Compare Buspar vs. Oleptro

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Buspar (buspirone)

Prescription only

Oleptro (Trazodone)

Prescription only
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 and helps you sleep.

Oleptro (Trazodone) works well as a sleep aid, but has more side effects when used at higher doses for treating depression.

●●●●●
3.6/ 5 average rating with 59 reviewsforOleptro
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.
  • Commonly used in lower doses to help treat sleep problems (insomnia).
  • Safer sleep medication than others (benzodiazepines or Unisom) for people age 65 and older.
  • Fewer sexual side effects than many other antidepressants.
  • Has been used for sleep and depression for a long time. There's a lot of information available about how it works and how safe it is.
  • Comes as a generic medication and is cheaper than many other sleep aides.
  • Six out of ten people who use an antidepressant for the first time find that it works for them.
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.
  • Not as effective as other medications for depression.
  • More sedating than other antidepressants.
  • Causes more side effects when used at higher doses for depression. Includes sleepiness, dizziness, upset stomach, and irregular heartbeat.
  • Like most antidepressants, can cause higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people age 24 and younger.
  • The first antidepressant you try doesn't always work or it can cause side effects you really don't like. You might need to try a few different medications until you find one that works for you.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$4.00
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Lowest price
$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 review
59 reviews so far
73%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
24%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Oleptro (Trazodone)?

Leave a review
Side effects
19possible side effects
  • Dizziness
    12%
  • Drowsiness
    10%
  • Nausea
    8%
  • Headache
    6%
  • Nervousness
    5%
  • Fatigue
    4%
  • Trouble sleeping
    3%
  • Lightheadedness
    3%
  • Dry mouth
    3%
  • Worse concentration
    2%
  • Excitement
    2%
  • Anger/hostility
    2%
  • Confusion
    2%
  • Depression
    2%
  • Blurred vision
    2%
  • Upset stomach
    2%
  • Diarrhea
    2%
  • Numbness
    2%
  • Weakness
    2%
See more detailed side effects
29possible side effects
  • Somnolence/Sedation
    46%
  • Drowsiness
    41%
  • Dry Mouth
    34%
  • Headache
    33%
  • Dizziness/Lightheadedness
    28%
  • Dry mouth
    25%
  • Dizziness
    25%
  • Nausea
    21%
  • Blurred Vision
    15%
  • Fatigue
    15%
  • Nausea/Vomiting
    13%
  • Diarrhea
    9%
  • Constipation
    8%
  • Skin Condition/Edema
    7%
  • Weight Loss
    6%
  • Nasal/Sinus Congestion
    6%
  • Abdominal/Gastric Disorder
    6%
  • Syncope
    5%
  • Musculoskeletal Aches/Pains
    5%
  • Tremors
    5%
  • Nightmares/Vivid Dreams
    5%
  • Weight Gain
    5%
  • Back pain
    5%
  • Vision blurred
    5%
  • Sexual dysfunction
    5%
  • Hypotension
    4%
  • Incoordination
    2%
  • Ejaculation disorders
    2%
  • Decreased libido
    2%
See more detailed side effects
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
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • Age 24 years or younger
  • Seizures
    • History of seizures
    • Alcoholism
    • Eating disorder
    • Higher dose
    • Drug interactions
  • Painful erection
  • Low blood pressure
    • Age 65 years or older
  • Driving impairment
    • Alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Buspar (buspirone)
Learn more about Oleptro (Trazodone)