Effectiveness Unlikely

Buspirone

for Anxiety

Buspirone is a type of anxiolytic psychotropic drug that has been used to treat anxiety and symptoms of anxiety.

Research Evidence Summaries

Peoples, A.R., Bushunow, P.W., Garland, S.N., Heckler, C.E., Roscoe, J.A., Peppone, L.L., . . . Morrow, G.R. (2015). Buspirone for management of dyspnea in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: A randomized placebo-controlled URCC CCOP study. Supportive Care in Cancer, 24, 1339–1347. 

Study Purpose

To evaluate whether buspirone alleviates dyspnea in patients with cancer and, secondary, whether it improves anxiety.

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

Patients with grade 2 or higher dyspnea per OCD tool were randomized to receive buspirone or placebo for a 28-day intervention on a fixed-dose titration. Treatment was discontinued after day 28. Baseline information was obtained including demographic info and MMRCDS. Assessments were then completed using OCD and STAI-S prior to starting protocol, within 5-7 days starting protocol, and after 28 days.

Sample Characteristics

  • N = 432  
  • MEAN AGE = 64
  • MALES: 46.5% drug/50.5% placebo, FEMALES: 53.5% drug/49.5% placebo 
  • KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Outpatient; any cancer diagnosis; receiving chemotherapy; have a screening score of grade 2 or higher per MMRCDS
  • OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: Older than age 18; had adequate renal, hepatic, and cardiac function; Hgb greater than 8; no transfusions in the past 15 days; pleural effusions drained or treated 

Setting

  • SITE: Multi-site    
  • SETTING TYPE: Outpatient  
  • LOCATION: 16 sites in the United States

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

  • PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
  • APPLICATIONS: Palliative care 

Study Design

  • Multicenter
  • Randomized
  • Double-blind
  • Placebo-controlled

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (MMRCDS)
  • Oxygen Cost Diagram (OCD)
  • Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S)

Results

Buspirone did not significantly improve dyspnea or anxiety in patients with cancer.

Conclusions

Buspirone was not an effective treatment option for dyspnea in patients with cancer.

Nursing Implications

Buspirone should not be used as a treatment option for dyspnea in patients with cancer.

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