Opinions - SSRIs vs. Buspirone for anxiety (and their effects on psychedelics)

[mouthwater]

SWIM's phriend has general anxiety. It manifests itself in his/her left pectoral region for unknown reasons. At times the manifestations seem, to SWIM's phriend, psychosomatic, and s/he tends to aloofly concentrate on his/her left pectoral region during mild anxiety. Sometimes, the manifestations occur (seemingly) randomly, and end up causing mild anxiety (since the manifestation and anxiety correlate). Other times the manifestations are so uncomfortable it feels as though 500 lbs is crushing his/her left pectoral region, and SWIM's phriend has so far been entirely unable to satiate the discomfort.

SWIM's phriend has consulted doctors about his/her general anxiety on a few occasions. After much thought, throughout the course of a year or so, SWIM's phriend is seriously considering taking an SSRI or buspirone to treat his/her anxiety.

SWIM knows that most members in this community are not licensed to give medical advice, and SWIM will emphasize to his/her phriend that any actions taken by him/her are done at their own expense, and that nobody in this community can be held liable for his/her decisions.

SWIM's phriend occasionally doses psiloc(yb)in and LSD. SWIM's phriend has heard many accounts that, if one is taking an SSRI, one will have to increase their dose to account for the effects the SSRI is having on their body.

SWIM's phriend is curious as to how buspirone will affect his/her use of psychedelics. Is SWIM's phriend correct in believing that, aside from having to increase his/her dose, the use of psiloc(yb)in and LSD while taking an SSRI doesn't increase health concerns? Are there any SSRIs which have less side effects than others on psychedelic use? SWIM's phriend is also interested in SSRIs for not only their possible anti-anxiety benefits, but also for treatment of minor depression (which may or may not be present).

Please refrain from telling SWIM to tell his phriend "not to take an SSRI," etc., etc. SWIM's phriend is curious about the efficacy of both SSRIs and buspirone on general anxiety, and how they interact with psychedelics.

SWIM searched this forum for general information, but felt it most appropriate to create this thread instead of bumping a few old ones just because they vaguely cover some topics outlined in this thread.

All helpful comments are appreciated. Thanks.

[Jatelka]

The mechanism of action of buspirone is not entirely clear. It has effects at 5HT-1A receptors and also has effects on dopamine.

Chronic use causes down-regulation of 5HT-2A receptors, so it's use would likely attenuate the effects of psychedelics

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[toe]

Your friend certainly should not increase the dose of her psychedelics without giving the combo a trial. Always taste your food before you salt it.