Anxiety and Buspar

Posted by JL on July 22, 1999 at 11:42:06
I'm pretty sure I have GAD but I haven't been official diagnosed with this.  I've always been a worrier and have had somatic symptoms (insomnia, spastic colon, headache etc) whenever there's a big change in my life.  Anyway, due to some health issues and upcoming lifestyle changes bigger than any others I've ever had to make, I've been hit with a bout of anxiety and insomnia which has lasted for about a month now.  A few months ago, my neurologist had given me Ativan to help with some widespread twitching and back problems.  Those symptoms had gotten better but then insomnia hit.  I took Ativan for a few nights to help me sleep (1/2 pill (.25 mg) for 6 nights at the most over the course of 3 weeks so I don't think I was addicted).  Because I didn't know if this was a good idea, I called my neurologist who told me that Ativan could be addictive.  I asked him for Buspar because some friends of mine had good luck with it.  I hadn't taken any Ativan for about a week when I started Buspar.
Do you all think Buspar will work for me?  I'm assuming after my anxiety symptoms die down, I should be able to sleep better since my main problem is that I'm unable to keep my mind from racing when I try to sleep.  Also, how does Buspar work?  I'm having some trouble understanding the medical info on the drug sites I've visited.  I got the idea that it lower serotonin levels while other anti-anxiety meds raise serotonin levels.  That doesn't seem right.  Any info/opinions would be appreciated.  Thank you!

Posted by HFHS MD-JM on July 26, 1999 at 19:13:25
JL,
  I can't diagnose you with the information available to me and would recommend that you see a psychiatrist for a full formal evaluation to determine your condition.  From what you have relayed, you may have some features of Generalized Anxiety Disorder.  It is a condition characterized by excessive anxiety and worry, occuring more days than not for a period of at least 6 months continuosly.  The worry is associated with a number of physical symptoms such as restlessness, sleep disturbance, irritability etc.
  In general when one has had an extended trial of a medication like Ativan( a benzodiazepine-like Valium), Buspar has limited if any benefit in treating anxiety.  Buspar has a long onset of action compared to Ativan-weeks vs minutes/hours.
  At this time the mechanism of action for Buspar is not fully understood but it does bind to a specific serotonin receptor and modulates it in a positive fashion.  Once again it would be very helpful to have a complete psychiatric evaluation.
  This information is intended for general educational purposes only.  Specific questions you have pertaining it to your health should always be directed to your personal physician.  If interested in being seen by a HF psychiatrist then call 313 874 6677 to schedule an appointment.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD-JM
Keywords:  Buspar, Generalized Anxiety Disorder