Is Stopping BuSpar Cold Turkey Advisable?

Posted on Sun, 25 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 25 Dec 2016 Answered on

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Can you stop BuSpar cold turkey? My grandmother has been taking it for 10 days, 15 mg dose at bedtime. Her Dr is unavailable and she is having Sever panic attack reactions. Shaky, racing heart, unsteady, confused, skin burning, unable to sleep for days, restless. She has never been suicidal but now says she is at the end of her rope.

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It would be in her best interest to wean her off the medication

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. There are a few factors that influence weaning off buspar, and as your grandmother has been on it for a short duration of time (just 10 days), that does put her at a lower/less likely risk to develop withdrawal symptoms if she is weaned off the drug.

I would still not suggest discontinuing the drug cold turkey, but the process can be speeded up, and i would recommend the following:

+Skip the 15mg dose once every alternate day for a week
+Then take one dose every 4 days, do this twice and then stop the medication

I know this is also a long duration of taking the medication, but it would be in her best interest. Please feel free to write to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (14 minutes later)

I have read and understand all of the withdrawal symptoms. they don't seem worse than her current state. the closer it gets to evening time when she is prescribed to take it she visibly starts shaking and turns pale. she is usually a strong and positive person, she seems to be in a very bad state, mentally and physically. she has a racing heart, feels like her skin is on fire, is Very restless, panicking, talking somewhat nonsense and is clearly fearful. she says she feels hopeless and that it feels like poison in her body. I don't think she can take days of weaning off. we went to the er, she had an ekg, catscan, blood work, xray of her chest...and let was within normal range. I'm afraid if this continues and tells a Dr she is feeling suicidal that they will put her in a facility

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
She may discontinue the medication in such a scenario

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again.

I completely understand and am sorry to hear the same. In such a scenario, do discontinue the medication immediately.

If she does experience any withdrawal symptoms, then write to me and I shall try my best to be of assistance in making her feel more comfortable.

Also make sure she drinks plenty of fluids while doing the same, and also has a healthy diet.

I hope and pray she doesn't have any withdrawal symptoms. Wishing you and her truck loads of luck.

Best wishes.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T