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Compare Buspar vs. Klonopin

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

Key takeaways

Buspirone and Klonopin (generic name clonazepam) are both used to treat anxiety, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct characteristics. Buspirone is an antianxiety medication that is not a controlled substance and is typically taken twice daily. It takes a few weeks to start working and is not suitable for immediate relief of anxiety symptoms. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, and headache. Klonopin, on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine and a Schedule IV controlled substance, meaning it has a higher risk for dependence and misuse. It is used to treat panic disorder and seizures and works more quickly than buspirone. Klonopin can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and poor movement control, and it is generally not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Buspirone
    Clonazepam (Klonopin)
  • Buspirone
    Clonazepam (Klonopin)

  • Summary of Buspar vs. Klonopin

    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 Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Clonazepam (Klonopin) is a benzodiazepine. It's approved to treat seizures in adults and children, and panic disorder in adults only. Clonazepam (Klonopin) is taken by mouth, typically two or three times a day. It's also available as orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) for people who have trouble swallowing. Some common side effects of this medication include drowsiness, dizziness, and poor movement control. Before stopping clonazepam (Klonopin), speak with your prescriber to come up with a plan to lower your dose slowly over time to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

  • Indications of Buspar vs. Klonopin

    Indications for
    •Anxiety
    Indications for
    •Panic disorder
    •Seizures

  • Pros and Cons of Buspar vs. Klonopin

    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 Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Less likely to cause rebound anxiety (in people with panic disorders) when stopping compared to some other benzodiazepines
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available as orally disintegrating tablet (ODT)
    Cons
    •Taken 2 to 3 times daily
    •Can be habit-forming, so isn't typically used for long-term treatment
    •Can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion
    •Might not work as well for seizure control over time

  • Common Side Effects of Buspar vs. Klonopin

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

    Seizures:

    •Drowsiness (50%)
    •Poor movement control, clumsiness (30%)
    •Behavior problems (25%)

    Panic Disorder:

    •Drowsiness (up to 50%)
    •Dizziness (up to 12%)
    •Runny nose, sore throat, and other symptoms of a respiratory infection (up to 10%)
    •Extreme tiredness (up to 9%)
    •Poor movement control, clumsiness (up to 9%)
    •Depression (up to 8%)

  • Warnings of Buspar vs. Klonopin

    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
    •Sedation and difficulty breathing
    •Potential for misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Harm to babies
    •Worsening of seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Buspar vs. Klonopin

    Learn more about Buspirone
    Learn more about Clonazepam

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