Buspirone, an anti-anxiety medicine, was FDA approved more than 30 years ago but still ranks among the top 100 prescription drugs in America. Interest in buspirone appears to be undergoing a renaissance as concerns rise about the abuse potential of benzodiazepines: Xanax, Valium, Lorazepam.

Buspirone counteracts generalized anxiety but requires at least several weeks until becoming fully effective. While SSRI antidepressants remain the “preferred” treatment for anxiety, their list of adverse reactions seems far in excess of those associated with buspirone. Additionally buspirone does not cause sexual dysfunction associated with the SSRIs.

Buspirone generally does not cause sedation typical of so many anti-anxiety medicines. Buspirone lacks addictive potential, does not cause euphoria and unlike the benzodiazepines is not a controlled substance.