Author: payal das

Ativan is a benzodiazepine used short‑term for anxiety, panic attacks, and sometimes insomnia or seizures. It begins working within 15–30 minutes and lasts about 6–10 hours, with an elimination half‑life of ~10–20 hours. Side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, sedation, respiratory depression (especially when combined with opioids), and risk of dependence and withdrawal .Restoril is another benzodiazepine prescribed specifically for short‑term insomnia (typically 7–10 days). It onset in under 30 minutes and lasts 6–8 hours, with half‑life around 4–11 hours. Common side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, next‑day grogginess or complex sleep behaviors. Significant risks include dependency, withdrawal and respiratory depression.

Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved for major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It raises serotonin levels, benefiting mood and anxiety management. Common side effects include nausea, insomnia, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction such as decreased libido or difficulty orgasming. Long‑term use may cause modest weight gain.Wellbutrin is a norepinephrine‑dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), effective for MDD, seasonal affective disorder, smoking cessation, and off‑label ADHD. It may boost energy, reduce fatigue, support weight loss, and cause fewer sexual side effects. Common adverse effects include dry mouth, insomnia, headache, constipation, and elevated heart rate. It has a dose‑dependent risk of seizures 

https://mayomeds.com/buspirone-vs-adderall/

Buspirone is a non‑benzodiazepine anxiolytic used primarily for generalized anxiety disorder. It acts as a serotonin 5‑HT₁A partial agonist, with modest D₂ receptor antagonism, and requires 2–4 weeks to achieve full effectiveness. Unlike benzodiazepines, it causes minimal sedation, no abuse potential, and no physical dependence. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, nausea, and insomnia.Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) is a CNS stimulant approved for ADHD and narcolepsy. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine signaling, enhancing focus, alertness, and energy. Side effects can include insomnia, reduced appetite, increased heart rate, and anxiety; it carries a risk of dependence and cardiovascular events

https://mayomeds.com/buspirone-vs-adderall/

Buspirone is a non‑benzodiazepine anxiolytic used primarily for generalized anxiety disorder. It acts as a serotonin 5‑HT₁A partial agonist, with modest D₂ receptor antagonism, and requires 2–4 weeks to achieve full effectiveness. Unlike benzodiazepines, it causes minimal sedation, no abuse potential, and no physical dependence. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, nausea, and insomnia.Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) is a CNS stimulant approved for ADHD and narcolepsy. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine signaling, enhancing focus, alertness, and energy. Side effects can include insomnia, reduced appetite, increased heart rate, and anxiety; it carries a risk of dependence and cardiovascular events

https://mayomeds.com/importance-of-sleep-for-health/

Adequate sleep (7–9 hours per night for adults) is essential for both physical and mental health. It strengthens the immune system by supporting antibody and cytokine production, reducing illness risk and helping recovery. Sleep also regulates metabolism and appetite hormones—leptin and ghrelin—helping prevent weight gain and Type 2 diabetes On the brain side, sleep enhances memory consolidation, focus, creativity, decision-making, and emotional resilience. Chronic sleep deprivation increases risks of heart disease, hypertension, stroke, obesity, diabetes, and cognitive decline. In short, quality sleep is a foundation for overall well‑being, on par with diet and exercise.

https://mayomeds.com/xanax-vs-adderall/

Xanax is a short‑acting benzodiazepine prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders. It enhances GABA activity in the brain to slow neural function, producing calming, sedating effects. Common side effects include drowsiness, memory impairment, slowed cognition, and physical dependence with withdrawal risk. Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels, boosting alertness, focus, and energy. Side effects may include insomnia, appetite loss, increased heart rate, anxiety, and potential for dependence or psychosis at high doses.They act in opposition—Xanax calms, Adderall energizes—and should not be combined due to serious risks, including decreased effectiveness of both, addiction, overdose, and cardiovascular strain.