Buspirone and Xanax (alprazolam) are prescription medications used to treatanxiety disordersin adults.
However, it may cause drowsiness and sedation.
On the other hand, buspirone provides gradual and continuous improvement but may cause appetite disturbances and abdominal complaints.
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This article compares buspirone and Xanax.
Xanax and buspirone both treat anxiety disorders in adults.
Buspirone, which is not a benzodiazepine, does not cause significant sedation.
Xanax and buspirone are both approved to manage anxiety disorders and relieve anxiety symptoms.
Xanax, however, can also treatpanic disorderswith or withoutagoraphobia.
Xanax should only be used short-term, as it addresses anxiety symptoms, not the underlying causes.
For long-term use, buspirone is a more appropriate option.
This is known as off-label use.
Xanax is occasionally prescribed off-label to treat anxiety in children.
Meanwhile, buspirone can be used off-label to treat anxiety in children or with other medicines to treat depression.
Is Buspirone or Xanax More Effective?
Studies show that buspirone and Xanax are equally effective at treating anxiety and its symptoms.
All of these medications produced similarly significant reductions in anxiety by the end of the study.
However, the study noted significant differences in how quickly each worked.
Buspirone typically takes about two to four weeks to fully reduce anxiety symptoms.
What Are the Side Effects of Buspirone vs. Xanax?
Both Xanax and buspirone have the potential to cause side effects.
However, Xanax is more likely to cause drowsiness,lethargy, and fatigue.
Common Side Effects
The following listed side effects are more common with using Xanax and buspirone.
Below are the general dosing recommendations for buspirone and Xanax.
However, it’s best always to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on the proper dosage for you.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines youre taking.
Manydrugs can affect buspirone.
Doing so can increase the risk ofserotonin syndrome.
Other interactions that can occur with buspirone:
Also, avoid alcohol and drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice.
Who Should Not Take Buspirone vs Xanax?
Both buspirone and Xanax come with various safety warnings.
Depending on certain health considerations, you may need to avoid taking either of these medications altogether.
Studies show that buspirone and Xanax are equally effective at treating anxiety and its symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not advisable to use Xanax during pregnancy.
Buspirone should be used during pregnancy only if needed.
You should not breastfeed while using buspirone.
Xanax, a brand-name medication, will likely cost more than generic buspirone.
However, Xanax is also available generically as alprazolam.
Xanax is fully absorbed in one to two hours.
It produces rapid relief of symptoms within the first week of treatment.
Buspirone doesn’t provide immediate relief.
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