APA Dictionary of Psychology

n. a nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytic of the azapirone class that acts as a partial serotonin agonist at 5-HT_1A receptors. Both it and its primary metabolic product, 6-hydroxybuspirone, produce some relief of subjective symptoms of anxiety without the sedation, behavioral disinhibition, and risk of dependence associated with the benzodiazepines. Its use has been limited, however, due to its relative lack of efficacy compared with benzodiazepines. U.S. trade name: BuSpar.