Hi Stacies, I took Buspar for 3 months this summer. The first month I really liked it, although the first few days I was very jittery. I can't say it relieved my anxiety, but I liked the "up" feeling it gave me, the increased energy and sociability, and the enhanced sense of smell and taste (could be pretty wild sometimes!). I also found more pleasure in simple things, like driving fast, a beautiful sunset, the feel of the wind in my face, etc. With my anxiety, I had had trouble sleeping, but the Buspar acted like a stimulant so I was able to get by comfortably on less sleep. After a month, these effects decreased. After a total of 3 months I stopped taking it as it had no good effects anymore. I think my body just adapted to it.

I have heard that Buspar does nothing for about half the people. I also have read that Buspar is especially ineffective for people who have previously taken benzos. It is thought that those people have certain expectations for an anti-anxiety drug and Buspar does not feel at all like a benzo, so those former-benzo-taking people feel it doesn't work.

After Buspar, my doc prescribed Lexapro for anxiety. However, it was too expensive for my budget, so I never took it. But I have heard that you have to give Lexapro several weeks at least before giving up. The early days can be rough, but just push on through.

Good luck.