Can Buspar (Buspirone) Cause Anger?

Answer

Thanks for reaching out! Both 'anger' and 'hostility' are listed in the prescribing information for Buspar (buspirone) as potential side effects of the drug, but these types of side effects are considered rare.

According to the prescribing information, in clinical trials, 2 individuals out of 477 reported anger/hostility:

Additionally, if we take a look at what has been reported during post-marketing surveillance (i.e. after the drug has been on the market) using the FDA FAERS system (a database maintained by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that contains information on adverse events), anger and similar side effects, such as agitation, are somewhat commonly reported.

So, yes, anger is certainly a reported side effect of buspirone, but, as you mentioned in your question, it is rare (thought to occur in less than 1% of the population taking the drug

Most studies that have evaluated buspirone report that if symptoms of anger do occur while taking it, it is most likely to happen when the drug is first started and the risk tends to lower the longer you take the drug.

Why Can Buspar Cause Anger?

Being an anti-anxiety medication, it does seem paradoxical that buspirone has been rarely associated with causing anger and hostility.

I couldn't find any study or discussion that definitively explains why buspirone can cause these effects. In fact, while we have some understanding of how the drug works, the complete mechanism of action isn't known.

Buspirone works on a variety of neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin and dopamine. These play an important part in regulating mood and it's been well-documented that drugs that cause changes in these neurotransmitters can certainly cause changes in the mood or behavior of an individual, which could, of course, include feelings of anger or irritability.

Additionally, Buspar may also have a not well-understood effect on the activity of certain areas of the brain that are involved in mood regulation. It's also possible that the anger or irritability is a symptom of the underlying condition for which the Buspar is being taken and not a direct side effect of the medication.

Additional Thoughts

I can certainly understand your hesitancy to take buspirone if you are worried about experiencing feelings of anger while taking it.

It is important to know that the side effect is thought to be uncommon and less common the longer you take the drug, but outside of this, what factors could put someone more at risk for experiencing the side effect isn't well known.

I highly recommend talking to your doctor about your concerns so you can be appropriately evaluated and monitored.

Final Words

Thanks so much for your question. Please reach back out if anything else comes up!