Buspirone Vs. Viagra: Drug Comparison

Buspirone is the active ingredient in the brand-name medication BuSpar^®. The information below is about brand name BuSpar. According to the FDA, “Generic medicines use the same active ingredients as brand-name medicines and work the same way, so they have the same risks and benefits as the brand-name medicines.”

BuSpar (buspirone) is an anxiolytic medication used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin and dopamine. Unlike benzodiazepines, it does not cause sedation or have a significant risk of dependence. Its FDA-approved indication is for the management of anxiety disorders, and it is sometimes used off-label for conditions like depression or anxiety-related symptoms in other psychiatric disorders. BuSpar is available in tablet form, typically taken two or three times daily. Common side effects include dizziness, headaches, and nausea, and it can interact with MAO inhibitors and other serotonergic drugs.

Viagra^® (sildenafil citrate), a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, is an oral medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It is taken only as needed, usually about an hour before sexual activity, though it can be effective if taken between 30 minutes to 4 hours prior. It is very important not to take Viagra more than once a day, as exceeding this frequency increases the risk of serious side effects, including vision loss and significant drops in blood pressure.

Antianxiety agent

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor

BuSpar (buspirone) is indicated:

• For the management of anxiety disorders or the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety

Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is indicated to treat:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

• Typically taken orally twice or three times daily

• Comes in 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 30 mg tablets

• Typically taken orally as needed approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity, up to once daily

• Comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets

The more commonly observed untoward events associated with the use of BuSpar not seen at an equivalent incidence among placebo-treated patients include:

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Headache

• Nervousness

• Lightheadedness

• Excitement

Most common adverse reactions (≥2%) include:

• Headache

• Flushing

• Indigestion

• Abnormal vision

• Nasal congestion

• Back pain

• Muscle pain

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Rash

• Hypersensitive to buspirone hydrochloride

• Drug interactions: MAO inhibitors, amitriptyline, diazepam, haloperidol, nefazodone, trazodone, triazolam/flurazepam, other psychotropics, inhibitors and inducers of cytochrome P450 3A4, diltiazem and verapamil, erythromycin, grapefruit juice, itraconazole, rifampin, and others

• Administration of Viagra to patients using nitric oxide donors, such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form

• Known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any component of tablet

• Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, saquinavir, erythromycin)

• The administration of buspirone to a patient taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) may pose a hazard

• Because buspirone has no established antipsychotic activity, it should not be employed in lieu of appropriate antipsychotic treatment

• Interference with cognitive and motor performance

• Potential for withdrawal reactions in sedative/hypnotic/anxiolytic drug-dependent patients

• Possible concerns related to buspirone's binding to dopamine receptors

• Pregnancy: This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed

• Breastfeeding: Administration to nursing women should be avoided if clinically possible

• Patients should not use Viagra if sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status

• Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours

• Patients should stop Viagra and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)

• Patients should stop Viagra and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing

• Caution is advised when Viagra is co-administered with alpha-blockers or anti-hypertensives

• Decreased blood pressure, fainting, and prolonged erection may occur at higher sildenafil exposures

*This information is from the label for brand name BuSpar^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Buspirone, the active ingredient in BuSpar, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient buspirone.

*This information is from the label for brand name Viagra^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient sildenafil.