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Compare Buspar vs. Effexor XR

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

Key takeaways

Buspirone (Buspar) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are both used to treat anxiety, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct characteristics. Buspirone is an antianxiety medication that is typically taken twice daily and is not a controlled substance. It takes a few weeks to start working and is not used for quick relief of anxiety. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Venlafaxine, on the other hand, is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that treats depression, anxiety, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It can be taken once daily in its extended-release form and may take 1 to 2 weeks to start working, with full effects in 6 to 8 weeks. Venlafaxine can cause more severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly and may raise your blood pressure. Common side effects include nausea, tiredness, and dry mouth. Both medications can cause serotonin syndrome, especially when taken with other drugs that affect serotonin levels.

  • Buspirone
    Venlafaxine
  • Buspirone
    Venlafaxine

  • Summary of Buspar vs. Effexor XR

    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 SNRI
    Prescription only

    Venlafaxine is an antidepressant used to treat mental health conditions like depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It comes in two forms: extended-release, which is taken once a day, and immediate-release, which is taken in split doses throughout the day. This medication can interact with many things, including other medications and alcohol. Possible side effects can include nausea, weight changes, and sexual problems. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly.

  • Indications of Buspar vs. Effexor XR

    Indications for
    •Anxiety
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Generalized anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules only
    •Social anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules and tablets only
    •Panic disorder - extended-release capsules only

  • Pros and Cons of Buspar vs. Effexor XR

    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 SNRI
    Pros
    •Can treat multiple mental health conditions
    •Affects two chemicals in the brain that impact your mood
    •Lower risk of weight gain compared to other antidepressants
    •Comes in both immediate-release and extended-release versions
    Cons
    •Might raise your blood pressure, especially at higher doses
    •Interacts with many medications
    •Can take up to 4 to 8 weeks before you feel the full effect
    •High risk of causing withdrawal symptoms if suddenly stopped

  • Common Side Effects of Buspar vs. Effexor XR

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Drowsiness (10%)
    •Nausea (8%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Nervousness (5%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Extended-release:

    •Nausea (29-31%)
    •Trouble sleeping (17-23%)
    •Dizziness (16-20%)
    •Loss of appetite (10-20%)
    •Drowsiness (15-17%)
    •Dry mouth (12-17%)
    •Abnormal ejaculation (10-16%)
    •Sweating (11-14%)
    •Weakness (8-13%)

    Immediate-release:

    •Nausea (37%)
    •Headache (25%)
    •Drowsiness (23%)
    •Dry mouth (22%)
    •Dizziness (19%)
    •Trouble sleeping (18%)
    •Constipation (15%)
    •Nervousness (13%)
    •Weakness (12%)
    •Sweating (12%)
    •Abnormal ejaculation (12%)
    •Loss of appetite (11%)

  • Warnings of Buspar vs. Effexor XR

    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
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •High blood pressure
    •Higher bleeding risk
    •Mania
    •Glaucoma
    •Withdrawal
    •Seizures
    •Low sodium levels
    •Lung problems and pneumonia
    •Sexual problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Buspar vs. Effexor XR

    Learn more about Buspirone
    Learn more about Venlafaxine

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