Buspirone alternatives: What can I take instead of buspirone?

In this article:

• What can I take instead of buspirone?
• Buspirone alternatives cost comparison
• Top 5 buspirone alternatives
• Buspirone natural alternatives
• How to switch to a buspirone alternative

In this article

• What can I take instead of buspirone?
• Buspirone alternatives cost comparison
• Top 5 buspirone alternatives
• Buspirone natural alternatives
• How to switch to a buspirone alternative

Buspirone is a generic medication used to treat anxiety disorders. Healthcare professionals sometimes prescribe it off-label for major depressive disorder. Buspirone is often a good starter drug for anxiety because its side effects are milder than those of other drugs. That doesn’t mean it’s the best or safest treatment for everyone. In those cases, healthcare professionals have a variety of other drugs they may prescribe, including SSRIs and SNRIs, two of the most popular types of anxiety and depression medications.

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What can I take instead 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), specifically: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like fluoxetine, or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), like Effexor (venlafaxine). 

Other possible alternative antidepressants include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and atypical antidepressants. 

Some other non-antidepressant alternatives include drugs that calm or sedate the brain, including Lyrica (pregabalin), hydroxyzine, and benzodiazepines. These options may be more suitable for certain individuals whose anxiety is elevated or who are having problems sleeping. While all antidepressants can make some people a bit drowsy, sleepiness and impairment are more pronounced with sedating drugs.

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of March 9, 2026. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.

Top 5 buspirone alternatives

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

1. Lexapro (escitalopram)

SSRIs are the primary treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. The SSRI, escitalopram, treats many conditions, including depression and anxiety. It 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. Switching to an SSRI may be the first option for those who have not experienced improved symptoms with buspirone. 

Common side effects of Lexapro include diarrhea, nausea, drowsiness, headache, sexual dysfunction, and insomnia. 

2. Duloxetine

SNRIs are another first-line treatment for anxiety. The SNRI, duloxetine, is one of the most effective and well-tolerated medication options for generalized anxiety disorders. Besides generalized anxiety disorder, duloxetine treats major depressive disorder and several pain conditions, like fibromyalgia (a chronic pain condition) and diabetic nerve pain. Duloxetine may be well-suited for people treating anxiety along with depression, nerve pain, or fibromyalgia.

SNRIs cause adverse effects similar to SSRIs. Common side effects of duloxetine include nausea, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and drowsiness. As with escitalopram, sexual dysfunction is a side effect that may lead people to discontinue the medication.

RELATED: Does Cymbalta work for anxiety?

3. Effexor (venlafaxine)

Venlafaxine is another one of the most effective and well-tolerated generalized anxiety disorder treatment options. It may be a suitable alternative for those who have not experienced improved symptoms with buspirone or other antidepressants. Healthcare providers can also use it to treat a variety of other anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder, along with depression, migraine prevention, and nerve pain associated with diabetes. 

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. Other common side effects of venlafaxine include dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, drowsiness, and sweating. 

RELATED: How much is venlafaxine without insurance?

4. Lyrica (pregabalin)

Pregabalin is an anti-seizure medication often used for pain conditions, but it can also be used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Healthcare professionals can prescribe it as a standalone treatment or as an add-on to antidepressant therapy. Lyrica may be considered as an alternative for those who continue to have symptoms of anxiety after taking antidepressants. It’s important to note that pregabalin is a controlled substance, so the risk of dependence and abuse should be considered. Although healthcare providers typically don’t prescribe pregabalin until other antidepressants have been tried, it 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. 

RELATED: Lyrica side effects and interactions, and how to avoid them

5. Zoloft (sertraline)

Sertraline is a commonly prescribed SSRI. The FDA has approved its use for 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. Sertraline may be a well-suited alternative for people considering antidepressant therapy.

Common side effects of sertraline include diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, sexual dysfunction, and insomnia. 

Buspirone natural alternatives

Natural remedies for buspirone include lifestyle changes and therapy. Both can significantly moderate symptoms of anxiety and improve mood. These remedies include regular exercise, supplements, psychotherapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, and quitting smoking.

While exercise has many health benefits, people with anxiety disorders can use regular exercise, specifically yoga and meditation, to manage their symptoms. 

Dietary supplements can’t cure anxiety, but they can help. Possible remedies include magnesium, Ashwagandha, and chamomile extract. It’s important to remember that supplements can have side effects and drug interactions with other medications and supplements.

RELATED: 6 mental health conditions that exercise improves

According to the American Psychological Association, 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 helps people recognize thinking patterns that cause distress. People then learn how to manage overwhelming emotions and harmful behaviors. 

How to switch to a buspirone alternative

1. Discuss all health conditions with a healthcare provider

Start by talking to a healthcare provider and describing the problem. Is buspirone not working anymore? Are the side effects hard to deal with? Most importantly, review your medical history and conditions to ensure that the alternative won’t worsen any pre-existing problems.

2. Do not suddenly stop taking buspirone without medical advice

Only stop taking buspirone when a healthcare provider has recommended it. 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. The prescriber may need to slowly discontinue buspirone by gradually lowering the dose. 

3. Discuss all your prescription and OTC medications with your healthcare provider

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