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.
