Buspirone vs Bupropion – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Differences

Buspirone

It is the generic name of a drug that treats the symptoms of anxiety. Its mechanism of action is not entirely known, however, it is thought that it operates on the central nervous system’s chemicals, like – serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine. These neurotransmitters are involved in the transmission of nervous impulses from cell to cell.

Uses

This medication is typically used to treat symptoms of anxiety, like – tension, fear,  dizziness, irritability, and pounding heartbeat. Occasionally, it is used to treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Dosage

The initial recommended pediatric (6 to 18 years) dose is 2.5 to 10 mg per day. The usual recommended maintenance dose may be increased in 2.5 mg increments every 3 days to 15 to 60 mg per day given in 2 divided doses.

The initial recommended adult dose is 7.5 mg per day given in 2 divided doses. The usual recommended maintenance dose may be increased in 5 mg increments every 3 days up to 20 to 60 mg per day in 2 divided doses.

Note – it is essential that you continue to take this medicine as your healthcare provider has recommended. It may take up to 14 days for this medicine to work correctly.

Side Effects And Precautions 

Common side effects may include:

  • constipation;
  • headaches;
  • stomach pain;
  • upset stomach;
  • depression;
  • vomiting;
  • dry mouth;
  • diarrhea;
  • feeling nervous or excited;
  • excitement;
  • weakness;
  • fatigue;
  • drowsiness;
  • difficulty sleeping;
  • dizziness;
  • numbness;
  • lightheadedness;
  • nausea.

Rare side effects may include:

  • shortness of breath;
  • chest pain;
  • a feeling like you might pass out.

Tell your healthcare professional if you have recently taken, are taking, or might take any other drugs, particularly:

  • lithium and haloperidol (for mental illness);
  • monoamine-oxidase inhibitors, like – tranylcypromine and phenelzine (for depression);
  • tramadol (a painkiller);
  • nefazodone and L-tryptophan, St. John’s Wort, trazodone, and fluvoxamine (for depression);
  • itraconazole, erythromycin, and linezolid (to treat infections);
  • baclofen (a muscle relaxant);
  • diltiazem (to treat angina);
  • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like – paroxetine and fluoxetine (for depression);
  • calcium channel blockers, like – verapamil and diltiazem (to treat high blood pressure);
  • digoxin (to treat heart failure);
  • phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine (to treat epilepsy);
  • rifampicin (to treat tuberculosis);
  • benzodiazepines, like – temazepam or nitrazepam;
  • warfarin (to treat blood clots);
  • diazepam (to treat anxiety);
  • cimetidine (to treat stomach ulcers);
  • antihistamines (to treat allergic reactions);
  • nabilone (to treat vomiting and nausea);
  • lofexidine (to manage drug withdrawal);
  • triptan drugs (to treat migraines).

Do not use a monoamine oxidase inhibitors while taking this medication since dangerously high blood pressure can result. MAO inhibitors include:

  • Tranylcypromine (Parnate);
  • Selegiline (Emsam);
  • Phenelzine (Nardil);
  • Isocarboxazid (Marplan).

Moreover, do not drive and do not use tools or machines while using this medication since it may make you feel sleepy.

Bupropion         

It is the generic name of an antidepressant that works by affecting certain chemicals which occur naturally in the brain.

Uses

It is typically used to treat depression. It can also be used to help people quit smoking by decreasing nicotine withdrawal effects or to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Dosage

The initial recommended dose is 174 mg orally once per day. The dosage can be increased after 4 days to 348 mg orally once per day.

Side Effects And Precautions

Common side effects may include:

  • constipation;
  • stuffy nose;
  • nausea;
  • sleep problems (insomnia);
  • dry mouth;
  • joint pain;
  • dizziness;
  • feeling anxious.

Rare side effects may include:

  • fast heartbeats;
  • a seizure (convulsions);
  • seeing halos around lights;
  • unusual changes in mood or behavior;
  • eye pain or swelling;
  • severe problems with sleep;
  • tunnel vision;
  • talking more than usual;
  • blurred vision;
  • racing thoughts;
  • fever;
  • a red skin rash;
  • burning in your eyes;
  • swelling of the face or tongue;
  • a sore throat;
  • severe skin reaction;
  • feeling extremely happy or irritable;
  • reckless behavior;
  • increased energy.

Before you start taking this medication it is important that your healthcare provider knows:

  • if you have ever had a serious head injury;
  • if you have been told you have a tumor of the spinal cord or brain;
  • if you have bipolar disorder;
  • if you are over 65 years old;
  • if you are under 18 years of age;
  • if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of medicine;
  • if you are breastfeeding a baby;
  • if you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant;
  • if you are taking any other medicines;
  • if you regularly drink a lot of alcoholic beverages;
  • if you have ever had an eating disorder, like –  bulimia or anorexia nervosa;
  • if you are at risk of having a seizure;
  • if you have diabetes;
  • if you have any problems with the way the kidneys work;
  • if you have any problems with the way the liver works.

Buspirone vs Bupropion – Differences             

Buspirone is an anti-anxiety drug that belongs to a group of medications called anxiolytics. It is not known precisely how it works, but it is believed to work by changing the activity of serotonin and dopamine, natural neurotransmitters in the brain. It is used to relieve the symptoms of anxiety or to treat certain anxiety disorders. Nevertheless, this anxiolytic is not used for tension or anxiety caused by the stress of everyday life.

Bupropion is a medication that belongs to the family of medications known as antidepressants. It is used to treat depression, plus, it can help people stop smoking tobacco.

5 Natural Remedies for Anxiety

#1 Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

This essential oil helps the brain fight off symptoms of anxiety as well as it can help calm the nerves.

#2 Mindfulness Meditation

It is a technique that many people have attributed to helping cope with depression and anxiety. This form of meditation is about paying attention to the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

#3 Passion Flower

It can reduce stress-related discomfort caused by withdrawal from opiates and promotes a more tranquil frame of mind.

#4 Exercise

Aerobic exercise is probably the most effective anxiety reliever. You can practice any type of exercise, like – swimming, yoga, Tai Chi, hiking, running, or cycling.

#5 Vitamin B3-Rich Foods

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is an effective natural remedy for anxiety because it helps you sleep better. Foods high in vitamin B3 include – cauliflower, broccoli, potatoes, macadamia nuts, chestnuts, red kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, navy beans, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.

Images credit- Shutterstock & Getty

READ THIS NEXT: Zyban vs Chantix – Uses

References

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/018731s051lbl.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6759499
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/848415
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160420104317.htm

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