Buspirone side effects?

[Punished]

Just started Buspirone, twice a day, and I feel so sick! Headache, nausea, can't keep food down. I have a follow up with my doctor in a few days, but she wants me to keep taking it until then. Has anyone else had bad side effects from this med? How long does it last?

 

[dysphoria]

Those are common side-effects - dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea, brain zaps, weakness, etc. Normally they go away, or at least subside, after 2-3 weeks of daily use and the antidepressant effect kicks in, kind of like with SSRIs. After about a month would be the time to decide whether the side-effects are worth the trouble, but what you're experiencing right now doesn't reflect the post-initiation therapeutic effect. If you can't get through that phase then fair enough, some other meds have more immediate effects. If you're depressed enough to be on a suicide forum then buspirone does sound a bit weak for the job, does your doctor know how bad you really feel? Are you seeing a psychiatrist rather than a regular doctor?

 

[Squiddy]

I had to stop that med because it caused my heart rate to speed up

 

[Punished]

Those are common side-effects - dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea, brain zaps, weakness, etc. Normally they go away, or at least subside, after 2-3 weeks of daily use and the antidepressant effect kicks in, kind of like with SSRIs. After about a month would be the time to decide whether the side-effects are worth the trouble, but what you're experiencing right now doesn't reflect the post-initiation therapeutic effect. If you can't get through that phase then fair enough, some other meds have more immediate effects. If you're depressed enough to be on a suicide forum then buspirone does sound a bit weak for the job, does your doctor know how bad you really feel? Are you seeing a psychiatrist rather than a regular doctor?

The Buspar was added to other meds I am already on. I haven't talked to my psych about my suicidal thoughts/plans, but I think she knows I'm not being totally honest. I had an attempt a few years ago and ended up in the locked unit at the local hospital. I cannot go back there. That's the biggest motivator I have to not make another attempt, actually. I haven't given up all hope, hence the therapy and meds, but I'm not sure they'll really help.