Compare Buspar vs. Wellbutrin

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

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Buspar (buspirone)

Prescription only

Wellbutrin (Bupropion)

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.

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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$4.00
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Lowest price
$10.50
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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
1164 reviews so far
60%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Wellbutrin (Bupropion)?

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
  • Agitation
    32%
  • Dry mouth
    28%
  • Constipation
    26%
  • Headache/migraine
    26%
  • Nausea/vomiting
    23%
  • Dizziness
    22%
  • Excessive sweating
    22%
  • Tremor
    21%
  • Sleepiness
    20%
  • Insomnia
    19%
  • Blurred vision
    15%
  • Tachycardia
    11%
  • Confusion
    8%
  • Rash
    8%
  • Hostility
    6%
  • Auditory disturbance
    5%
  • Menstrual complaints
    5%
  • Cardiac arrhythmias
    5%
  • Impaired sleep quality
    4%
  • Sensory disturbance
    4%
  • Appetite increase
    4%
  • Palpitations
    4%
  • Hypertension
    4%
  • Impotence
    3%
  • Anxiety
    3%
  • Decreased libido
    3%
  • Gustatory disturbance
    3%
  • Dyspepsia
    3%
  • Hypotension
    3%
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
  • 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
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Buspar (buspirone)
Learn more about Wellbutrin (Bupropion)