Authored by Just like with any multi-purpose medicine people tend to misinterpret the drug class of Buspar. Some may think that Buspar is classified as an antidepressant while others strongly believe that Buspar medication is a sedative medicine. The absence of proper knowledge about the Buspirone classification leaves one vulnerable to misuse, abuse, and addiction. Find out the answers to the popular questions about the drug class of Buspirone.
Learn About The Classification Of Buspirone:
Is Buspar A Controlled Substance?
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, Buspar is not a controlled substance. This shows that Buspirone is classified as a medicine, which has no potential for abuse, and there is no indication of psychological or physical dependence on the drug.
A daily dose of Buspirone HCl 15 mg is usually enough for a mild case of anxiety. However, healthcare providers are still advised to conduct proper observations of patients for any signs of Buspirone abuse during the therapy course.
Even non-controlled substances can be abused. Absence of the control does not mean safety.
Is Buspar A Narcotic?
Anti-anxiety drug Buspar should not be mistaken for a narcotic. Firstly, the formulations do not contain opiates. Secondly, it is not a controlled substance. However, some side effects of Buspirone such as drowsiness or mental fog are similar to the symptoms of a narcotic high.
Is VanSpar An Antidepressant?
Buspirone is majorly used to treat anxiety and anxiety disorders, and anxiety is a condition that is commonly associated with a good number of depressive disorders. Hence, anxiolytics such as Buspar are sometimes used concomitantly with antidepressants in the treatment of acute depression. On its own, Buspar and Buspirone generic is not an antidepressant even though it may improve symptoms of depression in patients with a generalized anxiety disorder.
Is Buspar An SSRI?
SSRIs are a type of antidepressant. They are typically used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, and certain other personality disorders, while the anxiolytic Buspar is primarily for anxiety treatment. However, it is not a rare case when a psychological treatment is based on a combination of Wellbutrin and Buspar as it helps to effectively tackle depression and anxiety at the same time.
Is Buspar A MAOI?
MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors) are another type of antidepressant. Just like with the SSRI, Buspar can’t be classified as MAOI because anxiety treatment is a secondary function of MAOIs while it is the primary function of Buspirone.
Buspirone sometimes is prescribed alongside antidepressants as both augmentative and supportive medication.
Is VanSpar A Benzo?
Benzodiazepine is a class of psychoactive drugs that has sedative, muscle relaxant, hypnotic and anti-convulsant effects. Their primary function is to provide relaxation that can be caused by stress or depression. Buspirone anxiolytic can’t provide sedation and relaxation so it is not a benzo.
Patients sometimes compare Buspar and Xanax as those are both used in depression treatment but in reality, their drug classes are different.
Is Buspirone An Antipsychotic Medicine?
Antipsychotics are a type of drug that solely deals with psychosis issues. This includes specific disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The drugs work by blocking the dopamine D2/3 receptors. As for the Buspirone, it’s a serotonin receptor agonist. Secondly, the classification of Buspirone as anxiolytic doesn’t allow for the treatment of psychosis as it doesn’t have the required properties. Hence, Buspar is not an antipsychotic.
Is VanSpar An Anti-anxiety Medicine?
So, how does Buspar work? Buspar is classified as anxiolytic, and the primary function of this drug class is to inhibit anxiety in the nervous system. Buspar influences the serotonin receptor and causes a rise in serotonin levels. This, in turn, helps to alleviate the anxiety induced by the General Anxiety Disorder.
Avoiding Self-Medication And Drug Abuse
Knowing the correct Buspirone drug class helps to avoid the misuse and subsequent health complications that may arise. Remember that only a doctor has the right to diagnose and prescribe medicine. It is important to get a proper diagnosis and prescription from a qualified doctor before proceeding to use Buspar.
Buspirone abuse is a serious issue that can lead to a myriad of dangerous health issues. Anyone struggling with dependency and abuse must seek help from specialists at the nearest drug rehabilitation center. By doing this, a person will be able to undergo a specialized treatment course for addicts and step on the recovery track.
Page Sources
- Kanba S. (2004). Although antidepressants and anxiolytics are frequently used together to treat depression in the acute phase, how effective is the concomitant use of these drugs?. Journal of psychiatry & neuroscience : JPN, 29(6), 485. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC524966/
- Chokhawala K, Stevens L. Antipsychotic Medications. [Updated 2020 May 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519503/
