Does Buspirone Cause Sexual Side Effects?

If you’re living with an anxiety disorder, many medications can help manage your symptoms. Buspirone (previously sold as Buspar) is one option your prescriber may consider. It’s not typically a first-choice medication. But buspirone is known for its unique mechanism of action and milder side effects.

A common concern with starting any antianxiety medication is how it might affect your sex life. However, the risk of sexual side effects can vary significantly depending on the medication. So, does buspirone cause sexual side effects? Here’s what you should know.

Does buspirone cause sexual side effects?

Possibly. Sexual side effects appear to be infrequent with buspirone. But they still might happen. However, buspirone is better known for potentially helping to offset sexual side effects from medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Sexual side effects of buspirone for men

During initial clinical trials, there were rare reports of sexual side effects in people taking buspirone. In men, these included ejaculation problems and erectile dysfunction (ED). There were also infrequent reports of libido (sex drive) changes — either higher or lower — in some people. But it’s not clear if buspirone caused these symptoms.

Sexual side effects of buspirone for women

There isn’t much information available on sexual side effects of buspirone in women. As mentioned above, there were some reports of libido changes during clinical trials. There have also been infrequent reports of menstrual cycle changes. Again, these types of side effects don’t appear to be common and buspirone may not have caused them.

Do sexual side effects from buspirone go away?

If buspirone is the cause of your sexual side effects, it’s possible that your symptoms could improve over time as your body gets used to the medication. And it’s unlikely that the side effects will continue after you’ve stopped taking it.

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But you shouldn’t stop taking buspirone without talking to your prescriber first. Keep in mind that untreated anxiety can also contribute to sexual problems.

How can you manage sexual side effects from buspirone?

Buspirone is generally not associated with sexual side effects. But if you notice changes in your libido or sexual performance after starting it, talk to your prescriber. They can help you figure out what’s causing or contributing to your symptoms. 

Examples of steps they may take include:

• Reviewing your medication list: There’s a long list of medications that can potentially affect your sex life. Your healthcare team can see if any of these culprits are on your current medication list.

• Changing your dose: Whether buspirone or another medication is causing your symptoms, your prescriber may adjust your dosage (or medications you’re taking) to see if that helps.

• Recommending lifestyle changes: Regular exercise and a well-balanced diet can help improve overall well-being and sexual health.

• Adding medications: If needed, your prescriber may recommend a medication like sildenafil (Viagra) for ED. For women, there are medications available for low libido.

Is buspirone less likely to cause sexual side effects than other antianxiety medications?

Generally, yes. Buspirone may be less likely to cause sexual side effects compared to other antianxiety medications, such as SSRIs.

In fact, experts recommend adding a medication like buspirone if you’re experiencing arousal problems, ED, or orgasm issues from medications used to treat depression and anxiety such as:

• SSRIs such as paroxetine (Paxil)

• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine

• Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• How it works: Pharmacists explain how buspirone works for anxiety, how long it takes to start working, and what sets it apart from other antianxiety medications.

• Buspirone side effects: Do you feel nauseated after taking buspirone? Learn more about potential buspirone side effects and tips for managing them.

• Medications that affect your sex life: While age, hormones, and other factors can affect your sex life, medications can also be a common culprit. Here’s a list of top medications that can cause sexual problems.

If you’re dealing with sexual side effects from one of these medications, talk to your prescriber. They may recommend adding a medication like buspirone to help with your symptoms.

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Written by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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