Can You Get High on Buspirone?

Buspirone (Buspar) is an anti-anxiety medication commonly used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, it works slowly and doesn’t cause strong sedation or instant calm. 

 

This article explores how buspirone works, whether it can get you high, the risks of misuse, and much more.

What Is Buspirone (Buspar)?

Buspirone (Buspar) is a non‑sedating anti‑anxiety medication that works by gently balancing serotonin (5‑HT₁A) and dopamine receptors in the brain. Primarily used for generalized anxiety disorder, it gradually reduces symptoms over 2–6 weeks with a low risk of dependence. [1]

Drug Class & History

Buspirone, commonly sold under the brand name Buspar, belongs to a class of anti‑anxiety medications called azapirones. Unlike benzodiazepines (such as Valium or Xanax), azapirones work differently and don’t cause heavy sedation or dependence. [2]

 

First created in 1968 and patented in 1975, buspirone was FDA‑approved in September 1986 for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), making it the first non‑benzodiazepine anxiolytic in the U.S.

Mechanism of Action

Buspirone’s way of calming anxiety is different and more gradual than benzodiazepines. It doesn’t target GABA receptors with its stronger sedation effects, but instead gently acts on serotonin and dopamine systems.

 

• It serves as a partial agonist at the serotonin 5‑HT₁A receptor, which means it lightly stimulates these receptors in areas like the raphe nuclei of the brain. This helps balance serotonin activity over time.

• It also has some antagonist (blocking) effects on dopamine D₂ receptors, which may subtly increase dopamine in specific brain areas. This action is believed to contribute to its calming and mood‑balancing effects. [3]

 

Because of this unique mechanism, buspirone doesn’t cause drowsiness, muscle relaxation, or the potential for abuse like benzodiazepines do. However, it takes 2–6 weeks of daily use to start reducing anxiety symptoms.

Common Approved and Off‑Label Uses

Approved Use

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Buspirone is officially approved to treat GAD and works as effectively as benzodiazepines but without the high risk of sedation or dependence.

 

Off‑Label Uses

These are conditions for which doctors may prescribe buspirone even though the FDA does not officially approve them:

 

• Augmenting treatment for depression: Buspirone is often added to antidepressants like SSRIs to improve mood or counter sexual side effects.

• Premenstrual symptoms or PMS: It may help ease mood changes tied to menstrual cycles.

• Addiction recovery support: Doctors sometimes use it to reduce anxiety during withdrawal or early recovery.

• Other potential uses: Some studies suggest benefits for ADHD, heart failure, breathing issues, and digestive problems, but more research is needed.

Understanding the “Buspar High”

When buspirone is taken in very large doses, much higher than prescribed, it can produce a temporary state often described as a “high.” Key features include significant sedation and noticeable dizziness. These effects are not the gentle, lingering calm that typical therapeutic doses provide but are instead abrupt and impairing. 

Characteristics & Symptoms

• Sedation: A heavy drowsiness sets in, making one feel unusually sleepy or sluggish.

• Dizziness: Many users experience lightheadedness or a mild spinning sensation.

• Blurred alertness: Some people report difficulty focusing or maintaining clear balance.

 

Because these reactions come from higher-than-intended doses, they carry medical risk and are not safe or recommended.

Duration of Effects

The sedative effect from misusing buspirone tends to wear off relatively quickly. Most users report these feelings lasting under 30–60 minutes before subsiding. However, the sharp onset and quick drop-off can still interrupt daily tasks and increase risk, for example, by impairing driving or coordination.

How Does Buspirone Make You Feel?

Buspirone is mainly used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and works gradually. Rather than offering instant calm, it gently eases anxiety over 2 to 4 weeks, as the drug builds up in your system. It is known for not causing intense drowsiness or muscle relaxation like benzodiazepines (such as Xanax), making it safer for long-term use. [4]

 

Over time, users often feel less tense, find it easier to cope with daily worries, and notice improved focus and emotional balance. If you’re taking buspirone regularly, your healthcare provider will check in to track your progress and adjust the dose if needed.

Side Effects at Therapeutic Doses

While buspirone is generally well tolerated, some side effects may appear, especially when you first start the medication. These are usually mild and fade as your body adjusts over a few days or weeks:

 

• Dizziness or lightheadedness: A common side effect, often most noticeable when standing up quickly.

• Sleepiness or drowsiness: Many users feel a bit sleepy, though it’s typically less severe than that caused by benzodiazepines.

• Headache: Mild headaches are reported fairly often, but they usually go away on their own.

• Nausea: Some individuals experience nausea after taking it; taking the pill with food can help.

 

Other side effects could include minor sleep disturbances, mild nervousness, or slight changes in focus, though these are less frequent. These effects are usually temporary. 

Buspar High vs. Xanax High

A Buspar high is mild and brief without major mood changes or strong calm. Xanax, on the other hand, induces fast, strong relaxation and alteration in feeling, qualities that make it appealing to misuse, increasing its addiction risk. [5]

Buspar High

A “Buspar high” is typically mild and short-lived. When taken in very high doses (far above the prescribed amount), it may lead to gentle sedation and lightheadedness, but it does not produce an intense rush or strong calming effect.

Xanax High

In stark contrast, Xanax (alprazolam) delivers a rapid-onset effect, often within 30–60 minutes after taking it. Being a benzodiazepine, it acts quickly on GABA receptors in the brain, creating a sense of strong relaxation and a noticeable change in mood. 

 

This results in what many describe as a “high,” with an immediate feeling of calm and slowed thoughts. However, this comes with a high risk of abuse and dependency, mainly if used frequently or at larger doses.

 

Feature	Buspar High	Xanax High
Speed of Onset	Slow, mild effects	Fast – 30 to 60 minutes
Intensity	Light sedation, minimal mood change	Strong relaxation, a noticeable shift in calm
Abuse Potential	Low	High, with dependence risk
Recommended Use	Long-term anxiety treatment	Short-term relief, under medical guidance

Buspirone Abuse

Buspirone abuse often involves taking higher-than-prescribed doses, sometimes doubling or more than the usual amount, to achieve a strong effect. Some individuals even use non-traditional methods, like grinding and snorting the tablets to accelerate absorption, which significantly increases risks.

 

Others combine buspirone with alcohol or other sedatives, aiming to intensify drowsiness or dullness. This dangerous mixing can lead to extreme sedation or breathing trouble.

Common Ways It’s Abused

• Taking the above prescribed dose, users often exceed the typical 5–30 mg/day range, sometimes taking 60–100 mg in one go. 

• Grinding/snorting: Crushing tablets and snorting them is done to make the effects faster and stronger, an unsafe and irritation-causing practice.

• Mixing with alcohol or other sedatives: Buspirone combined with alcohol can cause deeper sedation, dizziness, heightened mental fog, and, in some cases, danger.

Signs of Buspar Abuse

Signs of Buspar abuse include taking more medication than prescribed, repeatedly feeling overly sleepy, dizzy, or confused, and seeking prescriptions from multiple doctors without disclosure (doctor‑shopping).

Over‑Sedation or Sudden Mood Changes

One of the most noticeable signs is when someone becomes excessively drowsy without explanation. Buspirone taken in high doses or mixed with alcohol or other sedatives can cause intense sleepiness or mental fogginess. These effects are not typical in normal, prescribed use and may indicate misuse.

Dizziness and Confusion

Frequent lightheadedness, trouble walking steadily, or confusion are significant warning signs. While mild dizziness can happen at regular doses, repeated episodes, mainly linked to dosage increases, suggest misuse. Confusion or trouble thinking clearly can also occur, particularly if the drug is taken incorrectly or combined with other substances.

Doctor‑Shopping or Secret Dose Increases

Another red flag is seeking extra prescriptions from multiple doctors without informing them. Taking increased doses without a doctor’s approval, especially when someone already has enough medication, might indicate a shift toward abuse or dependence. Patterns of misuse may include hiding usage, refusing to reduce the dose, or claiming lost pills to get new ones.

Buspirone and Alcohol: The Dangers of Mixing

Both buspirone (Buspar) and alcohol slow down the central nervous system. When taken together, their sedative effects combine and intensify, which can dangerously reduce breathing rate, also known as respiratory depression, and potentially lead to serious harm or overdose. [6]

Symptoms of Combined Use

Mixing these substances can cause several concerning signs:

 

• Severe drowsiness: You may feel overwhelmingly sleepy or struggle to stay awake.

• Impaired coordination and judgment: Tasks that require attention, like driving or navigating stairs, become risky. Movement can be clumsy or slow, and decision-making is weakened.

• Breathing issues: The most dangerous effect is slowed or shallow breathing, which may increase the risk of oxygen deprivation or unconsciousness.

Overdose, Interactions & Safety Considerations

Taking too much buspirone can cause dizziness, extreme drowsiness, nausea, or even fainting. It should not be mixed with MAOIs or grapefruit juice, as these can raise its levels in the body.

Overdose Symptoms at Extreme Doses

Although buspirone is generally safe at prescribed levels, taking very high amounts far beyond therapeutic doses can cause serious effects. According to the FDA label, signs of overdose include:

 

• Persistent nausea or vomiting

• Intense dizziness or drowsiness

• Stomach cramps

• Pinpoint pupils (tiny black parts of the eyes)

• In severe cases, loss of consciousness or fainting [7]

Drug Interactions

1. MAO Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Combining buspirone with MAOIs or older antidepressants is strongly discouraged. This mix can cause a sharp increase in blood pressure and risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition marked by fever, tremors, and agitation. MAOIs include drugs like phenelzine and tranylcypromine, and using them together or in close timing is dangerous. [8]

 

2. Grapefruit Juice via CYP3A4 Interference

Buspirone is processed in the liver by an enzyme called CYP3A4. Grapefruit juice blocks this enzyme, causing up to a 4 to 9 fold increase in buspirone levels in the blood. That can lead to intensified side effects, such as heavy sedation, dizziness, and more serious overdose symptoms. For safety, avoid grapefruit altogether or separate its intake by at least 2–8 hours from your medication.

FAQs

1. What does BuSpar high feel like?

A BuSpar “high” may feel like lightheadedness, sleepiness, or mild disorientation if taken in large doses. It’s not intense or stimulating and often comes with discomfort like dizziness or nausea, making it very different from the highs caused by other substances.

 

2. Can buspirone cause euphoria?

Buspirone is not known to cause euphoria. It works gradually to relieve anxiety without creating an intense emotional or mental “rush.” Any uplifting feelings are typically mild and part of its therapeutic effect, not a sign of misuse or recreational potential.

 

3. How long does BuSpar high last?

If taken in excess, any effects resembling a “high” usually last only 30 to 60 minutes. These effects, such as sedation or dizziness, are short-lived and not rewarding. The drug’s intended benefits appear gradually over days or weeks with regular use.

 

4. Can buspirone feel like Xanax?

No, buspirone does not feel like Xanax. While Xanax causes quick and deep sedation, buspirone works slowly and does not produce strong calming or numbing effects. It’s designed for long-term anxiety relief without the risk of heavy sedation or dependence.

Get Treatment for Addiction at Alliance Recovery

If you’re having a tough time with Buspirone (Buspar) or other substances, you’re not alone, and real help is available.

 

At Alliance Recovery, we understand what you’re going through. Many of us have faced addiction too, so we truly know how challenging it can feel. We’re here to support you in taking back control and building a better, healthier life.

 

When you join us, you’ll get:

• One-on-one and group therapy designed just for you

• A kind, supportive team that guides you at every step

• Help with planning your future and staying strong after treatment

 

You don’t have to face this alone. We’ll walk with you, step by step, as you begin your journey toward healing and peace.

 

Call our treatment team at (844) 287-8506 to get started.

Sources

[1]https://www.verywellmind.com/buspar-treatment-of-social-anxiety-disorder-3024958

[2]https://neurolaunch.com/buspirone/

[3]https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/buspirone

[4]https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20084-buspirone-tablets

[5]https://www.goodrx.com/compare/buspirone-vs-xanax?srsltid=AfmBOorA2zcF1pFP7nkaaXSjHnlrnVK_NlI-R4enLhfJZw_MD7jKkpP1

[6]https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/buspar-alcohol

[7]https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a688005.html

[8]https://www.verywellhealth.com/buspirone-interactions-8787418