Will Buspar do the same thing as my Xanax do?
Buspirone - Is Buspar the same as Xanax and colanazapam? Is it a narcotic?
Question posted by Lucky223 on 24 May 2012
Last updated on 10 March 2021 by Dr_K
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
19 Answers
Dr_K
11 March 2021
Buspar is not the same as xanax and the commenters stating that they are the same drug class are also wrong. Xanax is in the benzodiazepines class of drugs, whereas Buspar is not. They are both for treating anxiety and the mechanisms in which they do so are similar, however , again they are not one in the same. Not at all.
WildcatVet
24 Sep 2019
No! Xanax is a Schedule 4 controlled benzodiazepine whereas buspirone is not a controlled drug at all.
Xanax is fast-acting but habituating and meant only for ultra short time usage. Buspirone works over the long term and may be taken without any fear of addiction.
Ayersmarita
24 Sep 2019
I take them both but not at the same time. I was giving Xanax because I have panic attacks. For example: getting on a airplane or going through something dramatic causing me to freak out. My doctor said they can be taken together
lessw
5 May 2017
will burpar do the same thing as xanax do
Rns5182
17 April 2017
No way are they the same. I found Xanax VERY helpful for anxiety... made me a little tired though. Buspar did ZERO for me. Again... everyone is different.
NeverThat27
17 April 2017
Absolutely not. They are nothing the same. They are not even in the same classification as eachother. Xanax is a benzodiazepine and is a contolled substance. Like Buspirone is just an anti-anxiety medication. Buspirone will not effect you the same way Xanax will. It does not impair your normal thought process or make you forgetful or hungry or tired. It is nowhere near the same thing.
Barst
17 March 2017
Buspar (Buspirone) is Not a benzodiazepine. Yes it may treat anxiety but the drugs are completely different period.
kathleenfelter
23 Dec 2016
The difference is buspirone is just a milder version of xanax they give it to people on alot of medication it doesn't interfere with most like xanax does
MeggieGirl
23 Dec 2016
Why do peeps keep thinking Buspar has ANYTHING to do with Xanax??? Read G's post, which is the most proficient explanation of benzodiazepines I've seen here.
Inactive
23 Dec 2016
'Sup Meggie! Thanks for that. I just wish people would do their homework before they decide to print inaccurate information on such a serious subject as these types of medications. Know what you are talking about before you put it in print, people, for the sake of those who come here needing accurate advice! Just click on drugs.com and go to drugs A-Z and try to learn something! They give a wealth of valuable information.
Rcvrngaddict
12 Jan 2017
So many inaccurate and uneducated answers! I totally agree with meg. The correct answer is what G typed. Please disregard any of the others and read G's post. Thank you G!
Oblivious
30 Jan 2017
Buspar is not a narcotic. Nothing like xanax. NON-NARCOTIC...
Lorimg47
7 Aug 2017
I agree buspirone and Xanax are not same at all.
Inactive
6 Sep 2016
Some say they are related and some say they aren't. I don't know who to believe. Are they or aren't they related. Do they work together or not? I'm more confused then ever.
Inactive
6 Sep 2016
Hi Mwozztswtf:
Please disregard the comment given by the poster by the name of "PIllhelper".
That is the most inaccurate information I have ever read on this site! (And I don't mind saying so!)
The benzodiazepines, by generic names, are: clonazepam , lorazepam, alprazolam. The brand name equivalents of these are: klonopin, ativan, and xanax. These benzodiazepines have a tendency towards being addictive, so many doctors will only prescribe them short term or in small doses for anxiety.
These are considered "rescue meds" so they work relatively fast, so they can be taken as needed.
Buspar is not in this class at all. It is also prescribed for anxiety, but it doesn't work at all the same as the benzos do. It is a safe med that can be taken long-term for anxiety. It is NOT addictive. It is different in the fact that it has to be taken every day in the same doses, much like an antidepressant.
I have taken benzos in the past. Unfortunately, buspar starts out like an antidepressant, as it does not give immediate relief like a "rescue med". It has to build up in your system and can take up to 4 weeks to get the full effects.
I have been taking buspar for a year and it is the best thing I have ever taken for my anxiety. I started feeling better the first week I took it. But I felt great as each went by, better and better. I no longer have anxiety or panic attacks, as long as I take it regularly. Some people complain of initial feelings of increased anxiety when first starting on it. (I, personally, do not remember that happening to me). I could have had it, but since I was already anxious, I don't think I could tell any difference. Anyway, my doctor started me on a dose of 5mg a day. Then I went to 5mg three times a day. I went up to 10mg three times a day, but developed dizziness and headaches, so went back to 5mg doses, with no more problems. This medication is safely taken by people in divided doses of 30mg to 60mg a day. Please let me know if I can help further.
The benzos also have a tendency to make people really tired or fatigued. I don't tolerate that well. "G"
Inactive
6 Sep 2016
Mwpzztswtf:
You can also go to the top of this page and click on "DRUGS A-Z". You can type in the names of these medications and it will give you a good description of their uses and side effects. It is very informative and accurate. Good luck!
"G"
Inactive
6 Sep 2016
Thank you so much for giving me straight answers. Thank you for your input and honesty. I truly appreciate your time and feedback.
Inactive
6 Sep 2016
You are more than welcome! Please let me know if you have any more questions. I'll try to help. "G
MeggieGirl
7 Sep 2016
G is the shiz. She will literally go to the library and study information for you and then come back and post. LOL Well, not literally, because the library is in her head!!!
G I can't believe you forgot my diazepam. What'd you ever have against Meggie's green valium's? :p /runs
Inactive
23 Dec 2016
I've tried both and I feel the klonopin is by far better as far as relaxing the nerve in my left arm which is pinched. The nerve is burning with sharp pains to the fingers. Oddly enough klono helps relieve the pain. To me it helps more than hydrocodone. Anyone feel the same way?
Inactive
23 Dec 2016
I've tried both and I feel the klonopin is by far better as far as relaxing the nerve in my left arm which is pinched. The nerve is burning with sharp pains to the fingers. Oddly enough klono helps relieve the pain. To me it helps more than hydrocodone. Anyone feel the same way?
itaintmebabe1984
13 Jan 2019
Not related at all ask google
lexus985
29 June 2016
Buspar is not in the same class as Xanax nor is it a Narcotic.
rondadelynn
24 April 2018
You're exactly right.
TMall
27 June 2016
I take both medications. BuSpar is for anxiety maintenance and long-term use, whereas Xanax is intended for breakthrough anxiety and/or short-term use. This is best discussed with your pharmacist as they know the most about medications. And understand, not all medications work the same in every person. Some may cause horrible side effects while others may have no effect at all. Talk to your doctor AND your pharmacist, please.
Good luck,
TMallory, LVN
LeKatNoir
23 Sep 2016
Same. I take both as well. I take the Buspar 3x a day, and the Xanax as needed. I actually got prescribed buspar, so I could cut down on my Xanax. I started recently and have been having good results. I believe my last prescription was $30 for a 30 day supply of genetic Buspirone from CVS. Like another person said, do not stop taking suddenly. Literature about Buspar says you should ween off of it slowly.
40-something
13 Aug 2019
Unlike benzodiazepines (xanax), buspirone does not impair memory, cognitive performance, and has no sedative-hypnotic effects. It needs to be taken daily and can take 2-3 weeks to work. It's believed to be a 5HT1a agonist. I take 30 mg a day and take clonazepam as needed for panic attacks.
weeds
18 June 2016
Nope
Pharmachik
4 March 2016
Sorry you just got screwed. No the buspar is not going to help ... find a liberal doctor... get honest and get your own script. Anyone that tells you its the same is full of it.
Kaseyee1
10 Sep 2015
Yes
ejad47911
6 Sep 2015
I don't think buspirone is a narcotic.
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buspar, xanax, buspirone, narcotic
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