Which statement about buspirone is correct?
- A It acts as a full agonist at 5-HT1A receptors and provides immediate anxiolysis
- B It shows cross-tolerance with alcohol and can be substituted for benzodiazepines during detoxification
- C It is a partial agonist at presynaptic 5-HT1A autoreceptors with anxiolytic effect delayed by 1 to 2 weeks ✓
- D It has significant muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant properties similar to diazepam
Correct answer: C. It is a partial agonist at presynaptic 5-HT1A autoreceptors with anxiolytic effect delayed by 1 to 2 weeks
Explanation
Buspirone is a 5-HT1A partial agonist; its anxiolytic effect takes 1 to 2 weeks to develop, distinguishing it from benzodiazepines. It lacks muscle relaxant, sedative, and anticonvulsant actions, and there is no cross-tolerance with benzodiazepines or alcohol, so it cannot be used to cover benzodiazepine withdrawal acutely. This makes options B and D false, and its partial, not full, agonism rules out option A.
Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.
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