I'm on xanax and my doctor prescribed buspirone aren't they the same thing?

Different meds: While both may be used for anxiety, they are completely different drug classes. Xanax belongs to a group called benzodiazepines, are scheduled (indicating addiction liability), and could,impair performance. Buspirone is not scheduled, and while it could cause drowsiness, should not affect performance. Ask your doctor if he is using each for a different symptom, or to treat same thing.

Buspar vs Xanax: Good information. Both drugs treat anxiety but are quite different. Xanax is a benzodiazapine with potential for tolerance & a number of possible side effects. Don't recommend long-term use of this type of medication. It does not treat underlying cause. Although Buspar is not as potent as Xanax, it has fewer potential side effects & helps treat underlying cause of anxiety.