Psychological effects of buspirone.

Chief among the drawbacks of the benzodiazepines is the risk of a withdrawal syndrome when the drugs are discontinued after prolonged periods of use, even at therapeutic dosages. Another disadvantage, common to sedative, tranquilizer, and hypnotic drugs, is psychological impairment or inappropriate behavioral effects. The psychological effects and impairments associated with benzodiazepines will be presented as a standard against which to assess new drugs. Results of objective tests confirmed that buspirone showed similar effects to diazepam in terms of self-rated mental sedation, but less physical sedation. Buspirone had little physiologic effect and produced less impairment in psychological performance.