• For 24/7 Treatment Help Call

    (800) 526-5053

  • It is possible to get high on BuSpar. A BuSpar high can make you feel relaxed, dizzy, fatigued, and nauseous.

    BuSpar is a brand name prescription drug with the main ingredient of buspirone hydrochloride. It is an anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety medication, used for the treatment of anxiety disorders. When taken as directed, BuSpar can cause feelings of relaxation and relief from the symptoms of anxiety.

    BuSpar is not a controlled substance in the United States, and healthcare professionals believe its potential for drug abuse to be relatively low. However, BuSpar abuse is still possible in an unsupervised environment with access to high doses of buspirone.

    Abuse Potential Of BuSpar

    Buspirone can be abused by taking high doses of the drug, or by taking the drug in a manner unapproved for medical use. Non-FDA-approved use of buspirone may include crushing BuSpar tablets and snorting the powder.

    Mixing BuSpar and grapefruit juice can greatly increase buspirone concentrations in the body, effectively increasing the dose taken. Consuming grapefruit to feel strong effects of buspirone may also be a form of drug abuse.

    Compared to anxiolytics such as Xanax, BuSpar may not produce strong numbing or sedative effects. While the abuse potential of buspirone may be lower than benzodiazepines, usage of BuSpar may be monitored by your healthcare provider.

    Risks Of Abusing BuSpar To Get High

    Abusing BuSpar to get high can increase your risk of serious side effects in the short-term. Long-term BuSpar abuse may be a sign of severe mental health problems.

    Buspirone Side Effects

    Buspirone abuse can increase your risk of short-term adverse effects, such as:

    • nervousness
    • dizziness
    • drowsiness
    • nausea
    • chest pain

    These side effects may be more intense with higher doses of buspirone.

    Drug Interactions

    BuSpar can have dangerous interactions with other prescription drugs. Mixing BuSpar with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOI antidepressants, can lead to a life-threatening increase in blood pressure.

    Other drugs which can cause serious side effects in combination with buspirone may include diazepam, erythromycin, and certain barbiturates.

    Not monitoring your substance use can lead to these dangerous drug interactions. Buying illicit drugs from unlicensed dealers can also increase your chances of ingesting these drugs without your knowledge.

    Drug Overdose

    Taking BuSpar to get high can increase the chances of a drug overdose. Signs of an overdose on buspirone may include:

    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • dizziness
    • upset stomach
    • lightheadedness

    Fatal overdoses on buspirone alone may be unlikely. Victims of BuSpar overdose should receive prompt medical treatment when possible.

    Treatment Options For BuSpar Abuse

    Healthcare professionals have not identified cases of BuSpar addiction, dependency, or serious withdrawal symptoms with BuSpar, even in cases of long-term use. However, long-term abuse of BuSpar can be indicative of an overarching health issue.

    Patients with generalized anxiety disorder may be at a higher risk for substance abuse compared to those without anxiety. If you are struggling with mental health disorders and drug abuse, you may benefit from a substance abuse treatment program.

    To find out if our inpatient or outpatient prescription drug addiction treatment will work for you and your loved one, please contact one of our medical professionals today.

    Written by Ark Behavioral Health Editorial Team
    ©2024 Ark National Holdings, LLC. | All Rights Reserved.
    This page does not provide medical advice.
    Sources

    Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics - Grapefruit juice substantially increases plasma concentrations of buspirone
    Food and Drug Administration - BuSpar
    National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus - Buspirone
    National Library of Medicine: StatPearls - Buspirone

    Medically Reviewed by
    Kimberly Langdon M.D.
    on October 25, 2022
    Questions About Treatment?

    Ark Behavioral Health offers 100% confidential substance abuse assessment and treatment placement tailored to your individual needs. Achieve long-term recovery.

    100% confidential. We respect your privacy.
    Prefer Texting?

    Our friendly support team is here to chat 24/7. Opt out any time.

    chat-header

    Our Facilities

    Premier Drug Rehab & Mental Health Care Facilities In Massachusetts & Ohio

    Bedrock Recovery

    Canton, MA

    • Medical detox
    • Inpatient & Residential Treatment
    • Primary Mental Health Care
    • Movie Theater & Fitness Center

    Learn More

    Northeast Addictions

    Quincy, MA

    • Day treatment program
    • Intensive Outpatient Program
    • Full-Day Group Therapy
    • Easy Access to Public Transit

    Learn More

    Spring Hill Recovery Center

    Ashby, MA

    • Residential Treatment
    • Gender-Specific Residencies
    • Outdoor Recreation
    • Expansive 70-Acre Campus

    Learn More

    Ohio Recovery Center

    Van Wert, OH

    • Medical Detox
    • Residential Treatment
    • Primary Mental Health Care
    • 55-Acre Campus

    Learn More

    For Immediate Treatment Help Call 800-526-5053