What is the best time of day to take Buspar? (5+ tips for safe use)

In this article, we will discuss the best possible time to take Buspar (buspirone), an anti-anxiety medication. We will also discuss if the time of taking Buspar has anything to do with the potential side effects, and how one can possibly take this medication.

What is the best time of day to take Buspar?

Buspar can be taken at any time of the day. Buspar is a prescription anxiolytic used for the management of anxiety and related symptoms (1,2). Buspar can be taken at any time of the day and does not come with any restrictions. It can also be taken with or without food. 

Buspar is usually prescribed to be taken 2-3 times a day, with 8-12 hour gaps in between, meaning one has to take it both in the morning and at night (2). So, you can take it however your doctor has directed you. 

If you are on a once-daily dose for some reason, discuss the suitable timing according to your concerns and your doctor’s recommendation. However, it is important to make sure that you take it at the same time each day and with an adequate time interval. 

This maintains the concentration of the drug in your body to help you with your symptoms properly. If you are concerned about anything, please reach out to the doctor who prescribed this medication.

What are the benefits of taking Buspar in the morning?

One of the main benefits of using Buspar earlier in the day is to prevent its potential to affect your sleep. Buspar can cause insomnia in some people or make it difficult for them to stay asleep (2,3). 

This is one of the listed side effects of this anti-anxiety medication, which is why taking it earlier in the morning has a lesser chance of causing sleep disturbances. However, as stated earlier, Buspar is typically taken 2-3 times per day, and most people take it at night. 

For people who don’t take it that often throughout the day, they can take it in the morning to prevent any sleep disturbances that they might experience on this medication. 

It is important to note that medications like Buspar affect people differently, so make sure you keep an eye on your side effects and report them to your doctor to look for the best possible ways to mitigate them.

What are the benefits of taking Buspar at night?

Buspar can cause weakness and fatigue in some individuals (2,3). These side effects are also listed and were reported in clinical trials. Any individual who is susceptible to Buspar-induced fatigue or weakness can take this medication at night to prevent daytime fatigue or laziness. 

Taking it at night ensures that you are well-rested after taking the medication and that you do not have anything to do which requires your full mental alertness, like working or driving. So, taking Buspar at night could be beneficial for certain individuals. 

However, it is important to note that people experience different side effects on such meds and have different factors affecting their overall health. 

Buspar can be used with other medications, like antidepressants, so the side effects one may experience may also depend on other prescription medications. So, make sure you discuss such concerns with your doctor.

Does Buspar cause side effects?

Buspar is associated with some side effects, ranging from mild and common to rare and serious side effects. These include (2,3):

Common side effects

• increased sweating
• numbness
• weakness
• headache
• lightheadedness
• anger
• Insomnia 
• nervousness
• fatigue
• confusion
• excitement
• headache
• diarrhoea
• nausea
• dizziness

Rare side effects

• tremors
• blurred vision
• ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• chest pain
• palpitations
• muscle cramps
• twitching
• shuffling walk
• inability to sit still
• uncontrolled movements
• Allergic reactions
• Swelling in different parts of the body

How to take Buspar properly to make the most out of it?

Some important points to make the most out of Buspar include:

• Take Buspar at the same time every day. If prescribed multiple times a day, maintain a consistent schedule to ensure a steady concentration of the drug in your system.

• Follow your doctor’s instructions precisely. If there’s a change in your dosage or timing, discuss it with your healthcare provider.

• To minimise potential sleep disturbances, taking Buspar in the morning may be beneficial. However, personal responses vary, so some individuals may find it more suitable at night.

• Keep an eye on how Buspar affects you. If you notice any side effects, especially unusual ones, report them to your doctor promptly.

• Limit or avoid alcohol consumption while on Buspar, as it may intensify side effects and compromise the medication’s effectiveness.

• Attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to discuss your progress, any concerns, or adjustments that may be needed.

• Consistency is key. Stick to your prescribed dosage and timing to maintain the therapeutic effects of Buspar.

Following your doctor’s directions is crucial when it comes to ensuring safe and effective use of medications. I recommend sticking to the directions and taking good care of your overall health. 

Anxiety can have other comorbidities which should also be taken care of. Some people may also need to work on their lifestyle to ensure their mental well-being. Remember, your health should always be your priority. 

References

1. Wilson TK, Tripp J. Buspirone. 2023 Jan 17. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30285372. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531477 

2. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. Buspar (buspirone) tablets, for oral use. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/018731s051lbl.pdf 

3. National Library of Medicine. buspirone: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a688005.html#side-effects