Buspirone vs Xanax: Differences and Side Effects

Buspirone vs Xanax
Buspirone and Xanax are anti-anxiety medications that are both available in a generic form. Buspirone is generally associated with fewer side effects than Xanax and has a much lower potential for abuse.

Share This Post

With more than 40 million American adults suffering from some form of anxiety disorder, it is no surprise that anxiety medications are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. 

Buspirone (sold under the brand name Buspar) and Xanax (sold under the generic name alprazolam) are two effective anti-anxiety medications that are primarily used for the management of anxiety symptoms in adults. 

If your doctor is treating you with buspirone vs Xanax, or alprazolam, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the differences between these medications.

Drug Class

Buspirone and Xanax belong to two different drug classes. 

Buspirone is an anxiolytic drug that works differently from other medications used to manage anxiety symptoms.

Buspirone is available in the form of a tablet.

By contrast, Xanax belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.

Benzodiazepines like Xanax work by increasing the activity of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps reduce feelings of anxiety.

Xanax can be purchased as an immediate-release or extended-release tablet, and it is also available in the form of an oral concentrate.

Conditions Treated

The conditions treated by Buspirone and Xanax differ slightly. Xanax is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of anxiety disorders, short-term relief of anxiety symptoms, anxiety associated with depression, and panic disorder characterized by recurrent panic attacks.

Buspirone is FDA-approved for the management of anxiety disorders, short-term relief of anxiety symptoms, and short-term relief of anxiety that is experienced in conjunction with depressive symptoms. 

Anxiety

Everyone experiences anxiety occasionally, as stress is a normal part of everyday life. However, some people may have persistent feelings of anxiety that can evolve into an anxiety disorder over time. 

People are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder when their feelings of anxiety last longer than six months, are extreme, or interfere with daily activities and quality of life. There are different types of anxiety disorders, including:

  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Panic disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Separation anxiety disorder
  • Agoraphobia
  • Specific phobia

Symptoms of anxiety include: 

  • Restlessness 
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Insomnia
  • Increased heart rate 
  • Rapid breathing 

Xanax can be used to treat anxiety attacks, which are sudden episodes of anxiety. Symptoms of anxiety attacks include: 

  • Feeling faint or dizzy 
  • Apprehension and worry 
  • Restlessness
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Distress 
  • Fear 
  • Dry mouth
  • Sweating 
  • Chills or hot flashes

 Side Effects

Side effects for both Xanax and Buspirone can be categorized as common, less common, and serious.  Common side effects of Xanax include:

  • Memory impairment
  • Blurred vision
  • Ataxia
  • Skin rash
  • Weight gain
  • Weight loss
  • Increased appetite
  • Decreased appetite
  • Dysarthria
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty in micturition
  • Drowsiness
  • Insomnia 
  • Decreased libido
  • Cognitive dysfunction
  • Diarrhea
  • Anxiety 
  • Constipation

Common side effects of Buspirone include: 

  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Nervousness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Excitement
  • Confusion
  • Insomnia
  • Rash
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Dry mouth
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Numbness
  • Incoordination

Less common side effects of Xanax include:

  • Increased libido
  • Sexual disorder
  • Hypotension
  • Muscle twitching
  • Less common side effects of Buspirone include:
  • Muscle spasms
  • Slurred speech
  • Psychosis
  • Joint pain

Serious side effects of Xanax are associated with depression of the central nervous system. Serious side effects associated with Xanax include:

  • Slowed breathing
  • Respiratory failure
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Psychological and physical dependence
  • Serious allergic reaction (antihistamines may be needed)

Serious side effects of Buspirone are rare but can occur in some patients. These side effects include:

  • Shakiness or tremors
  • Mask-like facial expression
  • Tardive dyskinesia (stiff, jerky movements of the face and body that cannot be controlled)
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Jerky walking movements
  • Unusual or uncontrolled movements of the face

Need help your anxiety or depression? 😔😔 We have some recommendations for you.

These are some of your highly recommended network telehealth partners that we recommend for any of your mental health needs.

Hims Mental Health: Treats Anxiety and Depression, Online Therapy, Mental Health Supplements and more. Read reviews here as well. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

✅ Hers Mental Health: Treats Anxiety and Depression, Online Therapy, Mental Health Supplements and more. Read reviews here as well. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Brightside Health: Life-changing care for anxiety, depression, and a lot more! Appointments in less than 24hrs. Accepts insurance! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Drug Interactions

There are two major differences between the two medications in terms of their drug interactions. Buspirone interacts with MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine, while Xanax does not.

Xanax is known to interact with oral contraceptives such as Lo Loestrin Fe, while buspirone does not.

For the most part, the drug interactions for buspirone and Xanax are very similar because the medications are processed in the same way. 

Both medications are processed by an enzyme in the body known as CYP3A4. Some medications are known to prevent the action of CYP3A4, and when combined with buspirone or Xanax, these drugs can cause the levels of buspirone or Xanax to build up in the body to potentially dangerous levels.

As a result, buspirone and Xanax should not be combined with CYP3A4-inhibiting drugs such as diltiazem and erythromycin, among others. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can also inhibit the action of CYP3A4 and should not be consumed while using buspirone or Xanax.

Other medications increase the action of CYP3A4, which means that buspirone and Xanax would be processed more quickly and would thus be less effective. Examples of CYP3A4 inducers include carbamazepine, rifampin, phenytoin, and phenobarbital.

Buspirone and Xanax both act as central nervous system depressants and should not be taken with other similar medications and substances that have a sedative effect on the body, including antipsychotics, muscle relaxers, antihistamines, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and alcohol. 

Opioid painkillers are particularly dangerous when used with buspirone or Xanax because they contribute to an increased risk of sedation, respiratory depression, and overdose, which can be fatal. 

YouTube player

Effectiveness

Buspirone and Xanax are used slightly differently for the treatment of anxiety, but both medications have been found to be equally effective in helping people manage their anxiety symptoms.

Compared to Xanax, buspirone is associated with fewer side effects and fewer withdrawal symptoms. 

Patients who need to be alert during the day but who need to take medication to manage their anxiety may prefer to take buspirone to treat their anxiety.

However, a doctor or healthcare provider will choose the right medication based on medical history, the condition being treated, and other factors. 

Warnings

Buspirone and Xanax both come with warnings for use, but they are quite different in nature. 

Buspirone
Buspirone should not be taken within two weeks of an MAOI, as the combination can cause a life-threatening increase in blood pressure or serotonin syndrome, which can be a medical emergency. 

Serotonin syndrome is a dangerous medical condition that occurs when levels of serotonin in the brain increase to abnormally high levels.

Symptoms range from more mild effects, like diarrhea and tremors, to serious effects, such as fever, seizures, or death. 

Additionally, people with liver or kidney problems should not use buspirone, and pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before using the medication.

Xanax
Xanax has several serious warnings associated with its use. Xanax may cause extreme sedation, severe respiratory depression, coma, or death when combined with opioid painkillers.

People with lung problems should also use Xanax with caution, as they may be more likely to experience severe respiratory depression.

The drug is also associated with a high likelihood of physical or psychological dependence, particularly when taken at high doses or for longer than prescribed.

People with a history or addiction to drugs or alcohol are considered to be at an increased risk of dependence or addiction.

People who become dependent on Xanax may be more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopping or reducing their dosage.

Withdrawal symptoms associated with the medication include seizures, rapid heartbeat, agitation, dizziness, confusion, and other symptoms.

Older adults are more likely to be sensitive to benzodiazepines like Xanax, which puts them at increased risk for experiencing side effects.

Some side effects, such as cognitive impairment, falls, delirium, fractures, and increased risk of motor vehicle crashes, can be serious.

Xanax carries a high risk of harm to unborn babies when taken by pregnant women. Therefore, Xanax should be avoided during pregnancy.

Summary

Buspirone is generally associated with fewer side effects than Xanax and has a much lower potential for abuse.

The medications are both effective treatments for anxiety depending on a patient’s individual needs. Patients can save on generic buspirone and alprazolam as well as brand-name Xanax with a pharmacy discount card from Pharmacists.org.

References, Studies and Sources
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-9824/xanax-oral/details 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3146770/ 
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-8876/buspirone-oral/details 
https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/generalized-anxiety-disorder 
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03259411

We are committed to providing our readers with only trusted resources and science-based studies with regards to medication and health information. 

Disclaimer: This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. If you suspect medical problems or need medical help or advice, please talk with your healthcare professional.

Share This Post

Pharmacists.org Discount Club

Get Started for $1.

  • Cheapest cash pay option at your retail pharmacy
  • 1,000s of drugs below $10.00 that can beat your co-pay
  • Start for $1 for your first month. Cancel anytime. 
  • Tell us your meds, we tell you the cheapest options.

Popular Destinations

Recent Articles

trusted pharmacists giving patient information

Does Taking Effexor Cause Weight Gain?

Taking Effexor may cause weight gain in some patients. Weight gain is a common side effect of Effexor and other antidepressant medications, and more than half of patients on newer classes of antidepressants report experiencing weight gain.

Read More »

Cerebral Review: Online Depression & Anxiety Treatment

Today, we’re deep diving with a Cerebral review to give you some insider info to help you narrow down your choices.


We review and include products we think are useful for our community. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission. For more info, please read our ad policy, content principles and vetting policy.

Read More »

Share On:

More To Explore

Does Taking Effexor Cause Weight Gain?

Taking Effexor may cause weight gain in some patients. Weight gain is a common side effect of Effexor and other antidepressant medications, and more

How Long Does Lexapro Take To Work?

If you are considering taking Lexapro for your depression or anxiety, you might be wondering how long it takes to work.

Zoloft and Weight Loss: Everything You Need To Know

When it comes to Zoloft and weight loss, here’s everything you need to know.

Cerebral Review: Online Depression & Anxiety Treatment

Today, we’re deep diving with a Cerebral review to give you some insider info to help you narrow down your choices.

We review and include

What are the signs of Depression?

In this article, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of depression as well as some treatment options for this condition.

Can You Use Gabapentin For Anxiety?

While Neurontin is the most common brand name for gabapentin, other forms (such as Horizant and Gralise) may be prescribed depending on the specific

What is Zoloft?

If you have been recently diagnosed with depression and are given Zoloft, you may want to know how the medication works, what common side

What is Venlafaxine HCL ER?

The prescription drug belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (SNRIs), which are commonly used to treat mental

Using Prozac With Alcohol: What Are the Risks?

Prozac can be used to treat many different mental health conditions, is associated with a relatively low risk of side effects, and causes the

How Long Does Clonazepam Stay in Your System?

This fast-acting medication is known for being effective at panic attacks, but how long does clonazepam stay in your system?

What is Sertraline and What are the Side Effects?

Sertraline is the generic form of Zoloft, a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs like

Turn On, Tune In, and…. Heal Your Brain? Psychedelics Return as Potential Therapy for Mental Health Disorders

Before they fell out of favor over half a century ago, psychedelic drugs, like psilocybin and LSD, were studied for various psychiatric diseases such

How Long Does Alprazolam Stay in Your System?

Alprazolam is a fast-acting medication, but exactly how long alprazolam stays in your body varies tremendously based on the form of the medication taken,

Paxil vs Zoloft: Differences, Similarities and Which is Better

When it comes to Paxil vs. Zoloft, which is better?

A Supplement for Stress? The Science Behind Adaptogens

Stress is part of all our lives. Adaptogens are a group of herbal supplements studied throughout history as a way to improve the body’s

Does Buspirone Cause Weight Gain?

Many antidepressants can cause weight gain as a side effect. Buspirone may cause an altered appetite as a side effect, which can lead to

Duloxetine Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment

Duloxetine withdrawal is very common and well documented, affecting nearly half of all patients. Common withdrawal symptoms include dizziness, headaches, and nausea, and symptoms

Cymbalta vs. Prozac: Comparison Guide

Cymbalta and Prozac are commonly prescribed medications to treat mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder. The medications are similarly effective, although one

How Long Does Ativan Stay in Your System?

If you use Ativan to manage your health but are curious about how long Ativan lasts in your system, we have all the information

Why is Mental Health Important?

As the saying goes, “There is no health without mental health,” but why is mental health so important? The reality is that although we

What is BuSpar? Uses, Costs, Benefits, and Doses

If you’re one of 40 million American adults suffering from an anxiety disorder or experiencing symptoms of anxiety, you might think that your battle

What are Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics? 

Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics have been shown to prevent psychosis relapse in patients with schizophrenia. To combat poor medication adherence, LAIs are a great

Cymbalta vs Effexor: Differences and Side Effects

Effexor and Cymbalta are antidepressants used for the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Although both medications are FDA-approved, Effexor and

Celexa vs Lexapro: Which is Better For Depression?

Both are regarded as equally effective drugs for treating depression. Find out the core difference between Celexa vs. Lexpro now!

What is Ativan? Uses, Costs, Benefits, Doses

More than 40 million adults in the United States are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, making it the most common mental illness in the

Lexapro Overdose: Signs, Symptoms, and Precautions

We’ve put together a list of the signs and symptoms to look out for when it comes to Lexapro overdose and some of the

Panic Attacks: The Story of an Overpowering Fear

Panic attacks are when you experience a sudden feeling of intense fear with no apparent threat or danger.  This triggers a "fight or flight"

Using Lorazepam with Alcohol: What Are the Risks?

Using lorazepam with alcohol is incredibly dangerous but can be a common occurrence, and is associated with potentially life-threatening side effects, which are outlined

Using Citalopram with Alcohol: What Are the Risks?

Mixing antidepressants with alcohol is always potentially dangerous, but using citalopram with alcohol is particularly unsafe due to the high potential for life-threatening side

Brightside Health Review: Is This Depression & Anxiety Care Useful?

Brightside is an online mental healthcare company that provides treatment services for a range of issues related to anxiety and depression. These conditions include