Buspirone

Last Update: 30 Sep 2026

Table of content

1. What is it? 2. What are the risks according to research? 3. Breastfeeding/ chestfeeding 4. What about fathers and sperm donors? 5. Key points

Welcome to our fact sheet on buspirone during pregnancy and lactation. This information is based on available published literature. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider.

The HEALTHY PREGNANCY HUB team is collaborating with MotherToBaby to share information on this topic. The original version is available here (January 2026).

Serene, our chatbot, can also answer your questions about medications during pregnancy.

Please note that this fact sheet is based on the one from MotherToBaby with United States information and has been reviewed by our Canadian experts. Minor differences may exist between the two countries. Always consult your healthcare professional for information tailored to your situation.

1. What is buspirone? 

Buspirone is a medication that has been used to treat anxiety. The brand name for buspirone in the United State is BuSpar®. In Canada, it can be found with names like Pro-Buspirone®, Jamp-Buspirone®, Mint-Buspirone®, and Teva-Buspirone®.

Sometimes when people find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication, or stopping their medication altogether. However, it is important to talk with your healthcare professionals before making any changes to how you take your medication. Your healthcare professionals can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy. For more information on anxiety, see our fact sheet here.  

When this medication is stopped, symptoms may return (called a relapse). If you plan to stop this medication, your healthcare professional may suggest that you slowly lower the dose instead of stopping all at once. Stopping this medication suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. It is not known what effect, if any, withdrawal could have on a pregnancy. 

2. What does research say about the safety during pregnancy?

I take buspirone. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?

It is not known if buspirone can make it harder to get pregnant. 

Does taking buspirone increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Studies have not been done to see if buspirone can increase the chance of miscarriage. 

Does taking buspirone increase the chance of birth defects?

Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at research studies to try to understand if an exposure, like buspirone, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. 

It is not known if buspirone can increase the chance of birth defects. Information from a pregnancy registry found no birth defects among 72 infants exposed to buspirone during pregnancy. 

Does taking buspirone in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?

Studies have not been done to see if buspirone can increase the chance of pregnancy-related problems, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).  

I need to take buspirone throughout my entire pregnancy. Will it cause withdrawal symptoms in my baby after birth?

The use of some medications during pregnancy can cause temporary symptoms in newborns soon after birth. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as withdrawal. There is a report of one infant with decreased growth, tremors, low muscle tone, low blood sugar, and trouble feeding. The infant was exposed to buspirone, other medications, and cigarette smoke during pregnancy. It is not known if the reported symptoms were due to buspirone, other exposures, or a combination of factors. It is important that your healthcare professionals know you are taking buspirone so that if symptoms occur your baby can get the care that is best for them. 

Does taking buspirone in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?  

Studies have not been done to see if buspirone can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child. 

3. Lactating while taking buspirone

Information on the use of buspirone while breast/chest feeding or pumping (lactation) is limited. Buspirone passes into human milk in small amounts.  

There are reports that looked at effects of buspirone in nursed infants. One report found no short-term side effects in an 11-week-old baby whose mother was taking 2 medications including 10 mg/day of buspirone. Another report described seizure-like activity in a 3-week-old infant. However, the authors suggested that if one of the 3 prescription medications that the mother was taking contributed to the effects seen in the baby, it was unlikely to be buspirone. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms, contact the child’s healthcare professional.  

The product label for buspirone recommends that people who are lactating avoid this medication if possible. But the benefit of using buspirone during lactation might outweigh possible risks. Your healthcare professional can talk with you about using buspirone and what treatment is best for you. Be sure to talk to your healthcare professional about all your questions on lactation. 

4. What about fathers and sperm donors?

If a male takes buspirone, could it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?

Studies by the manufacturer reported lower libido (less desire to have sex), delayed ejaculation, and impotence (inability to get and maintain an erection) in male taking buspirone. These issues can affect male’s fertility (ability to make healthy sperm). Studies have not been done to see if fathers or sperm donors’ exposure to buspirone could increase the chance of birth defects. In general, exposures that fathers and sperm donors have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures here.

Key points

Buspirone is a medication used to treat anxiety.
It is not known if buspirone can affect fertility or increase the chance of miscarriage or other pregnancy-related complications.
Information on the use of buspirone during pregnancy is limited. In a pregnancy registry, no birth defects were reported among 72 babies exposed to buspirone.
Information on the use of buspirone while lactating is limited. Based on the available data, a small amount passes into human milk.
Always talk with your healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping buspirone during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

References

Please click here for references.

Disclaimer

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