Taking Buspar (Buspirone) Once A Day Versus Multiple Times Per Day
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses dosing recommendations for the anti-anxiety medication Buspar (buspirone).
I am taking 10mg of Buspar in the AM, as well as 20mg of Buspar and 10mg of Paxil in the PM. Can I take all these meds in the AM instead of splitting them up?
Jul 26, 2022- Buspar is designed to be taken two to three times daily because its effects only last 4-8 hours, so taking the entire dose at once won't make it last all day.
- Taking your full dose in the morning instead of dividing it throughout the day increases your risk of side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion.
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You should not combine your morning and evening doses of Buspar (buspirone). Buspar is indicated to be dosed two to three times a day and taking the entire dose at once in the morning will likely result in effects of the drug not lasting all day. It could also increase the risk of dose-dependent side effects, such as:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nervousness
- Lightheadedness
- Excitability
- Anger/hostility
- Confusion
- Numbness
- Headache
- Incoordination
Buspar Dosing
Per the prescribing information for Buspar, it is indicated to be dosed as follows:
- Starting dose of 7.5 mg by mouth twice daily, then increase as needed by 5 mg/day every 2 to 3 days. The usual maintenance dose is 15 to 30 mg/day administered in 2 to 3 divided doses
Effects of Buspar generally last 4-8 hours, but this can vary by individual. Increasing your dose in the morning will most likely not make it last longer, which is why the drug is recommended to take in divided doses throughout the day. Even if you take a larger dose at once, that won't make the drug last any longer.
Final Words
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References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Buspar
- A prescription medication (buspirone) used to treat anxiety disorders.
- Indicated
- Approved or recommended by medical evidence for a specific use or condition.
- Dose-dependent side effects
- Unwanted effects that become more likely or severe when you take a larger amount of medication.
- Dizziness
- A spinning or lightheaded sensation that can affect balance and coordination.
- Drowsiness
- A state of being sleepy or unusually tired.
- Maintenance dose
- The regular amount of medication taken over time to keep a condition under control.
- Divided doses
- A total daily amount of medication split into smaller portions taken at different times throughout the day.
- Incoordination
- A lack of smooth, controlled movement or difficulty coordinating muscles properly.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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