Buspirone--frontrunner of a new genre of anxiolytics

Buspirone (Buspar; Bristol) marks a departure from established concepts of anxiolysis. Differing substantially both in its mode of action and in the clinical expression of its action from agents such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines, it would seem to operate chiefly via the 5-HT1A subtype of serotonin receptor. Such receptor selectivity is likely to be responsible for the novel action of this anxiolytic in that sedation and psychomotor and cognitive dysfunction are minimal, and because dependence is unlikely. The slower onset of full therapeutic benefit further delineates the differences between buspirone and other anxiolytics. However, it is apparent that the benzodiazepines will not readily be displaced from all of their varied applications by buspirone. This review examines buspirone and provides some guidelines for its use.