Buspar (Buspirone)

Buspar is a brand name for buspirone hydrochloride, an anti-anxiety medication used to treat the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Although the brand name Buspar was discontinued, the generic form buspirone remains widely available and effective. Buspar is still used casually, though, as an unofficial name for the generic.

Generic Buspar, or buspirone hydrochloride, works by altering serotonin levels (a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps regulate mood), to help reduce anxiety symptoms gradually over time. Doctors often prescribe this prescription drug for generalized anxiety disorder because it can be effective without being habit-forming.

Yes, you can get a generic Buspar prescription and refills online through Talkspace. After your initial consultation with a licensed psychiatric provider, they may prescribe buspirone hydrochloride if it suits your treatment needs. 

Your doctor can provide ongoing refills through virtual visits, making it easier to manage your anxiety treatment consistently.

No. Buspar ( and its generic buspirone) is a prescription medication, so you cannot purchase it over-the-counter. You will need to have Buspar (buspirone) prescribed to you by a licensed provider who is able to prescribe medications, like a doctor or nurse practitioner. You can get a prescription for [medication] online through Talkspace after a video consultation with a licensed psychiatry provider, if the provider decides that Buspar (buspirone) is an appropriate treatment for you.

It’s important to take Buspar and its generic form, buspirone, exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Side effects of buspirone can include nausea, headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and unusual dreams. These side effects may be more present in the initial several weeks you take buspirone and lessen once your body adjusts to the medication.  If you notice a big change in side effects or symptoms, make sure to reach out to your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction, fainting, weight change, a change in blood pressure, muscle cramps, or red, itchy eyes.

Yes, you can get a Buspar ( or its generic, buspirone) prescription or refill from Talkspace, after a video consultation with one of our licensed psychiatry providers (assuming the provider determines that it is an appropriate treatment for you). Simply sign up for Talkspace Psychiatry then you’ll be matched with a psychiatry provider licensed in your state. At your video appointment your psychiatry provider will ask questions about your symptoms and health history. If you are already taking buspirone and simply want to continue with a renewal of your prescription or refill, your Talkspace provider can continue your prescription if they determine it is medically appropriate. You will have follow-up appointments with your provider every three months for ongoing medication management, to make sure buspirone is working for you and address any mental health needs.

Yes, most major health insurance plans will cover at least some portion of the cost for generic Buspar (buspirone) prescriptions and refills, assuming it’s medically necessary for treating a diagnosed condition like generalized anxiety disorder.

When you receive your online prescription through Talkspace, our team will work with your insurer to confirm insurance coverage for online psychiatry. Make sure to check with your plan provider to confirm specific benefits.

In order to reduce potential side effects, buspirone is often started on a lower dosage and then gradually increased. Buspirone takes several weeks to reach peak effectiveness and to figure out the ideal dosage to fully treat your anxiety. Make sure to stick with your medication dosage as it can take up to 4 weeks for you to start feeling the benefits of buspirone on your anxiety symptoms.

The price you pay for Buspar (buspirone) will depend on whether or not you’re paying with insurance and what your insurance copay is. The prices of prescription medications sometimes vary a lot by pharmacy, so to get the best price for buspirone you might want to look at websites like GoodRx and CostPlusDrugs. You should also contact your insurance company to find out the most affordable way to get your prescription for buspirone. Some insurance companies charge less when you fill your prescriptions through their mail-order pharmacies.

Buspar (Buspirone) is taken in different forms, dosages, and frequency, depending on your mental health condition and the treatment plan prescribed by your provider. Buspirone is commonly taken orally in pill form. Make sure to take your buspirone dose consistently. That means taking it around the same time, morning and/or night, with or without food. 

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but if it’s almost time for the next dose, simply skip it and only take one dose. It’s important not to double up doses. Don’t stop taking buspirone without talking to your psychiatric healthcare provider first. You shouldn’t stop taking the medication immediately, because buspirone must be gradually reduced to avoid adverse effects.

Buspar, which also has the generic name buspirone, is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, but is not usually prescribed to help with the effects of tension and stress caused by everyday life. It works by adjusting the levels and effects of neurotransmitters in your brain, but because it is not an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) sometimes it is prescribed together with an SSRI, while other times it is prescribed alone.

There are several different medications your psychiatrist may prescribe for anxiety and its symptoms.

Other medications for anxiety include:

• Propranolol
• Trazodone
• Lexapro
• Cymbalta
• Wellbutrin
• Neurontin
• Zoloft