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What Causes RLS Reaction And Insomnia Post Intake Of Buspirone?

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Posted on Mon, 27 Jun 2016
Question: I just started 10 mg buspirone 2 days ago, 2x per day. I had restless sleep the first night and last night i had NO sleep. I checked my journal and a year ago I also tried to take buspirone and had insomnia plus some sort of restless leg reaction...I had this last night also. Should I try 1/2 tablet at night instead of full or should I just stop taking this. I have a lifetime of anxiety and have 18 years of sobriety from alcohol. So I have to be careful of addictive meds. Most SSRIs don't really address the anxiety, thus this was prescribed. I have a Rx for Ativan for occasional spikes of anxiety like panic but I am very wary of relying on it. So frustrated! Thank you for listening.



Actually the dose is one 5mg tablet 2 times a day for a total of 10 mg daily. Maybe I should just skip the nightly dose but my mind races at night.....gosh I sound like a loon but I'm really not. Living life sober and being an anxious person can be a challenge! Alcoholics have a broad array of brain diseases. Thanks
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Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Sometimes people have paradoxical anxiety reactions to new medications intended to treat anxiety. This includes SSRIs and buspirone. Typically this effect goes away in a few days to a week after starting the medication. I would not decrease the dose you are taking -- I would actually consider increasing the dose. If after a week you are still having problems, you can consider switching to a new SSRI such as Lexapro or Zoloft, since you only tried one of them before (Celexa).

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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What Causes RLS Reaction And Insomnia Post Intake Of Buspirone?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks for your question. Sometimes people have paradoxical anxiety reactions to new medications intended to treat anxiety. This includes SSRIs and buspirone. Typically this effect goes away in a few days to a week after starting the medication. I would not decrease the dose you are taking -- I would actually consider increasing the dose. If after a week you are still having problems, you can consider switching to a new SSRI such as Lexapro or Zoloft, since you only tried one of them before (Celexa). Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.