Difference Between Buspar and Xanax

The main difference between Buspar and Xanax is that Buspar contains buspirone hydrochloride as the active drug and Xanax contains alprazolam as the active drug.

Buspar vs. Xanax

Buspar contains buspirone hydrochloride; on the other hand, Xanax contains alprazolam. Buspar is a serotonin receptor agonist while Xanax is a benzodiazepine. Buspar increases the pharmacological actions of serotonin at the receptor site, while Xanax increases the amount of GABA and its effects. Buspar is used as a complementary therapy for the treatment of anxiety, on the other hand, Xanax is used as a first line treatment for anxiety. Buspar has a half life of 2-3 hours, while Xanax has a half life of 11.2 hours. Buspar has less potential for abuse; on the other hand, Xanax has more abuse potential. Buspar dose starts with 0.7 mg twice daily in adults, on the other hand, Xanax dose starts with 0.25-0.5 mg three times per day in adults. Buspar’s price is relatively low; on the other hand, the price of Xanax is relatively high.

Comparison chart

What is Busper?

Buspar contains buspirone hydrochloride. Buspar is used for the short-term relief and treatment of anxiety. Buspar is chemically and pharmacologically different from other medications used to treat anxiety, such as benzodiazepines and some other sedatives. Buspirone buspirone, an active therapeutic moiety, belongs to the azapirone class of drugs. Buspar affects the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Buspar is a serotonin receptor agonist, so it increases pharmacological action on a serotonin receptor and reduces anxiety. Buspar is used with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as a complementary medication for the treatment of anxiety or treatment. Buspar is not used as a first-line treatment for anxiety.Buspar may also be prescribed for conditions where other anxiety medications have failed or have too many side effects. Buspar is most often prescribed for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorders. Buspar tablets can be taken with or without food. Buspar is taken two or three times a day and the starting dose is 5 mg twice a day. The dose can be increased by 5 mg every 2 to 3 days depending on the patient’s medical condition, with a maximum dose of 60 mg. Most patients respond to 15 to 30 mg of Buspar. BuSpar is slow acting. Buspar takes a few weeks to show effects. The optimal duration of Buspar treatment is determined by evaluating the response to Buspar treatment. Buspar is taken for several months, and the dose of Buspar can be gradually reduced to avoid withdrawal effects before drug intake is stopped. Some patients are hypersensitive to Buspar, so this medicine should not be prescribed for them. The use of Buspar requires more caution in patients with liver disease, since it is metabolized through the liver. The use of Buspar can affect blood glucose levels, which is why it can be problematic for diabetic patients.

What is Xanax?

Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, which is classified as a benzodiazepine. Xanax is the most prescribed drug for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax increases the amount of GABA in the brain and produces a feeling of calm and well-being. Xanax decreases abnormal arousal in the brain. Xanax displays its pharmacological actions by slowing down the movement of imbalanced brain chemicals. Xanax reduces anxiety and nervous tension. Cellulose, docusate sodium, lactose, corn starch, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, and sodium benzoate are inactive ingredients in Xanax. The mouth takes Xanax and its dosage depends on the gender, weight, age and medical condition of an individual. The dose can be increased if a low dose is not working, and this increase in dosage should be so much that the drug starts to work. The patient must carefully follow the prescribed instructions, and this will reduce the risk of side effects associated with Xanax treatment. Sudden discontinuation of this drug would lead to dragging symptoms, including seizures. With accent, the symptoms would be more severe if Xanax has been used for a long time. Xanax use sometimes leads to addiction, and to avoid this, Xanax must be taken exactly as prescribed. Do not use Xanax in narrow-angle glaucoma or with itraconazole and ketoconazole. Xanax can cause allergic reactions in some patients, so they should not use it. Xanax causes birth defects in pregnant women and in newborns it causes life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Sudden discontinuation of this drug would lead to dragging symptoms, including seizures. With accent, the symptoms would be more severe if Xanax has been used for a long time. Xanax use sometimes leads to addiction, and to avoid this, Xanax must be taken exactly as prescribed. Do not use Xanax in narrow-angle glaucoma or with itraconazole and ketoconazole. Xanax can cause allergic reactions in some patients, so they should not use it. Xanax causes birth defects in pregnant women and in newborns it causes life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Sudden discontinuation of this drug would lead to dragging symptoms, including seizures. With accent, the symptoms would be more severe if Xanax has been used for a long time. Xanax use sometimes leads to addiction, and to avoid this, Xanax must be taken exactly as prescribed. Do not use Xanax in narrow-angle glaucoma or with itraconazole and ketoconazole. Xanax can cause allergic reactions in some patients, so they should not use it. Xanax causes birth defects in pregnant women and in newborns it causes life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Do not use Xanax in narrow-angle glaucoma or with itraconazole and ketoconazole. Xanax can cause allergic reactions in some patients, so they should not use it. Xanax causes birth defects in pregnant women and in newborns it causes life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Do not use Xanax in narrow-angle glaucoma or with itraconazole and ketoconazole. Xanax can cause allergic reactions in some patients, so they should not use it.

Key differences

1. Buspar is the brand name for buspirone hydrochloride, on the other hand, Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam.
2. Buspar belongs to serotonin receptor agonist while Xanax belongs to benzodiazepines.
3. Buspar is used for anxiety as an additional treatment, on the other hand, Xanax is used for anxiety as a first line treatment.
4. Buspar’s half-life is 2-3 hours, while Xanax’s half-life is 11.2 hours.
5. Buspar is not very addictive on the other hand Xanax is very addictive
6. The starting dose of Buspar is 7 mg twice a day in adults, while the starting dose of Xanax is 0.25 to 0.5 mg three times a day in adults.
7. Buspar is comparatively low cost while Xanax is comparatively high cost.
8. Buspar is available in pill form, on the other hand, Xanax is available in pill, dissolving tablet, extended release, and liquid forms.

Final Thought

The main conclusion from the above discussion is that Buspar and Xanax belong to two different drug groups and are used to treat different depression and anxiety disorders.