{"id":634673,"date":"2025-12-16T11:18:07","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T16:18:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=634673"},"modified":"2025-12-16T11:18:07","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T16:18:07","slug":"buspirone-vs-bupropion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/buspirone-vs-bupropion\/","title":{"rendered":"Buspirone vs. bupropion: Differences and similarities explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/buspirone-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buspirone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/bupropion-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bupropion<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are generic medications prescribed for the treatment of certain mental health disorders. Some people may wonder if there\u2019s much of a difference between buspirone and bupropion since their names are so similar. They\u2019re distinct medications that belong to different drug classes and work in different ways, but they share a few similarities. This guide will compare and contrast buspirone versus bupropion to help you understand why your healthcare provider may have prescribed one or the other (or both).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"buspirone-vs-bupropion-key-differences\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buspirone vs. bupropion: Key differences<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key differences between buspirone and bupropion include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FDA-approved indications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Off-label uses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drug classes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typical dosing schedules<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drug warnings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drug interactions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cBupropion is an antidepressant that boosts dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, helping lift mood and energy for people with depression. Buspirone, on the other hand, is used for anxiety and works by gently stimulating serotonin receptors to calm the nervous system,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/neurowellnessspa.com\/about\/care-team\/jamie-waarbroek-pmhnp-psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jamie Waarbroek<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner based in Los Angeles. \u201cThey target different brain chemicals, so they\u2019re used for different conditions but can sometimes work together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similarities include typical insurance coverage, average cost, form, treatment length, and typical treatment age.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\" role=\"table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"title\" role=\"columnheader\" scope=\"col\">\n<h3 id=\"compare-buspirone-vs-bupropion-key-differences\"><span class=\"title\">Compare buspirone vs. bupropion key differences<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><b>Difference<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Buspirone<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Bupropion<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Drug class<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/anxiolytics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiolytic<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antidepressants\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI)<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generic<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generic<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>What is the brand name?<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BuSpar<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/wellbutrin-xl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wellbutrin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/forfivo-xl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forfivo<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/aplenzin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aplenzin<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tablet<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immediate-release tablet, sustained-release tablet, extended-release tablet<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5 to 30 mg twice per day<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">100 to 150 mg of immediate-release three times per day, 100 to 200 mg of sustained-release twice per day,\u00a0 or 150 to 450 mg of extended-release once daily<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-term<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Six months or longer, depending on the condition being treated<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People 18 and older<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People 18 and older<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>What are the three most common side effects?<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache, dry mouth, nausea<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>When does it usually reach full effect?<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 to 6 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6 to 8 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"buspirone-vs-bupropion-conditions-treated\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buspirone vs. bupropion: Conditions treated<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bupropion and buspirone are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat different conditions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Buspirone <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Bupropion <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is approved to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/depression-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treat<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">depression<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (including major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder), to help people quit smoking, and to promote weight loss and weight management when combined with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/naltrexone-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naltrexone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/contrave\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contrave<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a drug used alongside a low-calorie diet and physical activity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both medications also have off-label uses, and this is where they start to overlap. Buspirone can help treat depression, especially when it\u2019s combined with certain antidepressants, and bupropion may lower anxiety in people with co-occurring depression. Both can also help address sexual dysfunction caused by a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/ssris\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SSRIs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindclaire.com\/about\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ritu Goel<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, a Los Angeles-based board-certified child, adolescent, and adult integrative psychiatrist, says, \u201cBuspirone is used off-label sometimes to help with irritability in certain groups, such as patients with autism spectrum disorder, by targeting underlying anxiety.\u201d There\u2019s also some evidence that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/buspirone-dosage-for-sleep\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buspirone helps with sleep<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when insomnia is linked to anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Researchers have also found that buspirone <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32441857\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may help improve<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> sleep apnea and blood oxygen levels in people with heart failure and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30245474\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treat gastrointestinal conditions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like slow stomach emptying and chronic feelings of nausea, bloating, and fullness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As for bupropion, its psychotropic effects may make it useful in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6485546\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treating attention-deficit\/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4998539\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bipolar disorder<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More research is needed for some off-label uses. Your healthcare provider will weigh the pros and cons of trying buspirone or bupropion before prescribing it as an off-label treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\" role=\"table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"title\" role=\"columnheader\" scope=\"col\">\n<h3 id=\"compare-buspirone-vs-bupropion-conditions-treated\"><span class=\"title\">Compare buspirone vs. bupropion conditions treated<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><b>Condition<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Buspirone<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Bupropion<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generalized anxiety disorder<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Off-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Major depressive disorder<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Off-label, usually in combination with other medications<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seasonal affective disorder<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smoking cessation<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight loss and weight management<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, in combination with naltrexone (Contrave)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ADHD<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Off label\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bipolar disorder<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Off label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexual dysfunction caused by SSRI antidepressants<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Off label<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Off label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety-related insomnia<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Off label<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart failure<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Off label<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastrointestinal conditions<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Off label<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"is-buspirone-better-than-bupropion\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is buspirone better than bupropion?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s difficult to say whether buspirone is better than bupropion. People with mental health disorders like anxiety and depression respond differently to medications, so what works for one person may not work for another.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That said, here\u2019s what we know about the general efficacy of buspirone versus bupropion for the three conditions they both treat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"depression\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bupropion is well-established as an effective first-line treatment for depression, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4837968\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">studies suggest<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> it works in over 50% of patients. It may be even more effective when combined with other antidepressants.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buspirone hasn\u2019t been extensively studied for depression, but a small <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/1988416\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1991 study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reported that 70% of those taking buspirone experienced moderate or marked improvement in their depression symptoms compared to 35% of those taking a placebo. There\u2019s also some evidence that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/9864079\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">combining buspirone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with a first-line antidepressant improves treatment outcomes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"anxiety\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bupropion has been shown to increase anxiety in some people while decreasing it in others. In <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellbutrinxl.com\/globalassets\/bhc\/pi\/wellbutrinxl-pi.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clinical trials<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, 5%\u20136% of participants reported anxiety while taking bupropion compared to 3% in the placebo group. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC1163271\/#i1523-5998-7-3-106-b32\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies suggest<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> bupropion is an effective treatment for anxiety that occurs alongside depression, but research remains limited.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, buspirone is an FDA-approved anxiety treatment. Studies show it\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/8666569\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more effective than a placebo<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at reducing anxiety symptoms, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11747738\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">even when people experience co-occurring depression<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and take depression medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"sexual-dysfunction-due-to-ssris\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexual dysfunction due to SSRIs<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SSRIs are a class of antidepressants that may cause <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/womens-health\/when-an-ssri-medication-impacts-your-sex-life\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">unwelcome sexual side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including decreased libido and an inability to orgasm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When prescribed with an SSRI, buspirone <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11087012\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">helps counteract<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> sexual side effects in some people while also <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.mdedge.com\/files\/s3fs-public\/CP01901020.PDF\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">potentially improving<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> their depression symptoms.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bupropion tackles the issue in a different way. Healthcare providers often replace the SSRI with bupropion because it treats depression without causing sexual side effects. Combining bupropion with an SSRI <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20080928\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/ebp\/abstract\/2017\/12000\/how_effective_is_bupropion_augmentation_for.15.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may not improve<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> SSRI-related sexual dysfunction.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"can-you-take-buspirone-and-bupropion-together\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you take buspirone and bupropion together?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies show <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/psychiatryonline.org\/doi\/10.1176\/appi.ajp.2020.20030305\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more than 40%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of people with depression also experience an anxiety disorder. Buspirone and bupropion can be prescribed together, but there are many other possible combinations of antianxiety and antidepressant medications. The right solution for you may involve different medications.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSince bupropion is an activating antidepressant that can sometimes make underlying anxiety worse, adding buspirone can help,\u201d Dr. Goel says. Waarbroek agrees: \u201cI might prescribe bupropion and buspirone together if someone has both depression and anxiety, as they can complement each other well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"buspirone-vs-bupropion-insurance-coverage-and-cost\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buspirone vs. bupropion: Insurance coverage and cost\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because generic buspirone and bupropion are widely available, they tend to be covered by insurance, including Medicare Part D. The cost of these medications varies based on your insurance plan and pharmacy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s what you can expect to pay without insurance or discounts, on average:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Buspirone: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$46 for 60, 5 mg tablets<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Bupropion: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$40 for 30, 75 mg tablets<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A free <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription-discount-card\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SingleCare prescription discount card<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can significantly lower the price of these medications:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Buspirone: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$5 for 60, 5 mg tablets with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/buspirone-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SingleCare coupon<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><b>Bupropion: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$9 for 30, 75 mg tablets with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/bupropion-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SingleCare coupon<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\" role=\"table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"title\" role=\"columnheader\" scope=\"col\">\n<h3 id=\"compare-buspirone-vs-bupropion-cost-and-coverage\"><strong><span class=\"title\">Compare buspirone vs. bupropion cost and coverage<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><strong>Coverage<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><b>Buspirone<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Bupropion<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$5 per 60, 5 mg tablets of generic buspirone at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$9 per 30, 75 mg tablets of generic bupropion at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><small><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Dec. 9, 2025. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our coupon pages for updated prices near you.<\/span><\/i><small><\/small><\/small><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"buspirone-vs-bupropion-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buspirone vs. bupropion: Side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although head-to-head trials have not examined this matter, you may be more likely to experience side effects, including serious side effects, while taking bupropion than while taking buspirone. Both medications tend to cause dizziness, nausea, and headaches.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In clinical trials, five side effects occurred in at least 5% of people taking buspirone. The most common <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/buspirone-side-effects\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buspirone side effect<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is dizziness, occurring in about 1 in every 8 people. Other common side effects of buspirone include drowsiness, nausea, nervousness, and headache.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In contrast, 13 side effects occurred in at least 5% of people taking 300 mg of bupropion. The most common <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/bupropion-side-effects\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bupropion side effect<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, headache, occurs in 1 out of every 4 people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other top side effects of bupropion include dry mouth, nausea, and insomnia. Taking more than 300 mg of bupropion per day increases the risk of some side effects, like abdominal pain, heart palpitations, pharyngitis (throat inflammation), myalgia (muscle pain), and frequent urination.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This isn\u2019t a complete list of possible side effects for either medication. Combining certain medications with buspirone or bupropion can increase your risk of side effects. Talk to a healthcare provider for more information.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\" role=\"table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"title\" role=\"columnheader\" scope=\"col\">\n<h3 id=\"compare-buspirone-vs-bupropion-side-effects\"><span class=\"title\">Compare buspirone vs. bupropion side effects<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><\/td>\n<td><b>Buspirone<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Bupropion<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><b>Side effect<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Frequency<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Frequency<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Dizziness<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12%<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Drowsiness<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10%<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Nausea<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8%<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Headache<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6%<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">26%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Nervousness<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5%<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Dry mouth<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Insomnia<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Constipation<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Infection<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Tinnitus<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Sweating<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Tremor<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Anorexia<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Rash<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Anxiety<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><small><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Source: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2010\/018731s051lbl.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FDA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (buspirone), <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=39b2d509-1281-4464-9cf1-a94bbc18b84b\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DailyMed<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (bupropion)<\/span><small><\/small><\/small><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"buspirone-vs-bupropion-drug-interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buspirone vs. bupropion: Drug interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buspirone and bupropion share some drug interactions. Neither is safe to take with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/maois\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MAOIs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) due to an increased risk of high blood pressure and serotonin syndrome. Combining either medication with an antibiotic called linezolid also increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking these medications with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/calcium-channel-blockers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">calcium channel blockers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cardizem\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cardizem<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (diltiazem) can increase the risk of side effects. Your healthcare provider may adjust the dose or frequently check in to see how you\u2019re feeling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain antibiotics and antifungals can interact with buspirone but are safe to take with bupropion. On the other hand, some antiplatelet and heart medications interact with bupropion but not buspirone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s an extended (but not complete) look at different drugs that interact with buspirone and\/or bupropion. Tell your healthcare provider about every prescription and over-the-counter medicine you take, as well as any herbs and supplements, to avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\" role=\"table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"title\" role=\"columnheader\" scope=\"col\">\n<h3 id=\"compare-buspirone-vs-bupropion-drug-interactions\"><span class=\"title\">Compare buspirone vs. bupropion drug interactions<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><b>Drug class<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Examples<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Buspirone<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Bupropion<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>MAOIs<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nardil (phenelzine), Parnate (tranylcypromine),\u00a0 Marplan (isocarboxazid)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not safe<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not safe<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Antibiotic<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zyvox (linezolid)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not safe<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not safe<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>MAOI, diagnostic dye, antidote<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Methylene blue<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not safe<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not safe<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Calcium channel blocker (CCB)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cardizem (diltiazem)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calan (verapamil)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider dose adjustment<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use with caution<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Antidepressant<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serzone (nefazodone)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider dose adjustment\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider avoidance; increased risk of seizures<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Antibiotic<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Romycin (erythromycin)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider dose adjustment<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safe<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Triazole antifungal<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sporanox (itraconazole)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider dose adjustment\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safe<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>CYP3A4 inhibitors<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ketoconazole\u00a0 Ritonavir<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider dose adjustment\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use with caution<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>CYP3A4 inducers<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone\u00a0 Phenobarbitol<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider dose adjustment\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider avoidance; increased risk of seizures<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>CYP2B6 inhibitors<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ticlopidine, Clopidogrel<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safe<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider dose adjustment<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>CYP2B6 inducers<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Efavirenz<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider dose adjustment<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider dose adjustment<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Dopamine agonists<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Levodopa Amantadine<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use with caution<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use with caution<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Digitalis glycoside<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digoxin<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safe<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use with caution<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"buspirone-vs-bupropion-drug-warnings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buspirone vs. bupropion: Drug warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bupropion comes with a boxed warning (the strongest warning from the FDA) because it can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior, especially in people younger than 25. It can also cause seizures, high blood pressure (hypertension), angle-closure glaucoma, and various neuropsychiatric reactions, including mania, delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects that may occur with buspirone include allergic reactions and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/serotonin-syndrome-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serotonin syndrome<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Both can be potentially fatal. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a serious allergic reaction that causes swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice irritability, confusion, rapid heartbeat, twitching, stiffness, sweating, chills, vomiting, and diarrhea, as these are signs of serotonin toxicity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bottom-line\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottom line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buspirone and bupropion can both be helpful in treating common mental health conditions; buspirone excels as an anxiety treatment, and bupropion is primarily an antidepressant. Bupropion has a longer list of potential side effects and may be more likely to cause serious side effects like suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and current medications to determine if buspirone or bupropion is right for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Buspirone and bupropion are generic medications prescribed for the treatment of certain mental health disorders. Some people may wonder if there\u2019s much of a difference between buspirone and bupropion since their names are so similar. They\u2019re distinct medications that belong to different drug classes and work in different ways, but they share a few similarities. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":149,"featured_media":634674,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8313],"tags":[9777,451],"coauthors":[21074],"class_list":["post-634673","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-vs-drug","tag-anxiety","tag-depression","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Buspirone vs. bupropion: Differences and similarities explained<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Buspirone and bupropion have similar names but work differently in the body and are FDA approved for different uses, although both are sometimes used for anxiety.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, 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