil terrifies me. (My sister was on it for a few months and it helped her general anxiety greatly, but she's now 30 pounds heavier with persistent tremors.) I have observed that while it doesn't do much to make my anticipatory anxiety disappear, it does seem to work in calming the anxiety I feel when I have finished with a social encounter - it just seems to fade, where before it would sometimes hang over me all day.
>
> However, I wonder if Buspar is really considered "safe" because there haven't been many complaints about it - and if there haven't been many complaints because relatively few have actually used it. I am wondering if anyone here has taken Buspar solo (not in conjunction with SSRI's) for any significant period of time. I'm also somewhat concerned (and confused) about its relationship to dopamine receptors.
>
> I am still taking the starter dose of 10 mg daily (5/5), and I haven't really shaken off the side effects that are supposed to go away. I sleep like a rock for about four hours each night, then wake up like a light bulb going on and cannot get back to sleep. (Since I'm used to sleeplessness anyway, this does not bother me, but I don't want to continue any longer than I have to.)
>
> For about an hour after taking a dose, I feel very weak (but clearheaded); then the weakness goes away, and I feel pressure in my head. When I began taking it, I also had the bizarre experience of extreme drowsiness followed by incredible alertness - a minute seconds drowsy, followed by 30 seconds alertness, then a minute drowsy, etc. This seems to have gone away.
>
> I also have noticed an enhanced sense of smell (and a dry nose), which really surprised me. My sense of smell has always been bad since a bad cold four years ago, but suddenly I could smell every person on the crosstown bus, and the lettuce in people's sandwiches! (Sadly, this too has gone away - the enhanced sense of smell, I mean, not the dry nose.)
>
> I also hear that Buspar isn't hard to withdraw from; but then again, I'm not sure how much of that is just drug company hoo-hah and how much of it is actual.
>
> If anyone else has any Buspar experiences to share (particularly positive ones), I would like to hear. Thanks.
Posted by Holly747 on November 13, 2003, at 18:32:47
In reply to Re: Buspar! What is it good for?, posted by omega man on May 4, 2002, at 12:52:30
I have taken BuSpar alone and it has helped. I'm trying to take it again but I have to find the right dose of Gravol to take with it because the nausea is overwhelming.
Posted by zeugma on November 13, 2003, at 20:01:40
In reply to Re: Buspar! What is it good for? » omega man, posted by Holly747 on November 13, 2003, at 18:32:47
Buspar is a weak anxiolytic. I consider it more of an antidepressant than anything else. Has anyone else gotten an antidepressant response from Buspar?
Posted by TexasChic on November 14, 2003, at 14:08:41
In reply to Re: Buspar! What is it good for? » Holly747, posted by zeugma on November 13, 2003, at 20:01:40
I take 30 mg in the morning, and 30 mg at night for anxiety. I always forget I'm on it because its so mild. I always think it doesn't do anything until I stop taking it, then I realize it provides a low-key over-all calming effect. It won't help panic attacks or extreme anxiety like Xanax, but it will help with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. You have to take it over a period of time and get it into your system for it to work. I've never had any side effects from it. Its considered a mild tranquilizer.
Posted by zeugma on November 14, 2003, at 17:03:37
In reply to Re: Buspar! What is it good for?, posted by TexasChic on November 14, 2003, at 14:08:41
Buspar's major advantage relative to SSRI's and the (far more anxiolytic) benzodiazepines is that it does not seem to disrupt sleep architecture. After starting Klonopin at 0.25 mg bid I experienced relief from anxiety far superior to anything I got from Buspar, but immediately (the first moment I fell asleep) started getting hypnagogic hallucinations and cataplexy. The great drawback of many psychotropic meds is their suppression of stage 3 and 4 sleep. Buspar, though a feeble anxiolytic, interferes minimally with restful sleep.
Posted by Holly747 on November 14, 2003, at 18:27:37
In reply to Re: Buspar! What is it good for?, posted by zeugma on November 14, 2003, at 17:03:37
My doctor and psychologist dont think that BuSpar is anything but a placebo with side effects and today my psychologist also said that it is only marketed to appear to affect the dopamine neurotransmitters. Now what? I'm weaning off of benzodiazepines like Valium because I dont want to rely on them anymore and he seems to think that I'll be just fine without meds. I dont think I can do it most of the time.
Posted by Meehee on November 15, 2003, at 8:41:48
In reply to Re: Buspar! What is it good for? » zeugma, posted by Holly747 on November 14, 2003, at 18:27:37
I didnt like Buspar it made me feel the same as a Benadryl numb and just blah. My primary prescribed it for anxiety. But my Pdoc says he never uses it. He says he never seen any results with it. Im on Lexapro just love it!
Posted by Holly747 on November 17, 2003, at 8:47:53
In reply to Re: Buspar! What is it good for?, posted by Meehee on November 15, 2003, at 8:41:48
Lexapro is that new one, heh? Yeah, I stopped taking BuSpar already again cuz of all the bad press about it, too. I'm weaning off of Clonazepam by switching to Diazepam in hopes of dealing with my anxiety on a purely cognitive level from this point because I want to have kids soon.
Posted by shadows721 on November 17, 2003, at 23:18:49
In reply to Re: Buspar! What is it good for?, posted by Meehee on November 15, 2003, at 8:41:48
I found that the grey cloud of depression lifted some when I started Buspar. It had more of an antidepressant effect for me. My doc added Lexapro to the mix and I don't have that dizziness from Buspar anymore. I found that I literally saw more colors when I started Buspar. It seems like it does help some and for others it's just not strong enough. I guess.
Posted by Meehee on November 20, 2003, at 16:09:58
In reply to Re: Buspar! What is it good for? » Meehee, posted by Holly747 on November 17, 2003, at 8:47:53
Ive only been on (Lexapro 10mg) for six weeks now and I had side effects the first few weeks but now I dont really have anything. It has helped with my anxiety tremendously, things dont bother me that would normally. (until my pmdd kicks in) Trust me I thought nothing would ever help me with my anxiety. Ive had it for about ten years now. And other than the Buspar Ive never went for help until recently. I always tried the natural route. My pdoc just told me yesterday that the most important thing. I can do for myself besides taking the lexapro is cognitive therapy. " I am a good person!" Oh sorry that was me practicing anyway isn't diazapam, like valium? If it is be careful with weaning off that stuff my dad has been on it for over forty years now. He cant get off of it and they are afraid of taking him off in case of a bad reaction he is seventy now. Back when he started doctors just about handed it out at the front door.
Mee hee
> Lexapro is that new one, heh? Yeah, I stopped taking BuSpar already again cuz of all the bad press about it, too. I'm weaning off of Clonazepam by switching to Diazepam in hopes of dealing with my anxiety on a purely cognitive level from this point because I want to have kids soon.
Posted by Holly747 on November 20, 2003, at 18:35:50
In reply to Re: Buspar! What is it good for?, posted by Meehee on November 20, 2003, at 16:09:58
Yeah Valium along with all the other Benzodiazepines are horrible to try and wean off of but my psychologist says that it is possible. Ive tried several times on my own but you really need a doctor's help to get off of them successfully. I'm using the suggestions from the Ashton Manual and I have new hope. I believe I will be drug-free and having babies in less than a year!
Update me on your cognitive therapy...that is what helped me the most by far! Well that and Jesus Christ of course. With Him all things are possible!!!
Posted by ramsea on November 21, 2003, at 4:37:32
In reply to Re: Buspar! What is it good for?, posted by shadows721 on November 17, 2003, at 23:18:49
I don't have the link, but recall reading that Buspar seems to work best synergistically, in combination with an anti-dep.
Posted by Tony P on November 21, 2003, at 21:52:15
In reply to Re: Buspar! What is it good for? » zeugma, posted by Holly747 on November 14, 2003, at 18:27:37
I once (a long time ago) tried Buspar to help wean off benzodiazepines - it made me feel worse, just as anxious and shaky but also aggressive and speedy. I then read up on it - the drug co. specifically recommend NOT using it for benzo withdrawal, not so much because of any bad interaction, but just because it doesn't help.
However, I've been taking it with antidepressants (mostly Serzone) for years - in fact before they officially dicovered the adjuvant effect. I'm one of the ones who find it very helpful. It's as though the A/D looks after the endogenous depression, and the Buspar controls reactive or stress-related depression and anger. I feel MORE active, assertive and able to get things done on Buspar, but I don't wind up at the end of the day flying off the handle from stress and then crashing into a depression.
Serzone is being taken off the market and I have just been re-evaluated as probable Type II or III Bipolar (I go nuts on Wellbutrin), so I am about to switch my A/D to Lamictal. The pdoc said it was OK to continue the Buspar, so it will be very interesting to see whether they work together as well as B + Serzone. Or maybe I'll find I don't need the Buspar anymore!
> My doctor and psychologist dont think that BuSpar is anything but a placebo with side effects and today my psychologist also said that it is only marketed to appear to affect the dopamine neurotransmitters. Now what? I'm weaning off of benzodiazepines like Valium because I dont want to rely on them anymore and he seems to think that I'll be just fine without meds. I dont think I can do it most of the time.
Posted by Holly747 on November 25, 2003, at 9:29:17
In reply to Re: Buspar! What is it good for? » Holly747, posted by Tony P on November 21, 2003, at 21:52:15
thanks for the reply!
i am glad that i chose not to add another drug into my life now!
i find that when i learn about who i am and what i want to do with this life, it brings me joy:)
This is the end of the thread.
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