BuSpar vs. Xanax

BuSpar (buspirone) and Xanax (alprazolam) are antianxiety drugs prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders. BuSpar is a discontinued brand in the U.S. Generic buspirone is available. Buspirone is an anxiolytic that may also be used along with antidepressants to treat depression. Xanax is a benzoidiazepine also used to treat panic attacks.

Common side effects of BuSpar include:

• dizziness,
• headache,
• blurred vision,
• drowsiness,
• feeling tired
• feeling restless or nervous
• nausea,
• dry mouth,
• upset stomach
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• strange dreams;
• stuffy nose,
• sore throat; or
• ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Common side effects of Xanax include:

• Drowsiness
• Tiredness
• Dizziness
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Memory problems
• Poor balance or coordination
• Slurred speech
• Trouble concentrating
• Irritability
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Increased sweating
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Blurred vision
• Appetite or weight changes
• Swelling in your hands or feet
• Muscle weakness
• Dry mouth
• Stuffy nose
• Loss of interest in sex

BuSpar (buspirone hydrochloride) tablets are indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiet

Xanax is a prescription medicine used for the management of anxiety disorders, or the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety.

BuSpar may interact with include monoamine inhibitors (MAOIs), trazodone, warfarin, erythromycin, itraconazole, nefazodone, and rifampin.

Xanax may interact with other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, other sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety), birth control pills, cimetidine, cyclosporine, dexamethasone, ergotamine, imatinib, isoniazid, St. John's wort, antibiotics, antifungals, antidepressants, barbiturates, heart or blood pressure medications, HIV/AIDS medicines, seizure medications.

Withdrawal symptoms or seizures may occur if you suddenly stop taking Xanax. BuSpar is a different type of drug unrelated to benzodiazepines and is not considered habit-forming.

BuSpar should be taken at the same time everyday. BuSpar should be taken either always with or always without food.

Take Xanax exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. Your healthcare provider will tell you how much Xanax to take and when to take it.

If you take too much Xanax, call your healthcare provider or local Poison Control Center right away.