Buspirone in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder

Three patients with a DSM-III-R diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder were successfully treated with buspirone in final maximum dosages ranging from 35-60 mg daily. The onset of clinical efficacy ranged from 5-29 days. Symptoms that improved included anxiety, insomnia, flashbacks, and depressed mood. Patients experienced no side effects. Serotonin partial agonist effects are a possible mechanism underlying buspirone's efficacy.