6.8 million adults in the US or 3.2% of the population are diagnosed with anxiety disorder. However, a concerning amount of the population has started to find medications like Buspirone addictive due to their sedative effects leading to a potential for addiction long term.
Transcend Recovery Community is here to bring more information and shed light on how other substances for anxiety, like BusPar, can pose a greater threat than good, especially for people snorting buspirone to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and to achieve "BusPar high." Continue reading to find out more.
Buspirone (BuSpar) Overview
Buspirone (brand name BusPar) is an anti-anxiety medication used for anxiety disorder treatment. It affects certain natural substances in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety. It is also used to treat depression. Buspirone is a medication in a class of drugs called anti-anxiety medications. It is not related to a different anti-anxiety drug such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or other sedatives/anxiolytic drugs.
It is typically used as a second-line agent behind selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) when a patient does not respond to or tolerate the side effects of SSRIs. Buspirone has also been used as an augmentation agent to reduce SSRI's sexual side effects.
Can You Get High on Buspirone?
Yes, it is possible to get high on Buspirone, however, it is not recommended. Taking higher doses than directed is considered buspirone abuse and can lead to serious health issues.
The high is characterized by symptoms like:
- sedation
- dizziness
- sleepiness
- and extreme calm
However, it only lasts for about 30 minutes.
Mayo Clinic explains that buspirone is not used for anxiety or tension caused by the stress of everyday life and is thought to work by decreasing the amount and actions of a chemical known as serotonin in certain parts of the brain.
Meanwhile, taking certain drugs used to treat fungal infections with buspirone can increase the levels of buspirone in your body, which raises your risk of side effects.
There is a huge potential for abuse when taking anti-anxiety medication, and due to its sedative effect, it may lead to a serious buspirone overdose. It's important to always consult with medical professionals if you feel like a loved one or you are experiencing BusPar overdose symptoms due to snorting BuSpar or to avoid life-threatening symptoms from happening.
Is BuSpar Addictive?
No, Buspar (buspirone) is not an addictive substance and does not cause dependence. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Buspar is unlikely to cause drug tolerance, dependence, addiction, or be misused.
Experts are not sure exactly how Buspar works, but they believe its anxiety-relieving effects may be due to its effects on serotonin and other neurotransmitter receptors such as dopamine.
As earlier mentioned, BusPar belongs to the group of medicines known as anxiolytics, which are used to treat anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of anxiety. Additionally, BusPar is a safe, non-addictive medication that is especially useful for people with anxiety and substance use disorders.
While considered safe, people who tend to become dependent or have abuse potential should be closely monitored when taking the prescription drug for their mental health disorders to avoid accidentally taking this in large doses.
Always remember that drug addiction starts in the simplest/harmless situations. So whether you are low risk, you must always adhere to the proper doses of buspirone and always consult your doctor regarding the use of these types of prescription drugs especially when taken with other drugs.
Buspirone and Anxiety Disorders
One of the most common types of anxiety disorders are as follows:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- a disorder characterized by persistent anxiety, where an individual is more agitated and tensed even when there is nothing to provoke them.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Commonly seen through recurrent unwanted thoughts or obsessions accompanied by repetitive behavior or compulsions. Individuals get "temporary relief" when they perform "rituals" or "ticks."
- Panic Disorder
- May occur with extreme fear that manifests physically.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- People exposed to a terrifying event or circumstance are often prone to developing this, namely victims of violence, war, or human-caused disasters.
- Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
- Excessive consciousness even in common day-to-day situations.
Due to the occurrence of these anxiety-related illnesses, people develop a dependence on anxiety drugs to help them get through and as a form of treatment. However, since some behaviors may prompt individuals from abusing Busiprone, they may benefit from a treatment program consisting of inpatient/outpatient drug rehab and living at a halfway house to get better
Withdrawal Symptoms of Buspirone
The withdrawal symptoms of Buspirone include:
- muscle cramps
- memory loss
- severe drowsiness
- neck stiffness
- irritability
- confusion
- nausea
- blood pressure elevation
People who are struggling with its withdrawal effects, especially with the effects of Buspirone during treatment may find that staying at a sober living space can help them get better from abusing buspirone
Signs of BuSpar Abuse
Signs of substance abuse, particularly BusPar abuse may come in the following forms:
- Being secretive when it comes to activities
- Withdrawing from society, particularly friends and family
- Gaining financial problems (i.e. debt) from getting larger doses to accessing illicit drugs
- Change in behaviors
- Deteriorating physical appearance
- in severe cases, even death.
Don't hesitate to reach out to a doctor if you think someone close to you has the potential for abuse or is engaged in drug abuse.
Can Transcend Recovery Community Help Those with Buspirone Abuse?
Transcend Recovery Community has a known track record in helping people combat their addiction either with medication or alcohol. Through its holistic approach and evidence-based therapies, we can help people get better significantly with their addiction problem.
We work hand-in-hand with mental health and rehabilitation experts ensuring that all programs are guaranteed to bring permanent sobriety. Contact us today to find out more.
