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Compare Buspar vs. Prozac

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

Key takeaways

Buspirone (generic name buspirone) and Prozac (generic name fluoxetine) are both used to treat mental health conditions, but they belong to different medication classes and work differently in the brain. Buspirone is an antianxiety medication that affects brain chemicals controlling mood and anxiety, though its exact mechanism is unclear. Prozac, on the other hand, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases serotonin levels to help regulate mood and emotions. Buspirone is typically taken twice daily and is not a controlled substance, while Prozac is usually taken once daily but it depends on the formulation prescribed. Prozac is FDA-approved for a wider range of conditions, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia, and panic disorder, whereas buspirone is primarily used for anxiety. Common side effects of buspirone include dizziness and nausea, while Prozac can cause headaches, difficulty sleeping, and tiredness. Additionally, Prozac carries a risk of withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, whereas buspirone has a lower risk of withdrawal.

  • Buspirone
    Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Buspirone
    Fluoxetine (Prozac)

  • Summary of Buspar vs. Prozac

    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

    Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's used to treat several mental health conditions, including depression and panic disorder. The immediate-release pill and liquid are taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. The delayed-release capsule is taken weekly, but it's approved only for depression. Some common side effects of fluoxetine (Prozac) include headaches, difficulty sleeping, and tiredness. Don't suddenly stop this medication if you've been taking it for a while; doing so can lead to symptoms of withdrawal.

  • Indications of Buspar vs. Prozac

    Indications for
    •Anxiety
    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD)
    •Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
    •Bulimia
    •Panic disorder
    •Depression from bipolar 1 disorder
    •Treatment resistant depression

  • Pros and Cons of Buspar vs. Prozac

    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
    •Good choice for treating depression, OCD, and panic disorder
    •Less likely to make you sleepy compared to some other antidepressants, such as paroxetine (Paxil)
    •Taken by mouth, typically once daily (IR capsules and liquid) or once weekly (DR capsules, for depression only)
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Can take up to 2 months for you to feel the full effects of the medication
    •Can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and/or behavior in those age 24 or younger
    •Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

  • Common Side Effects of Buspar vs. Prozac

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Drowsiness (10%)
    •Nausea (8%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Nervousness (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Difficulty falling asleep (up to 33%)
    •Nausea (up to 29%)
    •Headache (21%)
    •Weakness (up to 21%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 18%)
    •Low appetite (up to 17%)
    •Drowsiness (up to 17%)
    •Anxiety (up to 15%)
    •Nervousness (up to 14%)
    •Tremor (up to 13%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 12%)
    •Throat pain (up to 11%)
    •Yawning (up to 11%)
    •Low sex drive (up to 11%)

  • Warnings of Buspar vs. Prozac

    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 behavior
    •Anxiety and trouble sleeping
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Glaucoma
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

  • Prices with our coupons for Buspar vs. Prozac

    Learn more about Buspirone
    Learn more about Fluoxetine

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