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Compare Paxil vs. Buspar

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

Key takeaways

Paroxetine (brand name: Paxil) and buspirone (former brand name: Buspar) are both used to treat anxiety, but they have some key differences. Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that also treats depression and other mental health conditions. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain and is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms. Common side effects include nausea, sexual problems, and weight gain. Buspirone, on the other hand, is an antianxiety medication that is not an SSRI. It is typically taken twice a day and is not a first-choice treatment for anxiety. Buspirone's side effects include dizziness, nausea, and headaches, but it has a much lower risk of withdrawal symptoms compared to paroxetine. Additionally, buspirone does not cause significant weight gain. Both are available as lower-cost generics. While paroxetine can take several weeks to show full benefits, buspirone also requires a few weeks to start working. Neither medication is suitable for immediate relief of anxiety symptoms.

  • Paroxetine (Paxil)
    Buspirone
  • Paroxetine (Paxil)
    Buspirone

  • Summary of Paxil vs. Buspar

    Summary for SSRI
    Prescription only

    Paroxetine (also known by it's brand name Paxil) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), used for different types of anxiety problems and depression. It's available as a brand name and generic version, and it comes as an immediate-release tablet, an oral suspension, and an extended-release tablet. Possible side effects include nausea, sexual side effects, and weight gain. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms (e.g., headache, trouble sleeping, anxiety) if you suddenly stop taking it.

    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.

  • Indications of Paxil vs. Buspar

    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Panic disorder (PD)
    •Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
    •Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (IR only)
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (IR only)
    •Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (IR only)
    •Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (ER only)
    Indications for
    •Anxiety

  • Pros and Cons of Paxil vs. Buspar

    Pros and Const for SSRI
    Pros
    •Only needs to be taken once daily
    •Available as a tablet and oral liquid
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Can be used for many different mental health conditions
    •Can be helpful for people who have both anxiety and depression
    Cons
    •Can take several weeks or months to achieve the full benefits
    •Might be more likely than other SSRIs to cause weight gain or sexual problems
    •Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Paxil vs. Buspar

    Common Side Effects for
    •Abnormal ejaculation (up to 28%)
    •Nausea (up to 25%)
    •Weakness (up to 22%)
    •Sleepiness or trouble sleeping (up to 24%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 18%)
    •Constipation (up to 16%)
    •Sweating (up to 14%)
    •Dizziness (up to 14%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 12%)
    •Low libido (up to 12%)
    •Shakiness (up to 11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Drowsiness (10%)
    •Nausea (8%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Nervousness (5%)

  • Warnings of Paxil vs. Buspar

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Risk of harm to unborn babies
    •Sexual problems
    •Withdrawal
    •Risk factors: Stopping paroxetine (Paxil) suddenly
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Glaucoma
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Seizures
    •Risk of abnormal heart rhythm from interactions
    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)

  • Prices with our coupons for Paxil vs. Buspar

    Learn more about Paroxetine
    Learn more about Buspirone

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