Pharmacology · Class
Other anxiolytics !
Anxiety medicines that are not benzodiazepines, such as buspirone: little sedation and no dependence, but they take weeks to help.
Updated 2026-11-01
What they are
Anxiolytics outside the benzodiazepine group. Buspirone, an azaspirodecanedione, is the main one; antihistamines such as hydroxyzine are also used for anxiety.
Mechanism of action
Buspirone acts mainly on serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, with some effect on dopamine D2 receptors. It does not bind the benzodiazepine site or affect GABA, so it is not cross-tolerant with benzodiazepines.
Target: 5-HT1A serotonin receptor (buspirone)
Drugs in this class
Others in the class
- Hydroxyzine
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Why can buspirone not treat benzodiazepine withdrawal?
It has no cross-tolerance with benzodiazepines because it does not act on GABA-A.
Which receptor is buspirone's main target?
The serotonin 5-HT1A receptor.
Which antidepressant class must not be combined with buspirone?
MAO inhibitors.
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: DailyMed - BUSPIRONE HYDROCHLORIDE tablet (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).
Spotted a mistake?We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it.Report a mistake
Representative model, for educational purposes only.