People with anxiety are looking for the best medication that helps them fight the disorder precisely. If you are facing anxiety and if you have consulted a healthcare provider, then they must have prescribed you two medications: Xanax or Buspirone. Both provide the best treatment for adults in the case of anxiety. While there are some similarities between the two medications, there are some differences that patients need to know before any of them. Patients have always wondered which is better between Xanax vs Buspirone, and some also think they might be the same drug after all. We will understand all of this in this blog.
Xanax vs Buspirone: Key Similarities, Differences, and Side Effects
What is Xanax?
Xanax helps patients with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic attacks, and anxiety issues. It is also called Alprazolam, which is the generic name of the drug. It is also available in extended-release form as Xanax XR. Xanax does its work by binding with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors and by releasing neurotransmitters that slows down the brain activity and make one feel relaxed. Xanax can be very addictive, which is why it is a Schedule IV controlled drug. It has been prescribed by doctors for off-label uses too, like irregular bowel movements, PTSD, and OCD, though it is not approved to be used for these conditions.
What is Buspirone?
Buspirone is another drug that treats many kinds of anxiety. Its current brand names include Buspirex, Bustab, Bucapsol, Vanspar, and many more. Buspirone was also known as BuSpar, but that brand name was discontinued after 2009 as the generic name gained much popularity among patients. This drug brings relief by releasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin in the brain, the two chemicals that can make one feel euphoric and relaxed. Buspirone, not being a controlled drug, is less abusive, but can only be bought on prescription. One can avoid using Buspirone aggressively because the effects of this medicine last long.
Are Xanax and Buspirone The Same?
Xanax and Buspirone are not the same drug, but yes, they have similarities. The very common similarity is that both are used to treat anxiety disorders. Both have similar off-label uses of treating anxiety in children, with Buspirone also used with other medicines to treat depression. Both Xanax and Buspirone have similar effects on use; the difference is the timing of the effects. That being said, both have similar side effects too, which can happen when one overdoses the either of the medicines. Unlike other drugs, which might be similar but are administered differently, Xanax and Buspirone are administered as oral tablets.
What Are The Differences Between Xanax And Buspirone?
Xanax and Buspirone differ in many ways. Both function differently and belong to different drug classes. Buspirone is a non-controlled substance, while Xanax is. Let us learn more about these differences in detail.
| Categories | Xanax | Buspirone |
| Drug Class and Status | Xanax is a benzodiazepine and is a Schedule IV drug. | Buspirone is an anxiolytic and not a controlled substance. |
| Onset of Action | It works instantly within minutes of taking the dose (30-40 minutes) | It works gradually and slowly to reach its full potential, around 4 weeks. |
| Mechanism of Action | Xanax works on GABA receptors in our nervous system. | Buspirone works on serotonin and dopamine receptors. |
| Use | It is used for quick relief from anxiety and stress. | It is used for slow and long-lasting relief from anxiety and stress. |
| Risk of Abuse | This has a higher risk of abuse and dependency. | This has a lower risk of abuse and dependency. |
Side Effects of Xanax and Buspirone
These two medications share most of their side effects, being anxiety disorder remedies. Xanax vs Buspirone side effects can be either very common due to new dosage or serious, depending on how the patient uses them.
Common Side Effects
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Irritablity
Serious Side Effects
- Blurred Vision
- Irregular Heart Rate
- Increased Blood Pressure
- Diarrhea
- Loss of Appetite
- Loss of Libido
- Impaired Attention
- Memory Loss
Xanax and Buspirone Interactions
We must know the potential drugs Xanax and Buspirone react with to realise how harmful these medications can become when they are taken with other medicines or drugs.
Xanax Interactions
Buspirone Interactions
- Adderall
- Adderall XR
- Lyrica
- Lexapro
- Benadryl
- Vyvanse
- Xanax
- Zoloft
- Doxepin
- Fentanyl
Besides these, Xanax and Buspirone also react with alcohol and rich, unhealthy food items that can lead to deleterious consequences.
Which is Better And Stronger: Xanax or Buspirone?
Let us answer this question simply. Xanax is stronger than Buspirone. It works way faster than Buspirone, and its effects last shorter, but it’s much more powerful. Xanax helps patients when they need quick relief from stress, and its extended dose works even better and lasts for almost a day. But is it better than Buspirone? It depends. Buspirone is better than Xanax when you look for long-lasting relief from stress and anxiety, and want to eliminate them from your life. Buspirone works slowly, but it definitely works effectively. And as a non-controlled drug, it should be deemed automatically better than Xanax, but some patients overdose on it and make it a worse thing to enter their bodies.
Conclusion
Anxiety and stress, if they remain persistent, can ruin many lives. Xanax and Buspirone are the perfect solution to treat your anxiety disorder. Xanax and Buspirone are two powerful medications that help the brain calm down, and using them properly, by listening to your healthcare provider’s instructions, will help you feel the best, the way one deserves to feel. Using Buspirone and Xanax uncontrollably will lead to harmful consequences that we should always avoid.