BuSpar vs. Effexor

Buspar (buspirone) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are used to treat anxiety.

Effexor is also used to treat major depression and panic disorder.

Buspar and Effexor belong to different drug classes. Buspar is an antianxiety agent and Effexor is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant.

Side effects of Buspar and Effexor that are similar include dizziness, nausea, headache, nervousness, drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, and sleep problems (insomnia or strange dreams).

Side effects of Buspar that are different from Effexor include lightheadedness, feeling tired, restlessness, upset stomach, stuffy nose, sore throat, ringing in the ears, and excitement.

Side effects of Effexor that are different from Buspar include constipation, anxiety, increased sweating, changes in appetite or weight, decreased sex drive, impotence, difficulty having an orgasm, increased blood pressure, and seizures.

Both Buspar and Effexor may interact with alcohol, other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing (sleeping pills, narcotics, muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety, depression, or seizures), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and warfarin.

Buspar may also interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice, trazodone, erythromycin, itraconazole, nefazodone, and rifampin.

Effexor may also interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cimetidine, ketoconazole, linezolid, lithium, haloperidol, risperidone, tramadol, L-tryptophan, and triptans for migraines.

Abrupt discontinuation of Effexor may cause withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, changes in mood, or changes in the sense of smell, and taste.

Common side effects of BuSpar include:

• dizziness,
• headache,
• blurred vision,
• drowsiness,
• feeling tired
• feeling restless or nervous
• nausea,
• dry mouth,
• upset stomach
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• strange dreams;
• stuffy nose,
• sore throat; or
• ringing in your ears.

Common side effects of Effexor include:

• dizziness,
• nervousness,
• nausea,
• constipation,
• headaches,
• anxiety,
• insomnia,
• strange dreams,
• drowsiness,
• increased sweating,
• blurred vision,
• dry mouth,
• changes in appetite or weight,
• decreased sex drive,
• impotence,
• difficulty having an orgasm,
• increased blood pressure, and
• seizures.

Abrupt discontinuation of Effexor may cause dizziness, headache, nausea, changes in mood, or changes in the sense of smell, and taste.

BuSpar (buspirone hydrochloride) tablets are indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety.

Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant used for treatment of major depression.

BuSpar may interact with include monoamine inhibitors (MAOIs), trazodone, warfarin, erythromycin, itraconazole, nefazodone, and rifampin.

Effexor may interact with cold or allergy medicines, sedatives, narcotics, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, medicines for seizures or anxiety, other antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), blood thinners, cimetidine, tramadol, L-tryptophan, or medicines to treat migraines.

Effexor may also interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), ketoconazole, linezolid, lithium, haloperidol, or risperidone.

BuSpar should be taken at the same time everyday. BuSpar should be taken either always with or always without food.

The usual dose of Effexor is 37.5-375 mg daily.