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Compare Xanax vs. Buspar

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

Key takeaways

Alprazolam (Xanax) and buspirone (Buspar) are both used to treat anxiety, but they have some key differences. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that works quickly, often within 30 minutes, and is typically taken three times a day. It is a controlled substance with a risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Common side effects include drowsiness and memory problems. In contrast, buspirone is not a controlled substance and has a much lower risk of dependence. It takes longer to start working, usually a few weeks, and is taken twice daily. Buspirone's common side effects include dizziness and drowsiness. Unlike alprazolam, buspirone is not effective for immediate relief of anxiety or panic attacks. Additionally, buspirone can be taken by children as young as six years old. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.

  • Alprazolam (Xanax)
    Buspirone
  • Alprazolam (Xanax)
    Buspirone

  • Summary of Xanax vs. Buspar

    Summary for Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Alprazolam (Xanax) is a benzodiazepine. It's approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic attacks in adults. It's taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day or as directed by your healthcare team. To avoid the risk of dependence, alprazolam (Xanax) is meant for short-term treatment only. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include drowsiness and memory problems. You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking alprazolam (Xanax) because this can lead to serious interactions.

    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 Xanax vs. Buspar

    Indications for
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
    •Panic disorder
    Indications for
    •Anxiety

  • Pros and Cons of Xanax vs. Buspar

    Pros and Const for Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can start to work in 30 minutes
    •Available as quick-dissolving tablets or liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can cause memory problems, drowsiness, and confusion
    •Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms
    •Not preferred during pregnancy
    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 Xanax vs. Buspar

    Common Side Effects for

    Generalized anxiety disorder:

    •Drowsiness (41%)
    •Lightheadedness (21%)
    •Dry mouth (15%)

    Panic disorder:

    •Drowsiness (77%)
    •Fatigue (49%)
    •Poor coordination (40%)
    •Memory issues (33%)
    •Irritability (33%)
    •Appetite changes (28-33%)
    •Thinking problems (29%)
    •Constipation (26%)

    Side effects listed are for the immediate-release forms. Side effects for extended-release form might differ.

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

  • Warnings of Xanax vs. Buspar

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sedation and difficulty breathing
    •Potential for misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Harm to babies
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Use with caution in people with depression
    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 Xanax vs. Buspar

    Learn more about Alprazolam
    Learn more about Buspirone

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