I suffer from really bad anxiety and I have for years. The only thing that has really worked are benzos and SSRIs, but SSRIs only a little bit, and benzos only work short term, and are very hard to get a prescription for.

I am seeing a nurse practitioner and she has started me on buspirone. I’ve been started on a small dose (5mg twice a day), and I’m going to see her in two weeks. 

I have two questions: 
1. How long does it take to work? I know it takes some time. I also know that I am starting a small dose so it might take even longer. 
2. Has it helped you guys?
3. What side effects can I expect?