Buspirone

Buspirone

Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference
Trade names	BuSpar
Therapeutic class	Antianxiety
Pharmacologic class	Azapirone (5-HT1A partial agonist)
Onset / peak / duration	Anxiety relief over 1 to 2 weeks (not for acute use).
Half-life / level	Half-life 2 to 3 hours; level not routine.
Routes	PO (oral)
High-alert (ISMP)	No
Black box warning	None
Antidote / reversal	Supportive care.
Pregnancy / lactation	Use only if clearly needed.

Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.

Buspirone (brand name BuSpar) — Antianxiety; Azapirone (5-HT1A partial agonist).

Identification

• Therapeutic class: Antianxiety.
• Pharmacologic class: Azapirone (5-HT1A partial agonist).

Pharmacology

• Mechanism of action: Partial serotonin 5-HT1A agonist; nonsedating and nonaddictive.
• Onset / peak / duration: Anxiety relief over 1 to 2 weeks (not for acute use).
• Half-life / therapeutic level: Half-life 2 to 3 hours; level not routine.

Clinical use

• Indications: Generalized anxiety disorder.
• Usual dose, route, frequency: PO two to three times daily.
• Maximum dose / adjustments: Reduce in hepatic and renal impairment.

Safety

• Contraindications: MAO inhibitor use.
• Black box warning: None.
• Interactions: CYP3A4 inhibitors and grapefruit (food) raise levels, MAO inhibitors, serotonergic drugs.
• Pregnancy / lactation: Use only if clearly needed.
• High-alert: No.

Adverse effects

• Common side effects: Dizziness, headache, nausea, lightheadedness.
• Serious effects to report: Serotonin syndrome (rare), restlessness.
• Antidote / reversal: Supportive care.

Nursing process

• Assessment before administration: Anxiety baseline, current serotonergic drugs.
• Interventions during therapy: Set expectations that it is not immediate and not as-needed.
• Monitor: Anxiety symptoms.
• Evaluation / expected outcome: Reduced chronic anxiety.

Patient teaching

• Patient teaching: Take consistently; full effect takes weeks; avoid grapefruit.
• Notify provider if: No improvement, agitation with fever.
• Administration tips: Consistent with or without food (be consistent); avoid grapefruit.