Takes 1-2 weeks to begin working and several weeks for full effect; not for acute/PRN anxiety.
Before you read
Test yourself first: 2 questions
Question 1 of 2
A client is prescribed buspirone for generalized anxiety disorder. Which client teaching is accurate?
Answer: B. Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that must be taken regularly and takes 2 to 4 weeks for full effect; it is not effective for acute, as-needed relief and does not cause dependence or significant sedation. It should not be combined with grapefruit juice or MAOIs.
Question 2 of 2
A client is prescribed buspirone for generalized anxiety disorder. Which teaching point is accurate?
Answer: C. Buspirone is a nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytic. It does not cause dependence or significant sedation and has low abuse potential, but it must be taken regularly because the full anxiolytic effect takes several weeks. It is not effective for acute or as-needed anxiety relief.
Keep the streak going with more questions like these, each with a full rationale.
What is buspirone?
Unlike benzodiazepines, it is non-sedating, non-addictive, and does not cause dependence, but it must be taken regularly and takes 1-2 weeks (full effect 3-4 weeks) to work. It is not useful for acute anxiety or PRN dosing.
Key points to remember
- Takes 1-2 weeks to begin working and several weeks for full effect; not for acute/PRN anxiety.
- Non-sedating and non-habit-forming with low abuse potential, unlike benzodiazepines.
- Does not cause significant CNS depression and is not used for alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal.
- Common side effects are dizziness, headache, nausea, and lightheadedness.
- Grapefruit juice increases drug levels and should be avoided.
- Must be taken consistently (scheduled), not as needed.
Signs & symptoms
- Dizziness, HA, nausea
- No tolerance/withdrawal
Nursing priorities
- Teach that the drug must be taken daily as scheduled and is not effective immediately.
- Set expectations that anxiety relief takes 1-2 weeks to begin.
- Assess ongoing anxiety level and adherence.
- Instruct to avoid grapefruit juice.
- Reassure the patient that it is non-addictive and non-sedating.
Patient teaching
- Take every day exactly as scheduled; it will not work taken only when anxious.
- Expect 1-2 weeks before you notice improvement.
- Avoid grapefruit juice while on this medication.
- It does not cause dependence and is not for immediate relief of a panic episode.
Red flags: report now
- Serotonin syndrome if combined with MAOIs or other serotonergic drugs.
- Do not give with an MAOI.
- Worsening anxiety or new symptoms despite adherence - report for reassessment.
References
Clinical references for this topic
