Buspar (Buspirone) Indications and Uses

Off-Label and Investigational Uses

• The American College of Physicians suggests that buspirone can be used to augment SSRI treatment in patients with major depressive disorder who fail initial antidepressant therapy, though it is less effective than bupropion for reducing depression severity and has higher discontinuation rates due to adverse events 1, 2, 3, 4
• Buspirone may be useful for mild to moderate agitation in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease/dementia, with a dosage of 5 mg twice daily, maximum 20 mg three times daily, though it may take 2-4 weeks to become effective 5
• The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends considering buspirone for premenopausal cancer survivors with hypoactive sexual desire disorder or low libido, though data are limited to noncancer populations 6

Important Clinical Caveats

• The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that buspirone has a delayed onset of action, requiring 2-4 weeks for full anxiolytic effect, making it unsuitable for patients requiring immediate symptom relief 5