Comparing Alprazolam vs Buspirone

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
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Alprazolam

Buspirone

Alprazolam effectively relieves anxiety; however, it is addictive and withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Prescribed for Anxiety, Panic Disorder. May also be prescribed off label for Tinnitus,... View more

Buspirone may be used for the treatment of anxiety and is less likely to cause sedation than other anti-anxiety drugs. Prescribed for Anxiety, Panic Disorder. May also be prescribed off label for... View more

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

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Drug Class

Benzodiazepines

Miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include: ataxia, cognitive dysfunction, constipation, depression, difficulty in micturition, drowsiness, dysarthria, fatigue, headache, memory impairment, menstrual disease, nervousness, sedated state, skin rash, tremor, weight gain, weight loss, anxiety, blurred vision, diarrhea, insomnia, decreased libido, increased appetite, irritability, and decreased appetite.

See the full alprazolam side effects document.

Commonly reported side effects include: dizziness.

See the full buspirone side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance

Quantity	6 tablet
Dosage	0.25 mg
Per Unit^*	$1.78
Cost^*	$10.70

View all alprazolam prices

Quantity	100 each
Dosage	10 mg
Per Unit^*	$0.46
Cost^*	$45.78

View all buspirone prices

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Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available

Oral concentrate
Oral tablet
Oral tablet, disintegrating
Oral tablet, extended release

Oral tablet

Brand Names

Alprazolam Intensol, Xanax, Xanax XR BuSpar

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

20 hours

11.3 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.

Some potential for abuse

Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category

Category D Positive evidence of risk

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (3)

N/A

Drug Interactions

A total of 491 drugs are known to interact with alprazolam:

35 major drug interactions (168 brand and generic names)
416 moderate drug interactions (1511 brand and generic names)
40 minor drug interactions (330 brand and generic names)

A total of 437 drugs are known to interact with buspirone:

88 major drug interactions (320 brand and generic names)
347 moderate drug interactions (1289 brand and generic names)
2 minor drug interactions (5 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with ALPRAZolam and lead to potentially dangerous side... View more

You should avoid the use of alcohol while being treated with busPIRone. Alcohol can increase the... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

October 16, 1981

September 29, 1986

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Advanced Reading

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer