Key takeaways

Buspirone is a generic drug that can treat anxiety disorders and has off-label use for major depressive disorder.
Antidepressants are the mainstay treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Alternative medications include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
Common side effects of buspirone include dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, and headache.

In this article:

Compare buspirone altneratives
Lexapro
Cymbalta
Effexor
Lyrica
Zoloft
Natural alternatives
How to switch meds

In this article

Compare buspirone altneratives
Lexapro
Cymbalta
Effexor
Lyrica
Zoloft
Natural alternatives
How to switch meds

Buspirone (formerly available under the brand name Buspar) is a generic prescription medication used to help manage generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and treat symptoms of anxiety. Buspirone may also be used off-label for major depressive disorder. As an anxiolytic drug, buspirone is believed to lower anxiety by regulating serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain. Buspirone is currently only available as an oral tablet and is typically taken two to three times per day. This medication may be used due to its more favorable side effect profile compared to other anxiolytic medications.

While an effective treatment for some people, buspirone may not be the best and safest treatment for everyone, treating symptoms of anxiety or major depressive disorder. Other types of medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are preferred over buspirone as they appear to be most effective and are well tolerated. People with liver disease or kidney impairment may need to consider alternative medications, as buspirone should be used cautiously with these conditions. Common side effects of buspirone include dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, and headache.

What can I take in place of buspirone?

There are other options available to help manage anxiety disorders that do not improve with buspirone. Antidepressants are the mainstay treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). These antidepressant alternatives include SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), atypical antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Some other non-antidepressant alternatives include Lyrica (pregabalin), hydroxyzine, and benzodiazepines. These options may be more suitable for certain individuals due to their different uses, side effect profiles, and dosages.

Compare buspirone alternatives
Drug name	Uses	Dosage	Savings options
Buspirone	–Generalized anxiety disorder -Depression (unipolar)	Take 10 to 30 mg by mouth in two to three divided doses per day	Buspirone coupons
Celexa (citalopram)	-Major depressive disorder (unipolar) –Generalized anxiety disorder –Panic disorder –Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) -Binge eating disorder -Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) -Vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause	Take 10 to 40 mg by mouth once daily	Celexa coupons
Cymbalta (duloxetine)	–Generalized anxiety disorder -Major depressive disorder (unipolar) -Chronic musculoskeletal pain -Fibromyalgia -Neuropathic pain associated with diabetes mellitus -Migraine prevention	Take 60 to 120 mg by mouth once daily	Cymbalta coupons
Effexor (venlafaxine)	–Generalized anxiety disorder -Major depressive disorder (unipolar) –Panic disorder –Social anxiety disorder -Migraine prevention -Neuropathic pain associated with diabetes mellitus -Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) –Post-traumatic stress disorder -Premenstrual dysphoric disorder -Vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause	Take 37.5 mg to 225 mg by mouth once daily	Effexor coupons
Fetzima (levomilnacipran)	-Major depressive disorder	Take 40 to 120 mg by mouth once daily	Fetzima coupons
Fluvoxamine	-Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) –Generalized anxiety disorder -Major depressive disorder -Binge eating disorder -Bulimia nervosa –Panic disorder –Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) –Social anxiety disorder	Take 50 to 100 mg by mouth once daily; may take up to 200 mg per day in divided doses	Fluvoxamine coupons
Hydroxyzine	-Anxiety (symptomatic relief) -Pruritus (itching) -Urticaria (hives)	Take 25 to 50 mg by mouth up to four times per day as needed	Hydroxyzine coupons
Lexapro (escitalopram)	–Generalized anxiety disorder -Major depressive disorder (unipolar) -Binge eating disorder -Bulimia nervosa -Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) –Panic disorder –Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) –Social anxiety disorder -Vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause	Take 5 to 20 mg by mouth once daily	Lexapro coupons
Lyrica (pregabalin)	-Fibromyalgia -Neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and spinal cord injury -Postherpetic neuralgia -Focal onset seizures –Generalized anxiety disorders -Restless leg syndrome	Take 75 to 600 mg by mouth in divided doses per day	Lyrica coupons
Paxil (paroxetine)	–Generalized anxiety disorder -Major depressive disorder (unipolar) -Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) –Panic disorder –Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) -Premenstrual dysphoric disorder –Social anxiety disorder -Vasomotor symptoms of menopause	Take 10 to 40 mg by mouth once daily	Paxil coupons
Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)	-Major depressive disorder -Vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause	Take 50 to 100 mg by mouth once daily	Pristiq coupons
Prozac (fluoxetine)	-Major depressive disorder (unipolar) –Panic disorder -Bipolar disorder -Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) -Bulimia nervosa -Premenstrual dysphoric disorder –Generalized anxiety disorder –Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) –Social anxiety disorder -Fibromyalgia	Take 10 to 60 mg by mouth once daily	Prozac coupons
Wellbutrin (bupropion)	-Major depressive disorder (unipolar) -Seasonal affective disorder -Bipolar disorder -Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) -Smoking cessation	Immediate release: Take 100 mg by mouth three times per day 12-hour tablet: Take 150 to 200 mg by mouth twice daily 24-hour tablet: Take 150 to 450 mg by mouth once daily	Wellbutrin coupons
Zoloft (sertraline)	-Major depressive disorder (unipolar) –Panic disorder -Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) –Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) –Social anxiety disorder -Premenstrual dysphoric disorder –Generalized anxiety disorder	Take 25 to 200 mg by mouth once daily	Zoloft coupons

Other alternatives to buspirone

Other alternatives for the treatment of anxiety or depression include TCAs, atypical antidepressants, and MAOIs. Benzodiazepines may also be used as anti-anxiety medications for anxiety disorders.

Atypical Antidepressants:

Remeron (mirtazapine)
Trazodone
Trintellix (vortioxetine)
Viibryd (vilazodone)

Benzodiazepines:

Ativan (lorazepam)
Chlordiazepoxide
Clorazepate
Klonopin (clonazepam)
Oxazepam
Valium (diazepam)
Xanax (alprazolam)

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs):

Emsam (selegiline)
Marplan (isocarboxazid)
Nardil (phenelzine)
Parnate (tranylcypromine)

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs):

Doxepin
Imipramine
Norpramin (desipramine)

Top 5 buspirone alternatives

The following are some of the most common alternatives to buspirone.

1. Lexapro (escitalopram)

Lexapro is a brand-name medication available as a generic called escitalopram. This alternative is a common type of antidepressant that is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Escitalopram can treat a variety of conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. SSRIs like escitalopram are the primary treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. Escitalopram has been found to be one of the most effective and well-tolerated medication options for generalized anxiety disorder, according to a large review of treatment options. When treating generalized anxiety disorders with SSRIs and SNRIs, about 60 to 75% of people will respond compared to 40 to 60% with a placebo (a substance with no therapeutic value). Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, drowsiness, headache, sexual dysfunction, and insomnia. Lexapro may be a suitable alternative for those who have not experienced improved symptoms with buspirone.

2. Cymbalta (duloxetine)

Cymbalta is a brand-name medication available as a generic called duloxetine. Duloxetine is another common type of antidepressant that is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Along with generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, duloxetine can treat several other conditions like fibromyalgia (a chronic pain condition), musculoskeletal pain, and nerve pain associated with diabetes. Duloxetine is another one of the most effective and well-tolerated medication options for generalized anxiety disorders. SNRIs cause adverse effects similar to SSRIs. Common side effects of duloxetine include nausea, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and drowsiness. Cymbalta may be well suited for people treating anxiety along with depression, nerve pain, or fibromyalgia.

3. Effexor (venlafaxine)

Effexor is another brand name of an SNRI medication that is available as a generic called venlafaxine. Venlafaxine can treat a variety of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder, along with treating depression, migraine prevention, and nerve pain associated with diabetes. Venlafaxine is another one of the most effective and well-tolerated generalized anxiety disorder treatment options. Venlafaxine can cause increased blood pressure, especially at the higher end of the dose range, so it is important to use caution in those with hypertension or risk factors for high blood pressure. Common side effects of venlafaxine include dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, drowsiness, and sweating. Effexor may be a suitable alternative for those who have not experienced improved symptoms with buspirone or other antidepressants.

4. Lyrica (pregabalin)

Lyrica is a brand-name anti-seizure medication that is available as a generic called pregabalin. While effective for preventing certain types of seizures, Lyrica can also be used to treat a variety of conditions such as fibromyalgia, nerve pain associated with diabetes, spinal cord injury, nerve pain, shingles nerve pain, and generalized anxiety disorder. Pregabalin can be used as both primary therapy for anxiety but also used alongside antidepressants for additional support. It’s important to note that pregabalin is a controlled substance, so the risk of dependence and abuse should be considered. American Family Physicians state that while antidepressants should be tried before pregabalin, pregabalin is still an effective and well-tolerated option for anxiety. Common side effects of pregabalin include weight gain, drowsiness, dizziness, sedation, fatigue, swelling in the lower legs or hands (peripheral edema), and dry mouth. Lyrica may be considered as an alternative for those who continue to have symptoms of anxiety after taking antidepressants.

5. Zoloft (sertraline)

Zoloft is a brand name of an SSRI antidepressant medication (similar to Lexapro) and is available as a generic called sertraline. Sertraline can treat a variety of conditions, including major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), binge eating disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. SSRIs, particularly sertraline, are a preferred medication for anxiety in older adults, adolescents, and children. Common side effects of sertraline include diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, sexual dysfunction, and insomnia. Zoloft may be a well-suited alternative for people considering antidepressant therapy.

Natural alternatives to buspirone

Alternative remedies for buspirone include lifestyle changes and therapy that can reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve mood. These remedies include regular exercise, supplements, psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, and quitting smoking.

While exercise has many health benefits, people with anxiety disorders can use regular exercise as a way to reduce symptoms of anxiety. Specifically, yoga and mindfulness meditation can improve anxiety symptoms. While other treatments are preferred, supplements may be considered as an addition to treating anxiety. Possible remedies include magnesium, Ashwagandha, and chamomile extract. It’s important to remember that supplements can have side effects and dangerous drug interactions with other medications and supplements.

Psychotherapy is as effective as prescription drug therapy for treating generalized anxiety disorder. It can be used alone or combined with drug therapy for anxiety disorders, with CBT as the most effective form. CBT can help recognize thinking patterns that cause distress to manage unhelpful behaviors and overwhelming emotions. For people who smoke, quitting the habit can help decrease both the short-term and long-term symptoms of anxiety.

How to switch to a buspirone alternative

1. Discuss all health conditions with a healthcare provider

Before switching from buspirone to an alternative, it’s important a healthcare provider is aware of all medical history and conditions. Some alternatives should be used with caution or avoided with certain medical conditions.

2. Do not suddenly stop taking buspirone without medical advice

Only stop taking buspirone if the healthcare provider has been consulted and given instruction to stop the medication. People who stop buspirone suddenly may notice an increase in anxiety symptoms and experience adverse effects such as dizziness, trouble sleeping, nausea, irritability, and sweating. It’s best to have a plan with the healthcare provider to either slowly discontinue the medication or lower the dose gradually to discontinuation.

3. Discuss all prescription and over-the-counter medications with a healthcare provider

Before switching from buspirone to an alternative, it’s essential a healthcare provider reviews a complete medication list, including prescription drugs, OTC (over-the-counter) medications, and supplements. Certain alternatives have dangerous drug interactions that must be avoided.

Buspirone alternatives: What can I take instead of buspirone?