Compare Buspar vs. Wellbutrin
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.
Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is good for treating depression and has fewer sexual side effects than other antidepressants, but you need to be okay with avoiding alcohol.
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 1164 reviewsforWellbutrin
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.
- Effective at relieving depression symptoms.
- Causes fewer sexual side effects than other antidepressants. Can actually boost sex drive for some people.
- Can be taken with other antidepressants to counteract their sexual side effects.
- Has some stimulant effects, so it can be energizing.
- Can help with ADHD symptoms.
- Also used to suppress appetite and help you quit smoking.
- 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.
- Wellbutrin (Bupropion) can be stimulating, so it can cause anxiety or insomnia the first few days you're taking it.
- Generally not as good as other antidepressants for people who have anxiety.
- It's less likely to cause weight gain than other antidepressants.
- Has a higher risk of causing seizures, especially if you have a seizure disorder, eating disorder, or if you drink alcohol. So, it's not a good medication if you drink a lot.
- It contains the same ingredient as a medication that helps you to stop smoking, (Zyban), so these two meds can't be used together.
- Like most antidepressants, it can cause a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people younger than 24.
- 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.
Used for
- Depression
- Seasonal affective disorder prevention
- Smoking cessation
- Bipolar disorder
- Sexual dysfunction from taking SSRI antidepressant
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$4.00
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$10.30
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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 review1164 reviews so far
60%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Wellbutrin (Bupropion)?
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%
29possible side effects
- Agitation32%
- Dry mouth28%
- Constipation26%
- Headache/migraine26%
- Nausea/vomiting23%
- Dizziness22%
- Excessive sweating22%
- Tremor21%
- Sleepiness20%
- Insomnia19%
- Blurred vision15%
- Tachycardia11%
- Confusion8%
- Rash8%
- Hostility6%
- Auditory disturbance5%
- Menstrual complaints5%
- Cardiac arrhythmias5%
- Impaired sleep quality4%
- Sensory disturbance4%
- Appetite increase4%
- Palpitations4%
- Hypertension4%
- Impotence3%
- Anxiety3%
- Decreased libido3%
- Gustatory disturbance3%
- Dyspepsia3%
- Hypotension3%
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
- Psychiatric effects for smoking cessation
- History of depression
- History of bipolar disorder
- At risk for bipolar disorder
- Withdrawing from nicotine
- Seizures
- History of seizures
- Alcoholism
- Eating disorder
- Higher dose
- Drug interactions
- Mania
- History of bipolar disorder
- At risk for bipolar disorder
- Increased side effects
- Current kidney problems
- Current liver problems
- Weight loss