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Compare Buspar vs. Lexapro

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

Key takeaways

Buspirone (Buspar) and escitalopram (Lexapro) are both medications that can be used to treat anxiety, but they have some important differences. Buspirone is an antianxiety medication, while escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is also FDA-approved for treating depression. Buspirone is typically taken twice a day, whereas escitalopram is taken once daily. Buspirone is available only as a generic, while escitalopram is available in both brand and generic forms. Common side effects of buspirone include dizziness and headache, while escitalopram can cause nausea and trouble sleeping. Escitalopram can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly, while buspirone has a low risk of withdrawal. Additionally, buspirone interacts with many medications and grapefruit juice, while escitalopram has fewer interactions but can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with certain medications.

  • Buspirone
    Escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • Buspirone
    Escitalopram (Lexapro)

  • Summary of Buspar vs. Lexapro

    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

    Escitalopram, also known by its brand name, Lexapro, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's a first-choice antidepressant to treat depression and anxiety in adults and children. The medication is available as a tablet and oral solution, in both brand and generic forms. A dose is typically taken by mouth once per day. Some common side effects include nausea, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and dizziness.

  • Indications of Buspar vs. Lexapro

    Indications for
    •Anxiety
    Indications for
    •Depression in people ages 12 years and older
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in people ages 7 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Buspar vs. Lexapro

    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
    •First-choice medication for anxiety and depression
    •Only need to take it once a day
    •Generally has fewer side effects compared to other antidepressants
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Can take up to 2 months before you feel the the full benefits
    •Risk of certain sexual problems
    •Can raise your risk for bleeds
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

  • Common Side Effects of Buspar vs. Lexapro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Drowsiness (10%)
    •Nausea (8%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Nervousness (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (24%)
    •Nausea (15-18%)
    •Ejaculation problems (9-14%)
    •Sleepiness (6-13%)
    •Trouble sleeping (9-12%)
    •Dry mouth (6-9%)
    •Diarrhea (8%)
    •Tiredness (5-8%)

  • Warnings of Buspar vs. Lexapro

    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
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Stopping escitalopram (Lexapro) too suddenly
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Glaucoma
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Sexual problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Buspar vs. Lexapro

    Learn more about Buspirone
    Learn more about Escitalopram

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