Xanax has a
Highlights
- Buspirone and Xanax are both prescribed to adults to treat anxiety, but Xanax can also treat panic disorder.
- Xanax begins working faster while it takes longer to see the full effects of buspirone. However, Xanax is only recommended for short-term use, while buspirone can be used longer-term.
- Both Xanax and buspirone can cause withdrawal if abruptly stopped, so you must work with your healthcare provider to safely discontinue any of these medications.
- Both medications are generally covered by insurance.
Buspirone and Xanax are two medications prescribed to manage generalized anxiety disorder. However, despite their shared goal, they accomplish it by different means—this equates to varying mechanisms of action, side effects, and drug interactions.
This guide compiles the key similarities and differences between these two prescription medications so that you can better compare how buspirone is similar to Xanax.
What Are Buspirone and Xanax Used to Treat?
Buspirone is the same as Xanax in that both are used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. However, the time that it takes for them to start working differs: Xanax can begin working
Xanax has more applications, though; in addition to managing anxiety disorders and symptoms, it can also treat panic disorder with and without agoraphobia.
There are also off-label uses for both Xanax and buspirone. Xanax may be prescribed off-label to treat
|
Condition |
Buspirone |
Xanax |
|
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Panic Disorder |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Off-label |
Off-label |
|
|
Insomnia |
❌ |
|
|
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) |
❌ |
Off-label |
Comparing Buspirone vs Xanax: Key Differences
While both medications are
Typical Dosages and Available Forms
For both medications, the above values are only general dosing recommendations; a healthcare professional will prescribe you the dosage based on an individual assessment and make adjustments as needed.
Side Effects Overview
While both medications can cause side effects, Xanax is
The common side effects of alprazolam versus buspirone include:
|
Xanax |
Buspirone |
|
|
Some side effects of buspirone and Xanax may be severe and life-threatening. If you notice any of the following side effects develop, tell your healthcare provider immediately.
|
Xanax |
Buspirone |
|
|
Both medications may also cause withdrawal symptoms if you abruptly discontinue them.
Warnings and Precautions
Xanax is a
Those with a history of substance abuse or a history of depression should talk to their healthcare provider about precautions to take while on Xanax.
Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid both medications.
Food and Drug Interactions
If taken with other medications that slow your breathing or make you sleepy, Xanax can cause severe side effects or death. Avoid taking the following with Xanax:
- Opioids
- CYP3A inhibitors (excluding ritonavir)
- CYP3A inducers
- Other CNS depressants, such as seizure medication, alcohol, and psychotropic medications
Those who take Xanax should check with their doctor before taking muscle relaxers, sleeping pills, or seizure medications.
As for buspirone, taking it within two weeks of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can increase your risk of serotonin syndrome, so this is not recommended.
Buspirone also holds interactions with:
- Certain antibiotics
- St. John’s wort
- Certain seizure medications
- Antifungal medications
- Certain blood pressure or heart medications
- Medications that inhibit or induce CYP3A4
Insurance Coverage and Cost Comparison
Both medications are typically covered by insurance and Medicare Part D, but the amount of your copay will vary based on your insurance plan. However, brand name Xanax may not be covered by insurance, and it is much more expensive than the generic version of Xanax—$246 to generic’s $92.
Buspirone generally retails around $35 for out-of-pocket payments; with insurance, the cost may be lower.
Key Pros and Cons
Gathered in the table below is a list comparing the features of Xanax and buspirone:
|
Buspirone |
Xanax |
|
|
Uses |
Generalized anxiety disorder |
Generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder |
|
Dependency Risk |
Lower risk of dependency |
Higher risk of dependency |
|
Quickness of Relief |
Gradual, continuous symptom improvement that is ideal for long-term use |
Faster symptom relief that is ideal for short-term usage |
|
Common Side Effects |
Gastrointestinal issues |
Lethargy, drowsiness, and fatigue |
|
Brand name/Generic |
Generic only |
Brand name (Xanax) and generic available. |
|
Cost |
$35 |
$92 – $246 |
Choosing Between Buspirone and Xanax
Buspirone is equal to Xanax in how effective they are in treating anxiety, so choosing between the two will depend on the specific features of each medication. Based on your other prescriptions, medical history, or necessity for a long-term solution, your healthcare provider may decide that one medication is a better choice over the other.
Switching From Xanax to Buspirone
It is crucial to take care when switching from Xanax to buspirone. This is because quitting Xanax abruptly after a long period of use may cause withdrawal—in severe cases, someone may even develop seizures or die.
Generally, when switching from Xanax to buspirone, your healthcare provider will have you gradually taper off the medication instead of stopping abruptly.
How to Get a Prescription
Since Xanax is a controlled substance, you must receive a prescription to buy and use it legally. Buspirone is not a controlled substance but still requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare practitioner.
At MEDvidi, the process includes the following steps:
- Sign up and book a video appointment with a healthcare provider.
- Go through a symptom assessment. Based on a review of your health status, a healthcare provider will determine whether you need a prescription for Xanax, Buspirone, or another medication or need non-pharmacological treatment.
- If you get prescribed medication, your prescription will be sent digitally to a pharmacy of your choice.
For both medications, follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor your response to the medication and make adjustments as necessary. With MEDvidi, though, you can attend your follow-up appointments online from home.
Note that if you are taking Suboxone, you must provide MEDvidi with a reference letter from your clinician indicating that it is safe and appropriate for you to be prescribed Xanax. Taking Xanax and Suboxone at the same time causes dangerous interactions.
Note that booking an appointment doesn’t guarantee obtaining a prescription. The decision is at the discretion of your healthcare provider.
Summing Up
Both buspirone and Xanax can be used to manage anxiety. However, Xanax is used for short-term help with acute symptoms. Buspirone, compared to Xanax, can be prescribed for long-term treatment. Both medications require a prescription from a healthcare professional, which is provided only if it’s deemed the most appropriate method of treatment.
Get started in your anxiety management process today by seeing a healthcare provider with MEDvidi for an assessment.
