Experience with Buspirone

annie51

DH is only on memantine right now, and I’m still on the fence about adding more meds, thinking that I should be able to adjust my behavior or triggers first. I mentioned anxiety at his last appt with PCP and they suggested buspirone as a med that is “on demand” rather than something that needs to be built up in the system. Anyone have experience with it? It might be nice to have something available if I can’t calm him down.

harshedbuzz

@annie51

IME, it is possible to reduce agitation sometimes by non-pharmaceutical means/caregiver education (if the caregiver is triggering the PWD) to a degree, but anxiety can be different. It can seemingly become a baseline without obvious triggers that the PWD can't get on top of because they no longer have the cognition to work through it.

While it is possible to use certain medications on an as needed basis, it can sometimes devolve into a game of wack-a-mole observing for signs you need to medicate. Another downside is that if he's very upset, he may resist the meds or need a higher dose to overcome extreme anxiety.

HB

CampCarol

My DH is extremely anxious all the time; it’s been increasing over the years. Agitation is now here as well. He has historically refused medication for it, and it’s gotten to the point where I have to sneak it into his regimen. We tried the ‘wack-a-mole’ approach first (HB - love that analogy!) and that’s exactly what it was. I feel like we wasted a lot of time starting and stopping as needed. As far as my behavior…as hard as I try, I know I can be a bit of a trigger. It’s taken me an incredible amount of time and perseverance to try and change my personality and approach to be a better caregiver to him, and it hasn’t been easy. So we’re still tweaking and trying to finalize the most effective medications for him, I’m cautiously optimistic these will help us both. Good luck to you as you navigate through this!

marier

My DH was on buspirone for agitation. He took it twice a day and could have it 3 times a day if needed for anxiety. I felt it did somewhat help take the edge off his anxiety initially. Although not enough to help him cope with the day programs or other minor disruptions in his routine. He was eventually weaned off the medication and I see no difference in his behavior. He is now stage 7. I do have a PRN of trazodone 12.5 mg(very small dose) and 25mg up to 50mg at night. Since he in in stage 7 I rarely need to use this medication. He sleeps most of the day and all night .

hiya

My DH is on sertraline and seroquel. I use buspar as needed. Sometimes when a routine event changes, anxiety due to loss of memory, sundowners, confusion, etc, I give a pill and it seems to take an edge off. We started on 5 mg but now 15 mg. It is a tool I can use that works for us.

H1235

As a caregiver I take buspirone. I was told by the doctor it is a very mild medication that is fast acting ( about 1 hour) and can be taken as needed. My mom with dementia took it for a while, but has moved on to amitriptyline which I think is more for depression. My mom blames me for everything and my brother does nothing to help and blames me as well. Most days aren’t too bad, some are out of control. I take one before I visit mom or talk to my brother. I find it helps to calm me a bit.