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Key takeaways
The standard buspirone dosage for anxiety in adults is 20 mg to 30 mg daily (taken as 10 mg or 15 mg twice daily).
The maximum daily dose of buspirone is 60 mg daily (typically taken as 30 mg twice daily).
You can take buspirone with or without food, but you should take it the same way each time.
Buspirone is a generic medicine commonly prescribed for anxiety. Healthcare professionals often refer to this drug by the brand name BuSpar, although the brand-name version is no longer available in the U.S. Buspirone (also known as buspirone hydrochloride) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat generalized anxiety disorder as well as short-term symptoms of anxiety. When taking buspirone, it is important to follow the specific dosage instructions from your healthcare provider for safe and effective use.
Buspirone dosage for anxiety
The way buspirone works for anxiety is not completely understood, according to the prescribing information. Buspirone is thought to work, though, by affecting serotonin and dopamine levels and other neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain. It is different from benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam), which are also commonly used for anxiety. Buspirone is considered less sedating than benzodiazepines, which are controlled substances and can be habit-forming.
Buspirone is available as oral tablets and oral capsules in the following doses:
- Oral tablets: 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg
- Oral capsules: 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg
Adult buspirone dosage for anxiety
The recommended starting dose in adults is 7.5 mg twice daily, for a total daily dose of 15 mg. Healthcare providers may gradually increase the dose, if needed, to a maximum of 60 mg per day. Usually, they will do this by directing you to increase the dose by 5 mg every two or three days, as needed. The usual dose, however, tends to range from 20 mg to 30 mg daily (10 mg or 15 mg twice daily).
Pediatric buspirone dosage for anxiety
Buspirone is not FDA approved for use in children and adolescents, although healthcare providers sometimes prescribe it off-label (for a non-FDA-approved use) in these age groups. The following dosing is typical dosing listed in Prescribers’ Digital Reference (PDR), but is not FDA approved:
- For adolescents, a typical starting dose is 2.5 to 5 mg twice daily. Healthcare providers may gradually increase the dose, if needed, to a maximum of 60 mg per day. In small clinical studies, patients in this age group typically took doses of 5 mg to 30 mg twice daily.
- For children ages 6 years to 12 years old, a typical starting dose is 2.5 to 5 mg twice daily. Healthcare providers may gradually increase the dose, if needed, to a maximum of 60 mg per day. In small studies, patients in this age group typically took divided doses of 5 mg to 7.5 mg twice daily.
Buspirone dosage chart for anxiety |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Patient | Typical starting dose | Standard dosage | Maximum dose |
| Adults (anxiety) | 7.5 mg twice daily, for a total daily dose of 15 mg | 20 mg to 30 mg daily (i.e., 10 mg or 15 mg twice daily) | 60 mg per day (i.e., 30 mg twice daily) |
| Adolescents (anxiety) (off-label use) | 2.5 mg to 5 mg twice daily | 5 mg to 30 mg twice daily | 60 mg per day (i.e., 30 mg twice daily) |
| Children ages 6 years to 12 years (anxiety) (off-label use) | 2.5 mg to 5 mg twice daily | 5 mg to 7.5 mg twice daily | 60 mg per day (i.e., 30 mg twice daily) |
The dosages listed are general guidelines. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dose based on individual health factors.
Personalized dosing considerations
Before taking buspirone, it is important to review your medical history with your healthcare provider as well as all the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Some people may need lower doses or may not be able to take buspirone due to certain medical conditions or drug interactions. For example:
- Older adults: In clinical studies, age was not a factor in terms of the safety and effectiveness of buspirone. However, because older adults often have chronic medical conditions or take multiple medications, healthcare providers may start at the lowest dose and increase the dose more gradually.
- People with liver (hepatic) or kidney (renal) problems: Buspirone is processed by the liver and removed from the body by the kidneys. In clinical trials, people with liver or kidney problems took longer to process and remove the drug from their bodies. Because of this, people with mild or moderate liver or kidney problems may need lower doses. Buspirone is not recommended for use in people with severe renal or hepatic impairment.
- Pediatric patients: Buspirone is not FDA approved for use in children and adolescents, but healthcare providers sometimes prescribe it off-label in these age groups. For children and adolescents, healthcare providers will start at lower doses and gradually increase the dose, if needed, to a dose that is effective and well-tolerated.
Buspirone side effects
The most common side effects of buspirone include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, headache, nervousness, and excitement. Other common side effects may include chest pain, unusual dreams, tinnitus, blurred vision, sore throat, and stuffy nose. Serious side effects, such as an allergic reaction (hives, trouble breathing, or swelling), require emergency medical attention.
Buspirone safety considerations
Buspirone is not safe for everyone. You should not take buspirone if:
- You have a hypersensitivity (allergy) to buspirone or any ingredient in the medication
- You have taken a drug in the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) drug class in the last 14 days, such as tranylcypromine, phenelzine, linezolid, or methylene blue
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. You should not take buspirone while breastfeeding.
While taking buspirone:
- Avoid alcohol, as alcohol can increase or worsen side effects.
- You can take buspirone with or without food, but you should take it the same way each time (e.g., always with food, or always on an empty stomach).
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juices can interact with buspirone. If you regularly consume these products, check with your healthcare provider, as you will need to limit their use.
- Do not drive until you know how the medicine affects you, as buspirone may cause dizziness and drowsiness.
Anxiety Medication Coupons & Resources
How long does it take buspirone to work for anxiety?
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), it may take three or four weeks until you start to notice an improvement in anxiety symptoms while taking buspirone. If you have a worsening of symptoms or you feel like your symptoms are not improving, check in with your healthcare provider. They can give you medical advice on whether you need to adjust your dose, continue your medicine, or explore buspirone alternatives such as an SSRI antidepressant or a different anxiolytic.
What is the dosage of buspirone for anxiety in dogs and cats?
Buspirone is sometimes prescribed by veterinarians to dogs and cats for off-label use. In animals, veterinarians will determine the dose by factors such as weight, age, and health status:
- For dogs, buspirone may be used for conditions like mild anxiety or separation anxiety. Typically, small doses are given one to three times daily.
- In cats, buspirone may be used for mild anxiety, problem behaviors, and urine marking. Usually, small doses are given two or three times per day.
Expert takeaway
Buspirone has many drug interactions, which may affect how much buspirone your body absorbs. This can lead to the drug causing increased side effects or, on the other hand, becoming less effective. Always keep your healthcare provider informed of every medication you take, including prescription drugs, OTC medicines, vitamins, and dietary supplements. And be sure to check with your healthcare provider before starting any new drugs, even OTC drugs for a cold or flu, as certain OTC drugs can interact with buspirone.
- BuSpar, PDR
- Buspirone tablets, DailyMed (2024)
- Buspirone capsules, DailyMed (2025)
- Buspirone, MedlinePlus (2019)
- Buspirone, National Alliance on Mental Illness (2024)