Buspirone (Buspar): Is There Withdrawal?

Published by Joseph, EditorCompiled from cited sources · not yet medically reviewedUpdated Oct 26, 20263 sources

Need help now? SAMHSA’s National Helpline is free, confidential and open 24/7 in English and Spanish: 1-800-662-4357. In a mental health crisis, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.

For information only, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before stopping or changing any medication. Medical disclaimer

Quick answer

Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medicine that its FDA label says is not chemically or pharmacologically related to benzodiazepines, barbiturates or other sedatives. We found no withdrawal syndrome described in the label or on MedlinePlus. If anxiety returns after stopping, that’s more likely the condition coming back. One important caution from the label: buspirone does not block benzodiazepine or sedative withdrawal, so if you’re switching from a benzo, that needs its own gradual taper. Its half-life is about 2 to 3 hours.

Buspirone withdrawal timeline at a glance

Phase	When	What you may feel	Severity	Red flags
After stopping	Days to weeks (not well studied)	Return of anxiety symptoms in some people	Mild	—

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Symptoms, phase by phase

The buspirone label says it doesn’t exert anticonvulsant or muscle-relaxant effects, has no significant affinity for benzodiazepine receptors, and doesn’t show cross-tolerance with benzodiazepines. Because of that, it says buspirone will not block the withdrawal syndrome often seen when stopping those drugs, and it advises withdrawing people gradually from a prior sedative before starting buspirone. Evidence note: we didn’t find studies of a buspirone withdrawal syndrome, which means there’s little evidence either way.

After stopping: Days to weeks (not well studied)

Return of anxiety symptoms in some people

What makes withdrawal longer or shorter

Other medicines. If you’re also stopping a benzodiazepine or sleeping pill, those carry real withdrawal risk.
Your anxiety. Symptoms may return after stopping.

When to see a doctor or get help now

Before stopping, MedlinePlus advises getting your doctor’s or pharmacist’s advice.
If you’re coming off a benzodiazepine at the same time, follow your prescriber’s taper.
Call or text 988 for thoughts of suicide.

Not sure where to start? Call SAMHSA’s free, confidential helpline at 1-800-662-4357, 24/7. See Get Help.

Tapering

Ask your prescriber whether to stop at once or reduce. We don’t publish dose-by-dose schedules. Your prescriber should set your plan, and adjust it if symptoms appear.

Tips for getting through it

Ask about CBT for anxiety, which the NHS says is a main treatment a GP may offer
Keep a symptom diary for your prescriber

Frequently asked questions

Is buspirone addictive?

The label says that in human and animal studies buspirone showed no potential for abuse and no evidence of tolerance or physical or psychological dependence, though it notes misuse is hard to predict once a drug is marketed.

Can buspirone help with benzo withdrawal?

No. The label says it won’t block benzodiazepine or sedative withdrawal.

Why do I feel anxious after stopping?

Your original anxiety may be returning. Talk to your prescriber.

Next steps

Talk to others going through it. Share your experience or ask questions on the Antidepressants & Other Prescriptions board in our community forum. Forum posts are personal experiences, not medical advice. Please read the community guidelines.

Sources

Last reviewed: October 25, 2026. Researched and written by Withdrawal Timelines from the cited sources. This article has not yet been reviewed by a medical professional. See How We Review and our Medical Disclaimer. This is general information, not medical advice.

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