The condition known as generalized anxiety disorder is marked by long-term bouts of extreme worry, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal disturbances, accelerated heart rate and other symptoms that are uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life. Buspirone, known by the brand name BuSpar, is a drug that helps regulate brain chemicals that are related to anxiety. Like any psychoactive drug, it has both positive and negative effects on the mind and body.
Not Addictive
Benzodiazepines, a class of drugs commonly prescribed for anxiety, are strongly addictive and cause physical dependence in those who use them for prolonged periods of time.
In contrast with benzodiazepines such as Valium or Xanax, BuSpar does not appear to cause physical or psychological dependence. In addition, benzodiazepines cause patients to develop a drug tolerance that results in the need for ever-growing dosages to achieve the same effect. Drugs.com reports that BuSpar does not cause such a tolerance to develop.
Slow Acting
BuSpar needs time, from a few days to two weeks, to achieve its full therapeutic effectiveness. For that reason, it is not effective for the immediate relief of acute panic attacks. Benzodiazepines are a fast-acting alternative to BuSpar.
Does Not Impair Memory or Coordination
HelpGuide.org notes that, unlike benzodiazepines, BuSpar has no negative impact on memory or physical coordination. Benzodiazepines, on the other hand, can cause clumsiness and slow reaction time, effects that have been found to increase the likelihood of motor vehicle and work-related accidents.
The Food and Drug Administration cautions that BuSpar's effects on the central nervous system may vary from person to person. It is prudent to postpone operating vehicles and heavy machinery until it is clear that BuSpar does not negatively affect cognitive or motor skills.
Lightheadedness and Drowsiness
Patients who take BuSpar are more likely than those who take a placebo to experience feelings of dizziness, according to the FDA. This could be accompanied by nausea or headaches.
Though its tendency to cause sedation is less extreme than that of benzodiazepines, BuSpar may cause some patients to experience drowsiness. A smaller percentage of patients taking BuSpar may experience insomnia.
