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BuSpar – someone told me that…
A question was posted by selena2007 on 14 March 2011 and last updated on 4 April 2022. The question is about a friend who has been prescribed BuSpar and is taking it frequently. The friend claims that BuSpar is stronger than Xanax, but the poster is worried about the frequency of use and has never heard of BuSpar before.
Expert Answers
Several experts have responded to the question, providing information about BuSpar and how it compares to Xanax:
HE HelenaGreco73
HelenaGreco73 believes that the friend may have been misled about the strength of BuSpar compared to Xanax. While Xanax works on the GABA receptors to provide sedation, BuSpar acts on serotonin and dopamine. It may take longer to start working and is not as effective for short-term anxiety.
WI WildcatVet
WildcatVet explains that BuSpar is specifically designed to treat anxiety and is not a sedative or controlled substance like Xanax. It is not addictive and should not be taken more than twice daily at a maximum dose of 60mg/day.
40 40-something
40 40-something agrees that BuSpar does not have the sedative effects of Xanax or other benzodiazepines. It may take a few weeks to start working, but it can be helpful for anxiety.
PH phillips4600
Phillips4600 explains that BuSpar is a prophylactic medication that should be taken every day for long-term anxiety. Xanax is used more as a short-term treatment for panic attacks. Carrying Xanax with you can provide a sense of safety and security against panic attacks.
CJ Cj2watson
Cj2watson asks if it is true that BuSpar is stronger, but does not provide further information.
AQ aqua-blue
Aqua-blue has been taking BuSpar for three months and has found that it takes a while to get used to. It is effective for 3-4 hours and may be taken up to three times a day.
LA LaDonna Baum
LaDonna Baum believes that BuSpar is stronger than Xanax, but does not provide further information.
CA Callianne
Callianne has taken BuSpar for nearly a year and found it to be ineffective for her anxiety. However, she acknowledges that different people may respond differently to medications.
CA caringsonbj
Caringsonbj explains that BuSpar is not chemically related to Xanax and is not thought to be as addictive. However, some people may be allergic to BuSpar.
IN Inactive
Inactive explains that Xanax and BuSpar are two different types of drugs that both treat anxiety. Xanax can cause physical dependence, while BuSpar does not. BuSpar may take longer to start working, but is generally considered safer than other alternatives.
LaurieShay
LaurieShay advises the poster to encourage their friend to take BuSpar as prescribed and not as needed. Taking too much or taking it inconsistently could be dangerous. The maximum dose is 60mg/day and it may take a few weeks to reach its full potential.
JK jk13
jk13 believes that BuSpar is not as effective as benzodiazepines like Xanax, but is considered a stronger long-term drug due to the lack of tolerance building. It is generally considered safer than other alternatives.
Overall, the experts agree that BuSpar and Xanax are different types of drugs that treat anxiety in different ways. BuSpar may take longer to start working and is not as effective for short-term anxiety, but is generally considered safer than benzodiazepines like Xanax.