Can a common anxiety drug tame Post-TBI anger?

NCT ID NCT01821690

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Indiana University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested whether buspirone (Buspar), a drug used for anxiety, can reduce irritability and aggression in people who have had a traumatic brain injury. 81 adults with a closed head injury at least 6 months prior took either buspirone or a placebo for 91 days. The goal was to see if the drug improved behavior control, measured by changes in irritability and aggression scores.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: buspirone (Buspar)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a medication option to help people with traumatic brain injury manage irritability and aggression.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed phase 4 trial with 81 participants. The results may not apply to everyone, and buspirone can cause side effects like dizziness or nausea.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Aggression Behavior Brain Injuries, Traumatic traumatic brain injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Indiana University and Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana

Indianapolis, Indiana, 46254, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.