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Compare Buspar vs. Celexa

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Buspirone (Buspar) and citalopram (Celexa) are both used for mental health conditions, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Buspirone is an antianxiety medication taken twice daily and is not a first-choice treatment. It works by affecting brain chemicals that control mood and anxiety, though its exact mechanism is unclear. Citalopram, on the other hand, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) primarily used to treat depression and is taken once daily. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood. Neither medication is a controlled substance, but citalopram can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. Common side effects of buspirone include dizziness and nausea, whereas citalopram can cause dry mouth and increased sweating. Both medications can lead to serotonin syndrome if taken with other drugs that affect serotonin levels.

  • Buspirone
    Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Buspirone
    Citalopram (Celexa)

  • Summary of Buspar vs. Celexa

    Summary for Antianxiety
    Prescription only

    Buspirone is used to relieve anxiety, but it's not a first-choice medication. Your provider might consider adding on buspirone if your anxiety symptoms aren't well-controlled by other medications. It's taken by mouth, typically twice daily. Unlike some other anti-anxiety medications, it's not a controlled substance. Some common side effects of buspirone include dizziness, nausea, headache, and nervousness. The brand name Buspar is no longer available.

    Summary for SSRI
    Prescription only

    Citalopram (Celexa) is a first-choice medication for treating depression in adults. This antidepressant belongs to the drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Citalopram (Celexa) is typically taken by mouth once daily. It typically takes a few weeks or longer of consistent treatment to notice an improvement to your mood. Common side effects include nausea and dry mouth. There's a low risk for weight gain, but suddenly stopping the medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms (e.g., upset stomach, trouble sleeping, anxiety).

  • Indications of Buspar vs. Celexa

    Indications for
    •Anxiety
    Indications for
    •Depression

  • Pros and Cons of Buspar vs. Celexa

    Pros and Const for Antianxiety
    Pros
    •Much lower risk for dependency and withdrawal symptoms than other anti-anxiety medications
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old
    •Can cut tablets if needed
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice treatment option for anxiety
    •Not for quick relief of anxiety or panic attacks
    •Can take a few weeks to fully kick in
    •Typically taken twice a day
    •Interacts with many medications and grapefruit juice
    Pros and Const for SSRI
    Pros
    •A first-choice option for treating depression
    •One of the safest antidepressants for older adults
    •Available as a tablet, capsule, and a mint-flavored liquid
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    Cons
    •Can take a couple months before you feel the full effects of this medication
    •Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels or heart rhythm
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it
    •Not FDA-approved for children

  • Common Side Effects of Buspar vs. Celexa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Drowsiness (10%)
    •Nausea (8%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Nervousness (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (21%)
    •Dry mouth (20%)
    •Sleepiness (18%)
    •Trouble sleeping (15%)
    •Sweating (11%)
    •Tremor (8%)
    •Diarrhea (8%)
    •Ejaculation problems (6%)

  • Warnings of Buspar vs. Celexa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Withdrawal symptoms from stopping other anxiety medications
    •Don't take with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Withdrawal
    •Risk factors: Stopping citalopram (Celexa) suddenly
    •Higher risk of bleeding
    •Not for use in bipolar disorder by itself
    •Glaucoma
    •Low sodium levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Buspar vs. Celexa

    Learn more about Buspirone
    Learn more about Citalopram

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