Compare Buspar vs. Celexa
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Helps you relax.
Buspar (buspirone) relieves anxiety with less drowsiness and abuse potential than other anti-anxiety medicines, but it takes time to work and effects might wear off over time.
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 67 reviewsforBuspar
Improves mood.
Celexa (citalopram) is good for treating depression and anxiety. Side effects are less likely to happen compared to other antidepressants; however, it is not the best choice for people with heart or liver problems.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 520 reviewsforCelexa
Upsides
- Doesn't cause as much physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms as other medications used for anxiety.
- Available as a generic, which is cheaper.
- Tablets can be split for easy dose changes.
- Doesn't cause as much drowsiness as other medications for anxiety.
- Effectively relieves depression symptoms.
- This medicine is not as drowsy as other antidepressants.
- Available as a generic, which is cheaper.
Downsides
- Not for quick relief of anxiety symptoms since Buspar (buspirone) can take as long as 4 weeks to fully work.
- Not as effective for short-term anxiety conditions or panic disorders.
- Some people find that Buspar (buspirone) loses effectiveness over long periods of time.
- Must take Buspar (buspirone) twice daily for full effect.
- Can cause sexual side effects like decreased sex drive, difficulties with orgasm or ejaculation, and minor weight gain (1 to 5 pounds).
- Celexa (citalopram) may not be a good option if you have heart or liver problems.
- Like most antidepressants, Celexa (citalopram) can increase risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in people younger than 24 years.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$4.00
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$4.00
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Reviews
67 reviews so far
46%
saidit'sworth it
45%
saiditworked well
22%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Buspar (buspirone)?
Leave a review520 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Celexa (citalopram)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
19possible side effects
- Dizziness12%
- Drowsiness10%
- Nausea8%
- Headache6%
- Nervousness5%
- Fatigue4%
- Trouble sleeping3%
- Lightheadedness3%
- Dry mouth3%
- Worse concentration2%
- Excitement2%
- Anger/hostility2%
- Confusion2%
- Depression2%
- Blurred vision2%
- Upset stomach2%
- Diarrhea2%
- Numbness2%
- Weakness2%
25possible side effects
- Nausea21%
- Dry mouth20%
- Drowsiness18%
- Difficulty sleeping15%
- Increased sweating11%
- Tremor8%
- Diarrhea8%
- Abnormal ejaculation6%
- Indigestion5%
- Fatigue5%
- Upper airway infection5%
- Stuffy nose5%
- Vomiting4%
- Anxiety4%
- Anorexia4%
- Abdominal pain3%
- Agitation3%
- Menstrual cramps3%
- Sinus infection3%
- Erection difficulties3%
- Fever2%
- Joint pain2%
- Muscle pain2%
- Decreased sex drive2%
- Yawning2%
Risks and risk factors
- Higher blood pressure
- Taking Buspar (buspirone) with MAOIs
- Taking Buspar (buspirone) within 14 days after stopping a MAOIs
- Serotonin syndrome
- Taking other medicines that affect serotonin levels
- Withdrawal symptoms from other anti-anxiety medicines
- Stopping benzodiazepines suddenly
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Serotonin syndrome
- Taking tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, tramadol, fentanyl, amphetamines, certain headache medications (triptans), St. John's Wort
- Bipolar disorder
- History of bipolar disorder
- At risk for bipolar disorder
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Celexa (citalopram) abruptly
- Lower maximum dose in some people
- Higher dose
- History of heart problems
- History of liver problems
- 60 years or older
- Increased bleeding
- Taking other blood-thinning drugs (including aspirin, NSAIDs such as Advil, warfarin)
- Sexual side effects