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Compare Buspirone vs. Wellbutrin XL

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

Key takeaways

Buspirone (Buspar) and bupropion (Wellbutrin XL, Forfivo XL) are both oral prescription medications used for mental health conditions, but they have some impotant differences. Buspirone is an antianxiety medication used to relieve anxiety, while bupropion is an atypical antidepressant used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Buspirone is typically taken twice daily, whereas bupropion is available in short-acting and long-acting forms, with dosing ranging from once to three times daily depending on the formulation. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of buspirone include dizziness and headache, while bupropion can cause headaches and trouble sleeping. Buspirone has a lower risk of dependency and withdrawal symptoms compared to other anxiety medications, like benzodiazepines. Bupropion increases the risk of seizures and is not recommended for those with a history of seizures or eating disorders. Buspirone interacts with many medications and grapefruit juice, while bupropion can interact with alcohol and other medications that affect blood pressure.

  • Buspirone
    Bupropion
  • Buspirone
    Bupropion

  • Summary of Buspirone vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Summary for Antianxiety
    Prescription only

    Buspirone tablets help manage and relieve anxiety in adults. It belongs to a drug class called anxiolytics (or anti-anxiety medications). The tablets are taken by mouth, typically twice daily. Common side effects are dizziness, nausea, headache, and nervousness. Buspirone isn't a controlled substance. The brand name Buspar is no longer available, but you can get the generic buspirone tablets.

    Summary for Atypical antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Bupropion is taken by mouth to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It's available as short-acting tablets that are taken two or three times a day, as well as long-acting versions that are taken once daily. Bupropion has fewer sexual side effects compared to other antidepressants, but it's not a good choice for people with a history of seizures, eating disorders, or drink alcohol regularly.

  • Indications of Buspirone vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Indications for
    •Anxiety
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - only bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL)

  • Pros and Cons of Buspirone vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Pros and Const for Antianxiety
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can break or cut tablets at the score lines if needed (for dose adjustment or to help swallow easier)
    •Might be an option for people who can't tolerate SSRIs or SNRIs
    •Much lower risk of dependency and withdrawal symptoms than other anti-anxiety medications
    Cons
    •Typically taken twice a day
    •Not usually a first-choice option for anxiety
    •Not for quick relief of anxiety or panic attacks
    •Interacts with many medications and grapefruit juice
    Pros and Const for Atypical antidepressant
    Pros
    •Works well for depression and can be used alone or in combination with other antidepressants
    •Causes fewer sexual side effects than some other antidepressants
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    •Less likely to cause weight gain compared to other antidepressants
    •Good option for people who haven't had success with traditional antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
    Cons
    •Can take several weeks to feel the full effects
    •Not the best option if you have a history of seizures or eating disorders like as anorexia or bulimia
    •Might need to limit or avoid using alcohol during treatment
    •Can cause trouble sleeping if you take it later in the day

  • Common Side Effects of Buspirone vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Drowsiness (10%)
    •Nausea (8%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Nervousness (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Dizziness
    •Sore throat
    •Constipation
    •Restlessness (agitation)

  • Warnings of Buspirone vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Not safe with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
    •Doesn't help relieve withdrawal symptoms from other anxiety medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior and abnormal mood changes
    •Mental health changes
    •Seizures
    •High blood pressure
    •Extreme enthusiasm or excitement (mania)

  • Prices with our coupons for Buspirone vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Learn more about Buspirone
    Learn more about Bupropion

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