• Anxiety
• Depression

Bupropion vs. Buspirone (Wellbutrin vs. BuSpar)

When it comes to managing mental health, hearing your doctor mention medications like bupropion and buspirone can be confusing — especially because they sound so similar. 

While both medications are designed to support mental well-being, they work in distinct ways and are prescribed for different symptoms. 

In this article, we explore how buspirone and bupropion differ, which conditions they treat, and their potential side effects and drug interactions. 

What are Bupropion and Buspirone? 

Bupropion is an FDA-approved medication used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 

It’s also often used to manage antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, and smoking cessation. 

Often referred to by its brand name Wellbutrin, bupropion is available in immediate-release (IR), sustained-release (SR), and extended-release (XL) formulations, depending on the condition you are trying to treat. 

A closer look at buspirone

Buspirone is also an FDA-approved medication and is primarily used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). 

It’s typically prescribed as a second-line or additional treatment for anxiety — especially if other anxiety medications haven’t worked or caused adverse side effects — since it tends to work gradually. 

You may have heard of buspirone’s brand name, BuSpar. This medication was discontinued in 2010 because the generic version, buspirone, became more widely available. 

How Do Bupropion and Buspirone Work? 

Although bupropion and buspirone are both used to manage symptoms of mental health conditions, they each work in unique ways within the brain. 

Let’s explore how buspirone and bupropion function differently to support mental well-being. 

Bupropion’s mechanism of action 

Bupropion belongs to a class of antidepressants known as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). 

The medication works by preventing dopamine and norepinephrine — two chemicals that are often lower in people with depression — from being reabsorbed too quickly in the brain. 

By keeping these chemicals active for longer, bupropion improves mood and increases energy levels, making it especially helpful for people experiencing symptoms of depression. 

The medication typically starts working within one to two weeks, but it may take four to six weeks for bupropion’s full effects to be felt. 

Buspirone’s mechanism of action 

Buspirone is an anxiolytic and helps treat anxiety by activating serotonin receptors in the brain — increasing the calming effect of this neurotransmitter. 

This helps regulate mood and reduces overactivity in areas of the brain that are associated with stress and anxiety.  

By enhancing serotonin’s natural calming effects, buspirone can ease symptoms like restlessness, tension, and racing thoughts — which are common in people with GAD. 

Buspirone alleviates anxiety symptoms in about three to four weeks because it builds up in the system gradually. This is also why buspirone is not prescribed for immediate anxiety relief. 

What are the Main Differences Between Bupropion and Buspirone?

The most notable difference between bupropion and buspirone is that they belong to different drug classes. 

As mentioned earlier, bupropion is an antidepressant that’s used to treat MDD and prevent SAD, whereas buspirone is an anxiolytic prescribed to treat GAD. 

In the table below, we’ve summarized some of the other key differences between buspirone and bupropion so you can compare them side by side: 

What are the Potential Side Effects of Each Medication? 

Before you start taking any medication, it’s essential to understand the potential side effects.

Buspirone and bupropion each have a range of common and rare side effects, varying from person to person. 

Below, we outline what you could expect to experience with each medication. 

Side effects of bupropion 

If your doctor prescribes bupropion, you may experience a few mild side effects for about one to two weeks, but these typically improve as treatment continues. 

Some of these side effects include: 

• Appetite changes

• Irritability 

• Restlessness

• Insomnia

• Constipation

• Increased sweating 

Other side effects of using bupropion are rare but can be more serious: 

• Severe headache

• Skin rash or itching 

• Ringing in ears

• Breathing difficulties 

Side effects of buspirone 

Although there isn’t extensive research on how long buspirone’s side effects last, they often improve within a few weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. 

The common side effects of buspirone are generally mild, and may include: 

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Headache 

• Constipation

• Fatigue 

• Insomnia 

• Dry mouth

Adverse side effects — while rare — may occur in some cases and are important to be aware of: 

• Muscle pain or weakness

• Blurred vision

• Numbness or tingling sensations

• Chest pain 

• Fast or irregular heartbeat

If you start using bupropion or buspirone and find that the side effects are uncomfortable or don’t improve, consult your healthcare provider. 

They may be able to adjust your dosage or timing of the medication to help ease some of the side effects. 

How Do Bupropion and Buspirone’s Potential Drug Interactions Differ? 

Drug interactions can change how well a medication works — sometimes making it less effective or increasing its effects to unsafe levels — and cause adverse side effects. 

These interactions can happen with other medications, certain foods or drinks, or even existing health conditions. 

Both buspirone and bupropion have unique interactions that may impact their safety and effectiveness, summarized in the table below. 

Other important warnings 

It’s important to note that bupropion includes a boxed warning to alert individuals — particularly younger patients — to its potential risks. 

The medication may increase suicidal thoughts, so it’s essential to stay aware of any behavioral changes and consult your doctor if you notice any concerning symptoms. 

Be cautious when driving or operating heavy machinery, as bupropion and buspirone may affect your alertness and reaction time. 

Which Medication Might Be Better For You? 

As mentioned earlier, both bupropion and buspirone support mental health, but they work in different ways and target distinct symptoms. 

When weighing up whether to prescribe bupropion or buspirone, your doctor will make a decision based on your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. 

Bupropion is preferred for depressive symptoms and energy levels, while buspirone could be the better fit for long-term anxiety treatment.

Can I Take Bupropion and Buspirone at the Same Time? 

There is limited research that confirms whether bupropion and buspirone are effective when taken together. 

Although there are currently no known interactions between these two medications, that doesn’t mean they won’t cause adverse effects. 

If you think that taking bupropion and buspirone would be beneficial for your symptoms, speak to your doctor first. They will be able to advise you about whether the combination is safe and effective for your individual needs and treatment plan. 

Where Can I Learn More about Anxiety and Depression Management? 

Whether you’re worried about your mental health or wondering if medications like bupropion or buspirone are the right choice for your needs — LifeMD can help. 

We can connect you with a team of healthcare professionals who can provide expert advice, treatment, and medication options to treat your anxiety.

Make your appointment today to receive expert guidance about your health from the comfort of your home.

LifeMD makes it easy to stay on top of your health because talking to a doctor, filling your prescriptions, getting your labs done—and more—are all easy and cost-effective. Come discover a healthcare solution built around you and your life.

Connect with a doctor now!

Join Now

Text

Call