Buspar?!!

[Wantingit]

Hey guys,

My Dr. After meeting with him a few times decided I have general anxiety. So he put me on Buspar. Does anyone have any info on this more than just what the packet about it says. I am and addict in recovery just wanting some input.

Thanks

[historyteach]

wantingit,
I was on BuSpar years ago, and it really was helpful for me.
Then, it seems to go through a period of bad press. Many doctors didn't prescribe it, prefering the newer, jazzier, types of prescriptions, like seroquel, that make many people a zoombie! Sure did it to me, and my son's a complete idiot on it. Lately, I've noticed a small renual of interest in BuSpar after many years again. And many, (not all), experiencing positive reactions, just as I had. The few whom *I* have heard say negative things about it have also been on multiple psychiatricric meds, so, it's hard to say if it's the BuSPar or a combination of BuSpar with some one or three of the others!

In the end, it's worth a try in my book. It did wonders for me. And it didn't screw me up like some other scripts did! Give it an honest try; speak openly and honestly with your doctor about any concerns that arise, and of course, feel free to come here. We're here for you!

Shalom!

[Zencat]

I'm taking Buspar now. Ive been on it for a few months now and I think it helps somewhat. I still have the physical symptoms of anxiety, but the anxious thoughts have quieted down a bit more than without the drug. More often than not I just have to endure the physical anxiety symptoms and go about my way so I can do the things I want to do.

From my experience its likely I'll have anxiety for a long time to come. especially the physical reaction to my anxiety. The sweating, jitters, hot flushing of the face, rapid heart beat and weakness in my legs. what i have been able to greatly lessen is the thoughts, like thinking I will collapse, everybody is looking at me, I have to get out of here now, I can't stand this and so on. I can effectively counter those thoughts now and that dose help a lot.

I do carry a big lot of paper towel folded in my back pockets...and a roll of it in my car...so that helps. I even cave a couple change of shirts in my car trunk now that I think about it.

[Wantingit]

Thanks guys. My Dr. said of all the meds out there it is the least troublesome so I said lets try it. I'll let you know how it goes.

[crzylilmndfreak]

i tried busbar for only about 2 months, and it did nothing for me, so i went back on my klonopin, which helps a little bit, but i have a very strong tolerance to any kind of medication, i am at my witts end with the anxiety meds, what is this "seroquil" that was mentioned about, i have heard of it, but not sure of anything about it
ty

[Overman]

When I first saw a doc (on my sobriety date), I specifically asked to be on Buspar...since I read good things about here @ SR.

But the doc, to my surprise, said it was only effective "50% of the time" and preferred to put me on an anti-depressant (which I refused because of the side effects).

Personally, I avoid benzos like Klonopin, Xanax, Valium, etc because they are dependency producing. But your symptoms sound severe.

[HuskyPup]

Whoa, I'm amazed at how popular Seroquil is all of the sudden. I tried that and I was a total zombie, it reminds me of the type of drug they give people who have hobbies such as straight-jackets and drooling...and no offense to Seroquil users, straight-jacket lovers, or droolers! But that stuff made my mind a total void, it was the most strangely frightening drug I have ever taken, and I taken a few! I can't see where the long term use of Seroquil would leave much of a functioning personality behind, but maybe in some cases. Oh, but never tried Buspar, but have considered it. You could say I am skeptical about psych meds in general, they all seem to be either addictive, or destroy my sex life, or leave me feeling blank and empty. I'm still waiting for something better to come along, and will rough it out until then.

[Overman]

Seroquel is an anti-psychotic medication, so it does have major sedative properties. Hence, the 'zombie' feeling.

Many of the new anti-deps have less sexual side effects tho...which is good news for guys.

[crzylilmndfreak]

Originally Posted by Overman

Seroquel is an anti-psychotic medication, so it does have major sedative properties. Hence, the 'zombie' feeling.

Many of the new anti-deps have less sexual side effects tho...which is good news for guys.

sorry, i know this is a thread about busbar, but on the topic of seraquil,i was wondering what the difference between that and zyprexa? since they are both anti-pshycotic meds?

[Overman]

I'm not a medical professional, but yes, they are both anti-psychotics.

I've seen Zyprexa used more with chronic schizophrenics, especially paranoid types. Seroquel is more versatile and can be used in combo with others (including mood stabilzers, anti-deps), from what I can tell.

Best to consult a doc tho.

[rondfw777]

Buspar was giving to me for irregular heart beat and did nothing but make me tired and it only took 4 hrs to wake up. Zolof was giving to me for anxiety and it worked, gave me the worst anxiety I ever had and sent me to the E.R. Screw that!

I'll have 2 xanax plz!

Good luck

Ron

[KenL]

I've had buspar. One day I accidently took twice the dosage I was prescribed. Felt like I was gonna die. Be careful not to let that happen to you. Other than that I think it made a little difference. But after that episode I was too scared to take it ever again.

[Cleansing]

Seroquel and Zyprexa are very similar. Seroquel is low potency, while zyprexa is considered high potency (not sure what that means).

But they have similar side effects. Sedation is the main one, and it is why both are used to treat anxiety when Benzos can't be used.

With zyprexa, about 70 percent of people gain lots of weight, while with seroquel, weight gain is present only 40 percent of patients.

I'm currently on 5mg 3x a day of Zyprexa. It was given to me in rehab because I had trouble staying in groups, being around people, and controlling my anger. As an addict, I can't prescribed benzos.

It worked great there, but now that I'm out of rehab, I'm a nervous wreck. I have an appointment to see the doctor on November 12th, but I'm not sure I'll be okay for that long. I'm thinking of calling the office on monday, tell them it's an emergency, and then hopefully see someone by the end of the week.

I actually came on this site (first time since rehab) to specifically ask about Buspar.
How long does it take to work? Like 4 weeks?
What's the common side affects?
What else does it do besides what you guys mentioned (i.e. eliminating racing thoughts. Does it also eliminate the physical symptoms -- one of you guys said it didn't)