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[Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/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)

## Key points

- Buspirone does not sedate much, is not a controlled substance and showed no dependence in studies.
- It does not prevent benzodiazepine withdrawal: benzodiazepines are tapered first.
- With MAO inhibitors it can raise blood pressure and cause serotonin syndrome.

## Drugs in this class

- [**Buspirone** A non-sedating anxiety medicine that acts on serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. It causes no dependence, but does not work at… Serotonin 5-HT1A receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/buspirone/)

## 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.

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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](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8dc1ee33-e5aa-4462-8fb9-9bbdf5463488) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=N05B) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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