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Buspirone: A Worldwide Update

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 August 2018

M. J. Napoliello  and
A. G. Domantay
M. J. Napoliello
Affiliation:
Central Nervous System Medical Planning, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and Cornell University Medical College
A. G. Domantay*
Affiliation:
Central Nervous System Medical Planning, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, P O Box 4000, Princeton, NJ 08543-4000, USA
*
Correspondence
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Abstract

Buspirone is an anxiolytic drug from the azapirone family of molecules. It differs chemically and pharmacologically from the benzodiazepines. Although its profile of efficacy is comparable with that of benzodiazepines, it produces less drowsiness, less psychomotor impairment, less alcohol potentiation, and has less potential for addiction or abuse. Buspirone also appears to have efficacy in major depressive disorders, in comparison with placebo, but its activity in panic disorders is less impressive. It may diminish alcohol dependence both in animals and in chronic alcoholics. Clinical studies in the elderly show no important difference from younger patients in safety and efficacy profile, pharmacokinetics, and dosage requirement. The drug appears to be well tolerated in primary care settings and to be free of adverse clinical interactions with many drugs that might be used concomitantly. However, because its pharmacology differs from that of conventional anxiolytics, patients need to be informed about both its gradual onset of action and absence of euphoria and immediate sedation.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 159 , Issue S12: Anxiety and Serotonin , September 1991 , pp. 40 - 44
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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