Compare Buspar vs. Prozac
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 and helps you relax.
Prozac (fluoxetine) is good for treating depression and anxiety. It's more energizing than other antidepressants, so it may not be the best choice for people who have trouble sleeping.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 1319 reviewsforProzac
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 treats a variety of mental health conditions such as depression, OCD, and panic disorder.
- It's more energizing than other antidepressants, so it's good for people who have low energy.
- Might be a good option for treating children with depression and/or OCD.
- Doesn't have effects on the heart unlike other antidepressants so it may be a better treatment choice for older people.
- Can cause a significant amount of weight loss which is an added benefit for those who are overweight or obese.
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.
- Takes at least 1 to 2 weeks to kick in and can take up to 12 weeks for maximum effect. Prozac (fluoxetine) tends to take more time to start working compared to similar alternatives.
- Can lower your sex drive.
- Can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and/or behavior in those age 24 or younger.
- You may need to try out several different antidepressants before you find the one that works for you.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
- Delayed-release pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$4.00
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$585.19
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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 review1319 reviews so far
62%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Prozac (fluoxetine)?
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%
22possible side effects
- Inability to sleep33%
- Nausea28%
- Lack of energy21%
- Anxiety15%
- Sleepiness13%
- Tremor13%
- Nervousness11%
- Yawn11%
- Indigestion10%
- Sore throat10%
- Dry mouth9%
- Flu syndrome8%
- Diarrhea8%
- Loss of appetite8%
- Sweating8%
- Impotence7%
- Abnormal ejaculation7%
- Sinus infection6%
- Lower sex drive5%
- Abnormal dreams5%
- Rash4%
- Widening of blood vessels2%
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 or younger
- Serotonin syndrome
- Antidepressants
- Lithium
- Ultram
- Imitrex
- Remeron
- Lexapro
- Dilaudid
- St. John's Wort
- Skin rash
- Weight loss
- People with an eating disorder
- Increased bleeding risk
- Taking NSAIDS or blood-thinning drugs
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- People with heart rhythm problems or a family history of them
- Low potassium level
- Low magnesium level
- Recent heart attack
- Using other drugs that affect heart rhythm
- Overdose
- People with liver problems