The authors inform readers on the pharmacological and clinical profile of a new anxiolytic on the market. Buspiron is indicated in anxious disorders in particular in generalized anxiety disorder. Buspiron has a clinical effect similar to that of currently used benzodiazepine anxiolytics. Contrary to them it has several advantages: it does not affect psychomotor functions, does not cause sedation, does not potentiate substances which evoke central depression (alcohol, benzodiazepines and some other psychopharmaceutical preparations), it does not cause habituation, it has a minimumof drug interactions and is well tolerated. Its disadvantage is the late onset of the anxiolytic effect which develops after two weeks or later.

        Key words: buspiron - anxiety disorders - anxiolytics - benzodiazepines.