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Medication

Buspirone (BuSpar)

BuSpar is the original brand name of buspirone, a psychiatric medication available by prescription only. It belongs to a class of medications called pre-synaptic serotonergic agonists and is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders. Unlike benzodiazepines, buspirone is not a controlled substance and does not carry the same risks of dependence.

Learn About Buspirone Treatment

Connect with a psychiatric clinician—online or in person—for an evaluation. If appropriate, buspirone (BuSpar) may be considered as part of a treatment plan.

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What Conditions Does BuSpar Treat?

FDA-Approved Uses:

Common Off-Label Uses:

How Psychiatric Medication Prescription Decisions Are Made

1

Find a psychiatric clinician who meets your needs

Option 1

You can start by searching our psychiatrist directory to find a qualified provider who is accepting patients.

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Option 2

You may also choose to locate a nearby clinic and schedule your first appointment in person.

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2

Step 2: Meet one-on-one for a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation

During your first session, a psychiatric clinician will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. If appropriate, they may discuss whether a medication such as buspirone could be included in your care plan. Treatment decisions always prioritize safety, clinical best practices, and your individual needs.

3

Step 3: Begin treatment and ongoing monitoring

After a personalized treatment plan is created, your provider will monitor your progress and adjust the plan as needed. If medication is part of your care, then, if clinically appropriate, your provider may handle prescription renewals online during or after regular follow-ups as clinically appropriate in accordance with LifeStance treatment protocols.

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Struggling with Anxiety?

Struggling with Anxiety?

Everyone’s experience with anxiety or depression is different. A psychiatrist may help you find the right treatment path—whether that includes buspirone (BuSpar) or another option that fits your needs. Discuss medication options with your treating provider.

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FAQs About BuSpar

The generic name for BuSpar is buspirone.

Buspirone is not a controlled substance and is not known for being addictive when taken as prescribed by a clinician. It does not cause dependence in the same way as benzodiazepines such as Xanax or Ativan.

The most common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, headache, nervousness, and restlessness. These are generally mild and often improve with continued use.

Weight gain is not commonly reported with buspirone. Some individuals may experience weight changes, but it is not generally associated with significant weight gain compared to other psychiatric medications.

Buspirone is not strongly associated with sexual side effects and is sometimes prescribed when other medications, such as SSRIs, cause problems like reduced libido.

BuSpar can cause drowsiness in some individuals, especially when starting treatment, but it is generally considered less sedating than benzodiazepines.

BuSpar does not provide immediate relief of anxiety. It may take 1 to 4 weeks of consistent use (as prescribed) before benefits are noticeable.

BuSpar may interact with certain antidepressants, antibiotics, antifungals, or other medications that affect serotonin, though it is common to take this alongside SSRIs or SNRIs. Consult your prescribing clinician before starting, stopping, or combining any medications or substances with BuSpar.

BuSpar is not associated with significant withdrawal symptoms, unlike benzodiazepines. However, always follow your psychiatric provider’s directions on when to stop taking medications or change dosages.

Neither. BuSpar is classified as a pre-synaptic serotonergic agonist, which is different from SSRIs and benzodiazepines.

The cost of buspirone depends on the strength and number of tablets prescribed. As of publication date, prices start at about $7.71 for 30 tablets of the 5 mg dose, $13.20 for 30 tablets of 7.5 mg, $8.67 for 60 tablets of 10 mg, $6.71 for 30 tablets of 15 mg, and $12.84 for 60 tablets of 30 mg.

If you have insurance, your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your supporting diagnosis and plan type (e.g., commercial, Medicare, Medicaid) and may include a copay or coinsurance.

BuSpar (buspirone) and Xanax (alprazolam) are both prescribed for anxiety, but they act very differently. Xanax is a benzodiazepine that works quickly, often within an hour, and is effective for acute anxiety or panic attacks. However, Xanax is a controlled substance with a high risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms. BuSpar is not a benzodiazepine and is not known to cause dependence when taken as prescribed. It works gradually over 1 to 4 weeks, making it more appropriate for long-term anxiety management rather than immediate relief.

BuSpar is a serotonergic agonist used primarily for generalized anxiety disorder. Lexapro (escitalopram) is an SSRI that treats both depression and anxiety. Lexapro may take 4 to 6 weeks for full benefits, while BuSpar often starts showing results within 1 to 4 weeks. BuSpar is not associated with sexual side effects as commonly as SSRIs like Lexapro, and it is not known to be linked to dependence. Lexapro may be prescribed when depression and anxiety occur together, while BuSpar is more often prescribed when the focus is anxiety alone.

BuSpar is prescribed for anxiety disorders, while Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant that affects dopamine and norepinephrine. Wellbutrin is FDA-approved for depression and smoking cessation but not for anxiety, and in some cases, it may increase anxiety symptoms. BuSpar, by contrast, is specifically designed to help reduce anxiety without sedation or risk of dependence. The two medications may sometimes be prescribed together when both depression and anxiety are present.

BuSpar is an anti-anxiety medication that does not belong to the SSRI or benzodiazepine classes. Prozac (fluoxetine) is an SSRI approved for depression, OCD, panic disorder, bulimia, and certain anxiety conditions. Prozac is often prescribed for individuals with both depression and anxiety, while BuSpar is limited to anxiety treatment. Prozac has a longer half-life than many other SSRIs, which can make it easier to taper. BuSpar, on the other hand, has minimal withdrawal concerns and is not known to be addictive when taken as prescribed.

BuSpar (buspirone) is used specifically for generalized anxiety disorder. Effexor (venlafaxine) is an SNRI approved for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Effexor can be highly effective but is often associated with withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. BuSpar is not known to have high withdrawal risks and is generally considered easier to discontinue. Effexor may be prescribed when anxiety occurs alongside depression, while BuSpar is more targeted to anxiety alone.

BuSpar is an anti-anxiety medication that affects serotonin receptors. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant used to treat seizures and nerve pain, though it is sometimes prescribed off-label for anxiety. Gabapentin tends to be sedating and may be contraindicated in people with substance use disorders, while BuSpar is generally less sedating and is designed specifically for anxiety treatment. In some cases, clinicians may prescribe both medications together when anxiety is complex or when nerve pain and anxiety coexist.

photo of LifeStance provider Joshua Nathan, MD

Medically Reviewed By:

Joshua Nathan, MD
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Dr. Joshua Nathan, a Board-Certified Psychiatrist, and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, sees stigma – from others and from ourselves - as the biggest challenge in mental illness treatment. He encourages people to not judge themselves on whatever problems they are facing, and he helps them feel safe to open up and allow for healing. Dr. Nathan takes joy in helping people with mental health concerns and values the trust patients place in him. Dr. Nathan treats adults struggling with mood and bipolar disorders, depression, ADHD, anxiety challenges such as panic disorder, agoraphobia, OCD, PTSD, and more. He listens to each person’s story, observes how they are faring, and shares his understanding of what is happening, so there is a basis for starting or continuing treatment. He considers medications as one tool among many for healing and recovery in mental health. During treatment, Dr. Nathan uses an eclectic framework for understanding mental illness and coping. Trained in psychoanalysis, he finds that existential understanding helps many people reduce suffering, but cognitive-behavioral techniques are more practical in helping people move forward. Thus, he typically employs a combination of theories and techniques, guided by the patient's problems, needs, and experiences. He is also an Official ADHD Evaluator for the National Football League. Dr. Nathan earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a medical doctorate from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and completed postgraduate residency training at Brown University. He works with adults of all ages, but has a special fondness for working with young and middle-age adults.

References

  1. Drugs.com. (n.d.). Buspirone prices, coupons, copay cards & patient assistance. Retrieved November 25, 2025, from https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/buspirone

  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Drugs@FDA. Retrieved November 25, 2025, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm

  3. For a comprehensive overview of these medications’ uses and risks, see the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label.

In 2007, the FDA released a black box warning that antidepressants were correlated to the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18–24) during short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric conditions. Gibbons et. al (2007) also published a study that found no evidence of antidepressant treatment increasing the risk of suicide attempts among its patients (ages 18-65+). The main message is that there is an inherent relationship between depression and suicidality so close monitoring of antidepressant-treated patients (especially children, adolescents, and young adults) is always necessary. For a comprehensive overview of these medications’ uses and risks, see the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label.