Question:medium
What is the mechanism of action of buspirone?
What is the mechanism of action of buspirone?
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Azapirone anxiolytic acting on a serotonin autoreceptor.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- 5-HT1A partial agonism
- 5-HT1B antagonism
- 5-HT1B partial agonism
- 5-HT2C antagonism
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Buspirone belongs to the azapirone anxiolytics and is notable for lacking the sedation, muscle relaxation and dependence seen with benzodiazepines because it stays away from the GABA system. Step 2: Instead it targets serotonin, behaving as a partial agonist at the 5-HT1A receptor subtype. This subtype acts as a presynaptic autoreceptor that governs how much serotonin is released. Step 3: Partial stimulation of these autoreceptors recalibrates serotonergic tone gradually, which is why the anti-anxiety benefit appears after a couple of weeks rather than immediately. Step 4: The 5-HT1B and 5-HT2C options do not match buspirone pharmacology; congeners such as isapirone and gepirone share the same 5-HT1A partial agonist action. \[\boxed{\text{5-HT1A partial agonism}}\]
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