Buspirone mechanism and use

Buspirone is useful for the chronic treatment of GAD and has an efficacy comparable to that of the benzodiazepines. This agent is not effective for short-term or “as-needed” treatment of acute anxiety states. The actions of buspirone appear to be mediated by serotonin (5-HT1A) receptors, although other receptors could be involved, because buspirone displays some affinity for DA2 dopamine receptorsand 5-HT2A serotonin receptors. Thus, its mode of action differs from that of the benzodiazepines. In addition, buspirone lacks the anticonvulsant and muscle-relaxant properties of the benzodiazepines and causes only minimal sedation.