Best antidepressant with vyvanse

Vyvanse And Wellbutrin: Can You Take Them Together?

People with ADHD are almost three times more likely to develop depression than the general population. Treating both disorders is important, but are there effective treatment options that can simultaneously help treat ADHD and depression?

Vyvanse and Wellbutrin are two different medications that can work synergistically to treat symptoms of ADHD and other comorbid mood disorders like depression. If you have ADHD and experience depression, this particular combination of medications might be right for you.

However, taking Vyvanse or Wellbutrin, either singly or together, is not recommended for everyone. In this post, Klarity discusses Vyvanse and Wellbutrin and how both can work together to help people with comorbid ADHD and depression symptoms. We’ll also address situations where Vyvanse or Wellbutrin might not be right for you.

Want to talk to a medical provider about how Vyvanse and Wellbutrin interact, but don’t have the time to wait weeks for an appointment? Klarity makes it easy to book an appointment with a board-certified, fully licensed mental health provider who can help you find online ADHD treatment and online depression treatment.

Here’s how it works—

Take our 2-minute self assessment and you’ll be able to book an appointment with an ADHD-trained mental health provider who can diagnose ADHD and depression and prescribe Vyvanse and Wellbutrin.

This article discusses suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately at 800-273-8255.

What is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse is a central nervous system stimulant. The main ingredient in Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. Once it hits your body’s GI tract, it is converted to an active ingredient—dextroamphetamine, a type of amphetamine used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms.

Vyvanse works by increasing the available amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that stimulates the central nervous system, improving alertness, concentration, and cognition. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter whose function is crucial to the brain’s reward center. It is the “feel good” neurotransmitter.

As a result, Vyvanse produces feelings of euphoria and well-being in addition to helping improve concentration and attention span and reduce hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. Because of Vyvanse’s effect on impulsive behavior, it is FDA-approved to treat binge-eating disorder.

However, Vyvanse is a federally-controlled substance due to its addictive nature and risk of dependence. Sharing your prescription of Vyvanse with another person is illegal.

Forms and Dosages

Vyvanse is available in oral capsules and chewable tablets. It is mostly prescribed in oral tablet form. Usually, patients start on a daily dose of 10mg by mouth and gradually increase the dosage if no interactions or reactions occur.

Vyvanse oral capsules are available in:

10 mg
20 mg
30 mg
40 mg
50 mg
60 mg
70 mg

Vyvanse chewable tablets come in the following dosages:

10 mg
20 mg
30 mg
40 mg
50 mg
60 mg

Conditions Treated

Vyvanse treats symptoms of ADHD and moderate-to-mild binge eating disorder in patients older than six years of age. It is sometimes prescribed “off-label” for treatment-resistant depression.

Symptoms of ADHD Vyvanse Treats

The core symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. For adults with ADHD, hyperactivity symptoms are less severe than inattentive or impulsive symptoms.

Inattentive Symptoms Include;

Difficulty paying attention to tasks and conversations
Difficulty organizing and prioritizing tasks and activities
Difficulty following through/completing directions, duties, responsibilities, and obligations
Often loses important items like keys, wallets, phones, etc.
Easily distracted, even by one’s own thoughts
Often misses appointments, fails to return calls or pay bills

Impulsivity Symptoms Include:

Has difficulty sitting still when doing so is expected
Has difficulty being quiet when doing so is expected
Fidgets often, tapping hands and feet
Often squirms in seat and leaves seat when inappropriate
Talks excessively and often interjects in conversations
Interrupts and intrudes on others

Because Vyvanse helps control symptoms of impulsivity, it is FDA approved to treat binge-eating disorder (BED).

Costs

The cost of Vyvanse will depend on your dosage, pharmacy, and insurance. On average, a 30-day supply of 70 mg capsules without insurance or a product coupon is roughly $15 a pill, or $460.55 a month. There are no less-expensive, generic versions of Vyvanse. However, manufacturer’s coupons are available for people without insurance, reducing costs.

Side Effects and Drug Warnings

Here are the common side effects drugs like Vyvanse have on the central nervous system.

Insomnia (trouble falling and staying asleep)
Decreased appetite
Weight loss
Abdominal (belly) pain
Constipation
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Irritability
Anxiety
Crashing (some patients might experience increased tiredness and irritability as the medication wears off)

Taking Vyvanse comes with the risk of more serious side effects, which are less common. These include:

Cardiovascular Problems

increased heartbeat
increased blood pressure
heart attack
chest pain (angina)
sudden weakness/numbness in the arm
chest tightness with pain radiating to the neck, jaw, and throat

Worsening Mental Health Symptoms

Developing or worsening psychotic symptoms, including visual and auditory hallucinations and delusions
Developing or worsening bipolar symptoms
Developing or worsening manic symptoms
Developing or worsening negative thought patterns and behavior

Circulatory Symptoms

“Raynaud’s syndrome” (problems with blood circulation in your fingers and toes)

Patients will notice their fingers look pale with blue, purple, red, or white discoloration due to lack of circulation.
Fingers and toes might feel numb and cold
Unexplained injuries, bruises, and cuts to fingers and toes

Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a toxic build-up of serotonin that can be fatal. It occurs most often when starting a new medication that elevates serotonin levels or as a drug interaction between two medications that boost serotonin levels.

This condition occurs hours after taking a new medication or increasing the dose of your current medication. Symptoms include:

Seizures
Muscle twitching and tremors
Stiff muscles
Fast heartbeat
Loss of coordination
Diarrhea
Flushing (warmth, redness, and swelling of the face)
Confusion

Warnings and Drug Interactions

Since Vyvanse is an amphetamine classified by the FDA as a schedule II drug, there is a risk of developing drug dependency while on Vyvanse, and withdrawal symptoms are possible if you stop taking Vyvanse suddenly.

Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a rare but potentially fatal condition that occurs when there is too much serotonin in your body. Usually, serotonin toxicity occurs when patients increase their dose of medication or start a new medication that affects serotonin levels.

Serotonin syndrome usually occurs within a few hours of taking a higher dose of medication or starting a new medication. Symptoms of serotonin include:

Insomnia
Confusion
Agitation
Restlessness
Rapid heart rate and high blood pressure
High blood pressure
Muscle rigidity
Dilated pupils
Loss of muscle coordination or twitching muscles

To prevent serotonin syndrome, patients prescribed Vyvanse should stop taking MAO inhibitors 14 days before starting Vyvanse.

Common MAO inhibitors are:

Isocarboxazid
Linezolid
Methylene blue injection
Phenelzine
Rasagiline
Selegiline
Tranylcypromine

Always talk to your medical provider when stopping or starting new medications.

Vyvanse and Alcohol

Though there are no specific studies on Vyvanse and alcohol’s combined use, there have been studies on amphetamines, a similar drug, and alcohol. Mixing amphetamines and alcohol raises heart rate and blood pressure.

CNS stimulants can mask the effects of alcohol intoxication, which leads to people drinking more than they should—taking Vyvanse while drinking alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning and injuries associated with drunkenness, like falling.

What is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is a unique antidepressant medication. It is an NDRI or norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. This medication is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and is prescribed to help with smoking cessation and weight loss.

Like Vyvanse, Wellbutrin elevates levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine is responsible for feelings of well-being and is a vital part of the brain’s reward center. Norepinephrine excites the central nervous system and affects attention, concentration, and cognition.

Forms and Dosages

Wellbutrin is available in two types of modified-release oral tablets—controlled release or sustained release. Both controlled release and sustained release are considered “extended release.”

Controlled Release: The medication is slowly released at a constant rate over time.
Sustained Release: The medication is slowly released over time, but not at a constant rate.

When you speak with your Klarity medical provider, they’ll help determine which form and dosage are best for you.

Oral tablet, sustained release (Wellbutrin SR):

100 mg
150 mg
200 mg

Oral tablet, controlled-release (Wellbutrin XL):

150 mg
300 mg

Conditions Treated

Wellbutrin is primarily prescribed to treat symptoms of depression. In addition to treating depressive disorders, Wellbutrin is FDA-approved as a smoking cessation aid.

Depression Symptoms Wellbutrin Can Treat

Sadness
Feeling empty and hopeless
Outbursts of anger, frustration and irritability
Reduced or lack of interest in hobbies and activities that used to bring joy

Sleep disturbances: insomnia, oversleeping sleeping
Feeling tired, lethargic, and “heavy” or weighed down
Changes in appetite: eating too much or too little
Increased anxiety, restlessness, and agitation
Speaking and moving as if in slow motion
Difficulty thinking, concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
Unexplained pains and aches
Feelings of worthlessness, ruminating on past mistakes and failures
Unnatural guilt or shame
Thoughts of death, suicide, and feeling like you’d be better off if not alive.

Costs

The cost of Wellbutrin will depend on your dosage, pharmacy, and insurance. A 30-day supply of Wellbutrin—30 tablets—costs about $86. 62, or $2.89 per pill. Health insurance will drastically reduce the cost of Wellbutrin. If you do not have health insurance, there are coupons and copay assistance programs available to reduce the costs of Wellbutrin.

Side Effects

All antidepressants carry some risk of side effects. Common side effects of Wellbutrin include:

Anxiety
Abnormal or unusual dreams
Tachycardia (fast heartbeat)
Hyperventilation
Excessive sweating
Blurred vision
Irritability
Migraine
Dry mouth
Constipation
Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
Skin rash
Confusion
Dizziness and fainting
Nausea and vomiting
Tremors
Excessive energy (excessive talking, hyperactivity, and fidgeting)

These side effects are often minor and go away after a few days or weeks. However, if the above side effects persist over a few weeks, get worse, and interfere with your daily functioning, then talk to your medical provider about stopping or reducing the dosage.

Wellbutrin can cause more serious side effects in a small percentage of Wellbutrin users. If prescribed Wellbutrin, monitor for the following side effects:

Mental Health Side Effects:

Panic attacks
Changes in mood
Increased impulsiveness
Increased depression
Increased anxiety

Other Serious Side Effects:

Hypertension
Vision Issues
Seizures

Warnings and Drug Interactions

People prone to seizures, whether due to medication, a seizure disorder, or injury, must disclose this to their medical providers before taking Wellbutrin. 0.1% – 0.4% of Wellbutrin users experience seizures or an increased risk of having a seizure.

Unlike SSRIs, Wellbutrin does not have widely reported sexual side effects.

Wellbutrin can affect your weight and appetite, causing weight loss or weight gain. Be sure to disclose any history of eating disorders with your medical provider before taking Wellbutrin.

Also, Wellbutrin might not be right for people with liver and kidney issues due to the increased strain on these organs when metabolizing Wellbutrin. People with diabetes and bipolar mood disorder should also not take Wellbutrin.

Serotonin Syndrome:

Though Wellbutrin primarily prevents the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, which elevates the base levels of the two neurotransmitters, it also boosts serotonin to a lesser extent.

Because of this, Wellbutrin should not be taken with other medications that increase serotonin levels, including SSRIs and MAOIs.

Common MAOIs include:

Isocarboxazid
Linezolid
Methylene blue injection
Phenelzine
Rasagiline
Selegiline
Tranylcypromine

Common SSRIs include:

Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Citalopram (Celexa)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)

Black Box Warning:

All antidepressants come with a black box warning from the FDA. In placebo-controlled trials of antidepressants, researchers saw an increase in suicidal thoughts and ideation among children and adolescents taking antidepressants compared to the placebo group.

These findings have not been replicated in adults. However, it’s important for people taking antidepressants to monitor for sudden changes in mood, thoughts, and behavior. If these are experienced, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

How Do Vyvanse and Wellbutrin Work Together?

Though they use different mechanisms, Vyvanse and Wellbutrin increase the available amounts of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Because of this, Vyvanse and Wellbutrin have a synergistic effect when treating people with ADHD.

ADHD is often comorbid with other mental health conditions, such as depression. The combination of these medications might be suitable for people with ADHD who also have comorbid depression. However, taking the two medications together increases the risk of certain side effects, such as seizures.

Klarity Helps You Discover The Right ADHD Medication

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Sources:

Carl Sherman. “Is It ADHD, Depression, or Both?” ADDitude. https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-and-depression-symptoms-treatment/

“Drug interactions between bupropion/naltrexone and Vyvanse.” Drugs. https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/bupropion-naltrexone-with-vyvanse-3559-0-1475-2533. html

“Bupropion (Oral Route) – Mayo Clinic”

https://www.mayoclinic.org,https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/bupropion-oral-route/precautions/drg-20062478

Jacqueline Sinfield. “Using Wellbutrin for ADHD.” Very Well Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/using-wellbutrin-for-adhd-4137671

Janice Rodden. “Wellbutrin.” ADDitude. https://www.additudemag.com/medication/wellbutrin/#:~:text=When%20prescribed%20for%20ADHD%20treatment,like%20Vyvanse%20or%20Adderall%20XR.

Renato P. Munhoz. “Serotonin syndrome induced by a combination of bupropion and SSRIs.” National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15602102/

“Vyvanse: Dosage, side effects, alternatives and more – Medical News Today.”

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com,https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vyvanse#side-effects

Best Antidepressant To Take With Vyvanse (everything You Need To Know)

In this guide, we will talk about the best antidepressant to take with Vyvanse, their benefits, and possible side effects.

While stimulants such as Vyvanse (classified as ‘amphetamine’) are not normally recommended for use with antidepressants such as SSRIs (selective inhibitors of serotonin reuptake), they are sometimes combined. When they are used together, it is usually for one of two reasons:

The stimulant is used for depression as an ‘adjunctive’, or add-on, therapy. However, this is not an FDA-approved indication.
For those diagnosed with ADHD, SSRI is used to treat depression.

While there have been several studies investigating the effects of Vyvanse for depression, most report that there is no substantial change in depressive ratings, although it can help to boost associated fatigue and apathy symptoms.

More generally, for co-morbid depression, an SSRI is applied to anyone already taking a stimulant like Vyvanse. Studies indicate that more than 1/3 of people diagnosed with ADHD have depressive disorders associated with them and require some form of treatment, whether behavioral or medicinal.

To treat their symptoms, many people with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) take stimulant medications. But your doctor may recommend you try an antidepressant if you don’t get better with those medicines.

For anyone, stimulants such as dextroamphetamine and amphetamine (Adderall) or methylphenidate (Ritalin) do not function perfectly. Your symptoms do not improve or you may suffer side effects such as a disturbed stomach, sleep issues, or nervousness.

Vyvanse

Lisdexamfetamine is a drug that is a derivative of amphetamine, marketed under the brand name Vyvanse, among others. It is commonly used in individuals over the age of five to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as well as moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder in adults. Lisdexamfetamine is administered orally.

Antidepressants with Vyvanse that can be taken

Although doctors prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD, they have not been officially approved for that purpose by the FDA. One of the four forms may be recommended by your doctor:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Tricyclic antidepressants like desipramine (Norpramin) and imipramine (Tofranil)
Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Depending on your symptoms and other health conditions, the best antidepressant for you.

Bear in mind that to start functioning, antidepressants take between 2 and 4 weeks. It is necessary to follow the directions of your doctor as to how often to take them, even if at first you do not see any difference in symptoms.

Antidepressants typically do not perform as well as stimulants and other medications created specifically to treat ADHD when it comes to increasing your concentration or attention span. But it is an individual thing how well they perform. Antidepressants can be a big help for some folks with ADHD.

Antidepressants should not be used by any individual. For example, if you have a history of manic behavior from bipolar disorder, they might not be correct. Also, whether you’ve had seizures or a history of epilepsy, taking Wellbutrin is not a safe idea.

Caution to be maintained with antidepressants and Vyvanse

While SSRI and Vyvanse have been safely used together, due to the possibility of serotonin syndrome, there will still be an alert to use them carefully.

Serotonin syndrome is a rare but severe condition that can arise with the use of serotonin-increasing medications. It is distinguished by the fact that the following symptoms frequently develop rapidly:

With hyperthermia (increased body temperature)
Blood Pressure High
Spasms in the muscles
Stiffness, Rigidity
Fainting/dizziness
Delirium
Death (rare)

Regardless of SSRI drug selection, if paired with other serotonergic medications, the risk of serotonin syndrome will still be there. In general, people taking an amphetamine stimulant such as Vyvanse with an SSRI should be monitored for the onset of serotonin syndrome, especially when therapy is started for the first time and during dosage increases.

Side effects of antidepressants

Side effects can partly depend on the type of antidepressant medication you are taking.

Tricyclic antidepressants, for instance, can cause side effects such as faster heart rate and higher blood pressure, as well as some heart attacks. Anxiety, headaches, and rashes can be caused by Wellbutrin. MAOIs can cause problems like weight gain and trouble sleeping.

Antidepressants can also have side effects, such as constipation and an upset stomach. You could get tired, dizzy, sweaty, and have blurred vision. Other problems that are possible include:

Dry mouth
The loss of weight
Blood Pressure Low
Tremors

Tell your doctor if you have any prior medical issues, such as heart problems, strokes, or high blood pressure, which can cause adverse effects for people who are taking some antidepressants.

Also, if you miss a dose or do not take it exactly as prescribed, some antidepressants can cause withdrawal symptoms or other side effects. Make sure that you follow the guidelines of your doctor while taking these medications.

Side effects of Vyvanse

The most common adverse reactions in children, adolescents, and/or adults with Vyvanse were:

Anxiety
Decreased appetite
Decreased weight
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Irritability
Insomnia
Nausea

Antidepressants to be avoided with Vyvanse

Having said all of the above, some SSRIs present a greater risk of Vyvanse serotonin syndrome, including:

Prozac (fluoxetine)
Paxil (paroxetine)

Prozac and Paxil pose a greater risk since the metabolizing enzyme CYP2D6, which is responsible for metabolizing amphetamines such as Vyvanse, is known to inhibit them.

Theoretically, inhibition of CYP2D6 raises the risk of elevated levels of Vyvanse in the body, raising the risk of side effects, such as serotonin syndrome.

Indeed, explicitly, the prescription information for Vyvanse warns against the use of drugs believed to inhibit CYP2D6.

It is understood that amphetamines and amphetamine derivatives are metabolized to some degree by cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) and exhibit mild CYP2D6 metabolism inhibition. There is a potential for pharmacokinetic activity when CYP2D6 inhibitors are co-administered, which may increase the risk of increased exposure to the active metabolite of VYVANSE (dextroamphetamine).

Find an alternative non-serotonergic drug or an alternative drug that does not inhibit CYP2D6 in these cases.

If you and your doctor are considering adding an SSRI to your dosage of Vyvanse, it would be wise to examine medications that are not potent CYP2D6 inhibitors.

Sadly, it is assumed that all SSRIs inhibit CYP2D6 to at least a minor degree. The only two considered effective inhibitors, however, are Prozac and Paxil.

It is assumed that CYP2D6 is inhibited to a small degree by the following:

Zoloft (sertraline)
Luvoxa (fluvoxamine)
Célexa (citalopram)
Lexapro (escitalopram)
Viibrydskaya (vilazodone)

SSRIs with amphetamine stimulants like Vyvanse have been used successfully and safely.

However, it is important to be aware of the increased risk of serotonin syndrome and the specific SSRI drugs, such as Prozac and Paxil, that could put you more at risk.

Interaction of Vyvanse and other medicines

Drug interactions can affect the working of your drugs or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all potential drug interactions are included in this paper. Keep a list and share it with your doctor and pharmacist of all the medications you use (including prescription/nonprescription medicines and herbal products). Without your doctor’s permission, do not start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication.

Herbal Medicine, such as Kratom. Check the Best Kratom for Depression and Anxiety.

A significant (possibly fatal) drug interaction can be caused by taking MAO inhibitors with this medicine. During treatment with this drug, you should stop taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine). Also, most MAO inhibitors should not be taken until treatment with this drug for two weeks. Tell your doctor when to start taking this drug or avoid taking it.

There are additives in certain items that could boost the heart rate or blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what drugs you use and ask if you can use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products or diet aids).

If you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, the risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases. St. John’s wort, some antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), and others, are examples of street drugs such as MDMA/’ecstasy.’ If you start or raise the dosage of these medications, the chance of serotonin syndrome/toxicity might be more likely.

Lisdexamfetamine, or dextroamphetamine, is somewhat similar to amphetamine. Do not use amphetamine-containing or dextroamphetamine-containing drugs when using lisdexamfetamine.

Antidepressants help with ADHD symptoms

Like stimulants, antidepressant medications boost chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine levels throughout your brain. Doctors also found that these medications can help increase their attention span of people with ADHD. They also help to put a lid on acts such as being impulsive, hyperactive, or violent.

Depression and anxiety are also present in some ADHD adults. If that’s your case, antidepressant drugs could be a choice, as they can treat these disorders as well as ADHD.

Be sure to explore with your doctor your options for treatment.

In this guide, we talked about the best antidepressant to take with Vyvanse, their benefits, and possible side effects.

FAQs: Best antidepressant to take with Vyvanse

Can you take ADHD medication with antidepressants?

However, it was found that desipramine treated ADHD alone and ADHD with depression equally well, at least in terms of the symptoms of ADHD. It has been shown that stimulants can be safely paired with fluoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants. In all of these experiments, no unusual side effects were found.

What is the best antidepressant to take with Adderall?

An antidepressant is usually applied to the ADHD treatment if the depressive symptoms continue. Fluoxetine (Prozac) is preferred by many physicians because it has little effect on ADHD and its long time in the body makes it a perfect medication for patients who forget to take it.

What supplements can you take with antidepressants?

There are 4 supplements that you can take with antidepressants, and they are, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), Methylfolate and Folinic Acid, Omega-3, and Vitamin D.

Can you take Prozac and Vyvanse at the SAMe time?

Talk to the doctor before using FLUoxetine and lisdexamfetamine together. The effects of lisdexamfetamine can be intensified by FLUoxetine, and side effects such as nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, and racing thoughts have been documented.

Does Vyvanse worsen depression?

Since Vyvanse is a stimulant, when it starts to wear off, a person can feel depressed or fatigued. This is known as the crash at Vyvanse. As the medication starts to leave their system, a person who takes Vyvanse in the morning can experience a midday crash. The accident can make the symptoms of an individual difficult to handle.

What should you not take with Vyvanse?

Other drugs can interfere with Vyvanse. For instance, if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or if you have taken an MAOI within the past 14 days, you should not take Vyvanse. Even, like other stimulant medications, such as Adderall, stop taking Vyvanse.

References

https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/antidepressants-adult-adhd

https://walrus.com/questions/is-vyvanse-safe-with-ssri-antidepressants

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/208510lbl.pdf

All About Vyvanse - Drink-Drink

Here are a few symptoms that may occur when using Vivanse incorrectly:

If you are concerned about the risk of addiction or misuse of Vivanse, talk to your doctor. They will check your risk before prescribing the drug. They will also monitor your risk at all times during your treatment with Vyvanse.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of misuse of Vivanse. They may reduce the dosage of Vivanse or evaluate the need to continue taking the drug.

You may have weight loss while you're taking Vyvanse. This was a common side effect in studies of the drug.

Some people experience loss or decrease in appetite when taking Vivanse. These side effects can also lead to weight loss.

If you are concerned about weight loss while taking Vivanse, talk to your doctor. They may suggest healthy ways to boost your appetite or control your weight.

Vivanse may cause weight loss as a side effect. But the drug is not approved for use in weight loss or the treatment of obesity. The use of such drugs for these purposes has caused serious heart problems.

Personality effects

You may notice effects on your personality while you are taking Vivanse. This has been a common side effect in studies of the drug, especially in children.*

Vyvanse may cause changes in your behavior or thoughts. For example, Vivanse may cause:

agitation
emotional breakdown, such as inability to control one's emotions
irritability
mood changes

Tell your doctor right away if you or your child notice any personality changes while taking Vivanse drug. Your doctor may advise you not to take this drug.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Vivance. An allergic reaction has been reported after initial drug studies were conducted.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction may include:

skin rash

itching

redness (temporary warmth, redness, or increased skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include swelling under the skin, usually on the eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They may also include swelling of the tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause breathing problems.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Vyvanse. But if you think you need a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

How is Vivanse taken?

Your doctor will explain how you should take Vivanse. They will also explain how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions. The following are commonly used dosages, but Always take the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Taking Vyvanse

Vyvanse is available in two forms that you take inside:

Capsules
Chewing tablets

VYVANSE has the following strong sides:

10 Milloges (mg)
30 mg
40 mg
50 mg
60 mg

Vyvanse capsules also have a dosage of 70 mg.

Dosage

In Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the doses of Vivanse for adults are the same as for children. For Binge Eating Disorder (BED), Vyvanse is only used in adults. It is not used in children with BED.

Vivanse does not have a recommended dosage by weight. Instead, your dose of Vyvanse depends on:

the condition you are using Vyvanse for
how well your condition is improving with Vyvanse
other medical conditions you have, such as kidney problems
other medicines you take

For ADHD and ADHD, you will take Vivanse once a day. It is best to take a dose of Vivanse in the morning. If you take it in the afternoon or evening, Vivanse may cause insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep).

The maximum recommended dose of Vivanse is 70 mg per day.

To learn more about ADHD and BED, see "What is Vyvanse used for?" section below.

Questions about Vivanse's admission

Here are some common questions about Vivanse's admission.

What if I miss a dose of Vivanse? If you miss a dose of Vivanse in the morning, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But be aware that taking Vivance in the afternoon or evening can cause sleep problems. For this reason, it may be better to skip the missed dose and just take your regular dose the next day. If you are not sure whether to take the missed dose or skip it, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do I need to use Vyvanse for a long time? Possibly. Some people may use Vivanse for a long time. Your doctor will recommend the correct amount of time to take the drug.
Can Vyvanse be chewed, crushed or divided? Vyvanse is available as capsules and chewable tablets. You should do the following:
- Chew Vyvanse chewable tablets completely before you swallow them. Don't crush or split them.
- Swallow Vivanse capsules whole. Do not chew or crush them. If you have trouble swallowing the capsules whole, you can separate them. The powder inside the capsules can be mixed with water, juice or yogurt. However, be sure to take the mixture right away. Do not store it to eat or drink later.
Should I take Vivanse with food? ? You may take Vivanse with or without food.
How long does Vyvanse take to work? Vivanse begins to act within 1 hour after taking a dose. But you may need to take the drug for several weeks before you start to see improvement in your condition.
What are the signs that my dose of Vivanse is too high? Taking a high dose of Vyvanse can raise your risk for side effects. For details about side effects Vyvanse may cause, see the “What are Vyvanse’s side effects?” section above. Additionally, if your Vyvanse dose is too high, you may have symptoms of overdose. To learn more, see the “What should be done in case of overdose?” section below.

Questions to ask your doctor

You may have questions about Vivance and your treatment plan. It is important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.

Here are some tips to help guide your discussion:

Before the meeting, write down questions such as:

How will Vyvanse affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?

Take someone with you to the meeting if it makes you feel more comfortable.

If you don't understand something about your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you.

Remember that your doctor and other healthcare professionals are always available to help you. And they want you to get the best possible care. So don't be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback about your treatment.

What are the frequently asked questions about Vyvanse?

Find answers to some frequently asked questions about Vyvanse.

How does Vivanse work? What is its half-life and how long does it stay in your system?

Vivanse is a type of stimulant drug called amphetamine. It is not known exactly how Vyvanse treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and compulsive overeating (BED).

Vyvanse levels in your body usually peak about 3.5 hours after taking a Vyvanse capsule. It peaks approximately 4.4 hours after taking the chewable tablet. Peak levels of Vivanse may vary depending on whether you take the drug with food. For example, it may take longer for your body to reach maximum levels of Vivanse if you are taking Vivanse with food rather than without it.

Vivanse's effects usually last about 14 hours after a dose.

Vivanse's half-life describes how long it takes for half a dose of a drug to leave your body. The half-life of Vivanse is about 12 hours. So it takes about 12 hours for your body to get rid of half a dose of Vivanse.

It usually takes about five half-lives for a drug to completely leave the body. For Vivanse, this means the drug will stay in your body for about two and a half days after your last dose.

To learn more about how Vivanse can affect your body, read this article.

Does Vyvanse cause different side effects in women and men? What about children?

No, there are no side effects of Vivanse in men or women.*

The only side effects of Vivanse specific to women are associated with the use of Vivanse during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Using Vivanse while pregnant or breastfeeding may not be safe. To learn more about this, see "What to consider before taking Vivanse?" section below.

Vyvanse is used to treat ADHD in children 6 years of age and older. Most of the side effects of Vivanse in children are expected to be the same as in adults. (See "What are the side effects of Vivanse" above for more information.)

Some side effects of Vivance may be more common in children. This includes:

loss of appetite
weight loss
personality effects such as emotional breakdown
stunted growth

If you have questions about the risk of certain side effects from Vivanse in you or your child, talk to your doctor.

Will I get withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking Vivanse?

Yes, you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Vivanse. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as the "Vyvanse crash".

"Vyvanse crash" refers to feeling irritated or tired as the effects of Vyvanse wear off.

If you have an accident with Vivanse during treatment, talk to your doctor. They may either recommend a different treatment for your condition or adjust the dosage of the drug.

During your treatment with Vyvanse, your doctor may ask you to stop taking Vivance from time to time to give your body a break from the drug. This is sometimes referred to as "drug release".

For example, if you are taking a drug for ADHD, your doctor may tell you to stop taking Vivanse on weekends. This is because weekends usually require less focus and concentration than weekdays when you are at work or school.

If your doctor advises you to take breaks from Vivanse, talk to him about the best way to do this. They can recommend ways to manage potential Vivanse withdrawal symptoms during a drug-related holiday.

Is Vyvanse a controlled substance? And is it a stimulant or a drug?

Yes, Vyvanse is a controlled substance.

Controlled substances are drugs that can cause addiction or abuse.* With addiction, your body becomes addicted to the drug and needs it to feel the way it normally does. When used incorrectly, the medicine is not taken as prescribed and is continued to be used even if it causes harmful effects.

Vivanse is a type of stimulant drug called amphetamine. Vivanse is not a drug.

Drugs are opioid drugs. "Drug" can refer to illegal opioids such as heroin. This can also apply to prescription opioids such as oxycodone (Oxaydo, Roxicodone) and fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic).

Does Vyvanse treat depression or anxiety?

No, Vyvanse is not approved to treat depression or anxiety.

In fact, depression and anxiety are possible side effects of Vivanse. Thus, Vyvanse may not be the best treatment option for these conditions.

If you have questions about treatment options for depression or anxiety, talk to your doctor.

How does Vivanse compare to Focalin and Dexedrine?

Vyvanse, Focalin, and Dexedrine are prescription drugs used to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 years of age and older. Each is a type of stimulant drug called amphetamine.

Focalin is available in two forms:

immediate-release (short-acting) tablets called Focalin
extended-release (long-acting) capsules called Focalin XR

Dexedrine is available as long-acting (long-acting) capsules.

To learn more about the similarities and differences between Vivanse, Focalin and Dexedrine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I know about Vivance vs. Adderall?

Vyvanse and Adderall are not usually used together. But both drugs can be used alone to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Adderall comes in two varieties:

immediate-release (short-acting) tablets called Adderall
extended-release (long-acting) capsules called Adderall XR

If you want to learn about using Vyvanse or Adderall for your condition, talk to your doctor. Also, check out this detailed comparison for more information on these medications.

What should I consider before taking Vivanse?

It is important to consult your doctor when considering treatment with Vivanse. Tell them about other medical conditions you may have. Also tell them about all other medicines you are taking.

These considerations are described in more detail below.

interactions

Taking medicines, vaccines, foods, and other things with a certain medicine can affect how it works. These effects are called interactions.

Be sure to tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, before taking Vivanse. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Vivanse.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Vyvanse may interact with several types of drugs. These drugs include:

Preparations of Monoaminoxidase inhibitor (IMAO)*, such as:
- IMAO Antidepressants
- Disease of blood diseases methylene blue (Provayblue)

paroxetine (Paxil)

fluoxetine (Prozac)

drugs that increase serotonin levels, such as:

SERTRALIN (ZolOFT)

Escitalopram (Lexapro)

Plant additive St. John's wort

drugs that increase or decrease the level of pH of urine, such as:

of the altitudinal disease of acetasolic disease

containing sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

antidepressants:

bupropion (Wellbutrin XL, Aplesin)

tricyclic antidepressants

This list does not contain all types of drugs that may interact with Vivanse. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these and any other interactions that may occur while using Vivanse.

Other interactions

Vivanse may interact with caffeine.

Caffeine is a natural stimulant. It can be found in foods such as chocolate. It can be found in beverages such as coffee, tea, and sodas. Caffeine is also found in some over-the-counter cold medicines and weight loss supplements.

Vyvanse is also a stimulant. Thus, taking it with caffeine may increase the risk of stimulant-related side effects from Vivanse. Examples of these side effects include:

restlessness
feeling nervous (tense, nervous, or unable to relax)
increased heart rate
insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep)

It may be best to avoid large amounts of caffeine while you are taking Vivanse. Your doctor can recommend a safe amount of caffeine for you to take with this drug.

Boxed Warning

Vyvanse has a warning about the risk of addiction and misuse. The boxed warning is a serious Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning.

When you're addicted, your body needs a drug to make you feel like you used to. If used incorrectly, the medicine is not taken as prescribed.

For more information, see What are the side effects of Vivanse? section above.

Other warnings

Vyvanse may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other health conditions. Talk to your doctor about your medical history before taking Vivanse. Factors to consider include those listed in the list below.

Heart problems. If you or anyone in your family has had heart problems, talk to your doctor about taking Vivanse. Examples include abnormal heart rhythms, coronary artery disease (CHD) and high blood pressure. Vyvanse can cause heart problems such as high blood pressure and heart palpitations. Your risk of these side effects is even higher if you already had heart problems before taking Vivanse.
Kidney problems. If you have kidney problems tell your doctor before you start taking Vivanse. Your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of Vivanse. They may also monitor you more closely for side effects of the drug.
Psychiatric disorders such as psychosis or bipolar disorder. If you or anyone in your family has a psychiatric disorder such as psychosis or bipolar disorder, talk to your doctor before taking Vivanse. This drug may increase your risk of developing mania (periods of extreme arousal and energy) or psychosis. Talk to your doctor about the risk of these side effects while you are taking Vivanse.
Problems with blood flow to fingers and toes. Vivanse can cause problems with blood flow to the fingers and toes, such as Raynaud's phenomenon. If you already have a medical condition that causes this problem, Vivanse may make it worse. Be sure to tell your doctor about any problems you or your family members may have with blood flow to your fingers and toes. They can decide if Vyvanse is right for you.
Allergic reaction. If you've had an allergic reaction to Vyvanse or any of its ingredients, you shouldn't take Vyvanse. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.
Use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). You should not take Vivanse at the same time as an MAOI. MAOIs are a group of medicines used to treat depression. Taking Vivanse with an MAOI may raise your risk of dangerously high blood pressure. Taking both drugs together can also lead to serotonin syndrome. (This condition is caused by high levels of a chemical called serotonin in the body.) Your doctor will ask you to wait at least 2 weeks after you stop taking an MAOI before you start taking Vivanse.

Vivanse and alcohol

The manufacturer of Vivanse has not stated that you should not drink alcohol while taking Vivanse. But it may be best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking the drug.

This is because Vivanse is a stimulant and alcohol is a depressant. Thus, Vivanse and alcohol may mask each other's effects. This means:

Drinking alcohol while taking Vivanse can make it difficult for you to know if Vivanse is working for your condition
Taking Vivanse while drinking can make it difficult to keep track of how much alcohol you drink.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever abused alcohol. If you have, you may be at higher risk of addiction and abuse of Vivanse. * (When you are addicted, your body needs the drug to make you feel normal rather than as prescribed.)

If you have questions about drinking alcohol while taking Vivanse, talk to your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It may not be safe to use Vivanse while pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have questions about using Vivanse while pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.

What should I know about Vyvanse and Concerta and other alternatives?

Vivanse and Concerta are stimulant drugs used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The active drug in Vivans is called lisdexamfetamine and the active drug in Concert is called methylphenidate.

See this article for a side-by-side breakdown of Vyvanse and Concerta. Talk to your doctor about which drug is right for you.

Read on for other alternatives.

Vyvanse vs. Ritalin

Vivanse and Ritalin are stimulants used to treat ADHD.

Vyvanse contains the active drug lisdexamfetamine and Ritalin contains the active drug methylphenidate.

If you want to know more about the similarities and uniqueness of Vyvanse and Ritalin, check out this comparison. Be sure to discuss with your doctor which drug is right for you.

Vyvanse vs. Strattera

Vyvanse and Strattera are drugs used to treat ADHD.

Vyvanse contains the stimulant lisdexamfetamine as an active ingredient. Strattera contains the non-stimulating atomoxetine as an active ingredient.

Talk to your doctor if you are interested in learning more about the similarities and differences between Vyvanse and Strattera. You can also read this detailed article which describes the comparison of these two drugs.

Vyvanse vs. Mydayis

Vyvanse and Mydayis are stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD.

Vyvanse contains the stimulant lisdexamfetamine as an active ingredient. Mydayis contains four types of amphetamines as active ingredients.

To learn more about Vyvanse and Mydayis, see this detailed breakdown. Ask your doctor about drug comparisons and which one is best for your condition.

Can Vivanse be used for other purposes?

Yes, Vyvanse can be misused and addictive.

In fact, Vyvanse has a warning in the box for the risk of addiction and misuse, sometimes referred to as "abuse" or "addiction". (In addiction, your body needs the drug to make you feel normal. When used incorrectly, the drug is not taken as prescribed. Misuse can lead to addiction, in which the drug is taken even if it causes harmful effects.)

The boxed warning is a severe FDA warning. For details on the Vyvanse boxed warning, see "What are the side effects of Vyvanse?" section above.

Unlike other stimulants, the Vivanse effect is not immediate. For Vivanse to work, it must first be broken down in your body, which takes time.

Perhaps Vivanse can be misused if someone is trying to increase its effect or become "high". But trying to enhance the effect of Vivanse on the body is not recommended. Some people may try snorting Vyvanse to induce a "high". But this is not an approved use of the drug.

It is important to understand that improper use of Vyvanse can cause dangerous side effects. These include hostile or aggressive behavior and thoughts of harming oneself or others. In rare cases, misuse of Vivanse can cause life-threatening side effects to you or others.

You should only take Vivanse as directed by your doctor. If you are concerned about the risk of misuse or dependence on Vyvanse, talk to your doctor.

What is Vivanse used for?

If you have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or an eating disorder, your doctor may prescribe Vivanse for you.

Vivanse is a prescription medicine used to treat the following conditions:

ADHD in adults and children 6 years of age and older. With ADHD, you have hyperactive behavior. You also have a hard time sitting still or focusing on a task.
Moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. With BED, you eat a large amount of food in a short amount of time, even if you are not hungry. You also feel guilty or ashamed afterwards.

Vivanse may cause weight loss as a side effect. But Vyvanse is not approved for weight loss or the treatment of obesity. The use of such drugs for these purposes has caused serious heart problems.

Vivanse is a type of stimulant drug called amphetamine. It is not known exactly how Vyvanse treats ADHD and BED.

How much does Vivanse cost?

The cost of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. For current prices for Vyvanse capsules (or other forms) in your area, please visit GoodRx.com.

If you have questions about how to pay for a prescription, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the manufacturer's Vyvanse website to see if they have support options.

What to do in case of an overdose?

Do not take more Vivanse than prescribed by your doctor. Using more can lead to serious side effects.

Overdose symptoms

Overdose symptoms may include:

abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
confusion
rapid breathing
hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not really there)
heart problems such as high blood pressure, low blood pressure or irregular heartbeat
restlessness
tremor (trembling), cramps or twitches

What to do if you take too much Vivanse?

Call your doctor if you think you have taken too much Vivanse. You can also call 800-222-1222 to contact the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use their online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

If you have questions about using Vyvanse to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or binge eating disorder (BED), talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

You can ask your doctor about other treatments for ADHD and BED. Below are a few articles that you might find helpful:

ADHD Treatment Options
15 Helpful Tips to Fight Overeating

Here are some questions you can ask your doctor about Vyvanse:

How is Vyvanse different from other ADHD and BED medications?
Will Vivanse interact with any medications I take?
Am I at high risk of addiction or misuse of Vivanse?

You can also learn more about ADHD by subscribing to the Drink-Drink ADHD newsletter.

Ask a pharmacist

Q:

Q: My doctor said that Vyvanse may interact with drugs that change the pH level of my urine. How do these drugs affect Vivanse?

Patient Anonymous

A:

A: Medications that change the pH (acidity) of the urine can either increase or decrease Vivanse blood levels.

This can happen because your body gets rid of Vyvanse through your urine. Your urine pH can affect how much Vyvanse is removed from your system.

Medications that increase urine pH may reduce the amount of Vivanse that is excreted from the body. This may increase the level of Vivanse in the blood. An increase in blood levels of Vivanse may increase the risk of side effects.

For this reason, it is recommended to avoid taking substances or medicines that increase the pH of the urine, such as: excreted from the body. This may lower blood levels of Vivanse. Decreased blood levels of Vivanse may cause the drug to not work or not work as it should.

Your doctor may increase your dosage of Vivanse if you need to take a drug that lowers the pH of your urine. Examples of substances that lower urine pH include:

ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
K-Phos

over the counter. It's also important to tell them about any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Vyvanse, including whether they affect urine pH levels.

Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.

Registration data: Drink-Drink has made every effort to ensure that all information is accurate, complete and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and experience of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always check with your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or side effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given medicinal product does not mean that the drug or combination of drugs is safe, effective, or suitable for all patients or for all specific uses.

list of the best drugs without prescriptions

Can I buy antidepressants without prescriptions? What mood improvers are most effective, when will lighter drugs help, and when powerful ones are needed, how do they affect the body, and can they be taken on their own? The main thing when choosing a medicine is not to harm your health.

I'm depressed!

This can often be heard from friends or read on the forum. But, as a rule, the person making such statements is mistaken. After all, what is meant by "depression" in a colloquial environment? Usually it means just a short-term deterioration in mood, irritability, fatigue under the influence of circumstances. Sometimes a person just has a "bad day" or "gets up on the wrong foot" and calls it depression.

Nowadays, people are constantly faced with stress: overload at work, a frantic pace of life, excessive demands on themselves, a huge amount of information that flows from all sources. Not surprisingly, many people can't cope with so many stressors, and this can manifest itself in various symptoms:

anxiety;
irritability;
fatigue;
sleep disorders;
obsessive thoughts;
panic attacks.

If these symptoms are short-lived and go away on their own, don't get too upset. In most cases, they will be defeated by just a good rest. But sometimes vacation is not enough, and the body needs a little help. It is very important to choose the right medicines for this.

What depression really is

This is a long-term (2 weeks or more) pronounced decrease in mood, which is accompanied by several additional symptoms : decrease in activity, slowing down of mental activity, lack of joy from life. That is, if you are no longer touched by the usual joys - hobbies, family, gatherings with friends, then this is an occasion to think, observe your condition and, possibly, consult a doctor.

If you are no longer touched by the usual joys, then this is an occasion to think and, perhaps, consult a doctor.

True depression is a serious and often serious illness that requires mandatory treatment by a psychiatrist with the appointment of special medications.

What drugs are used to treat depression?

They are collectively called antidepressants. It is worth noting that in recent years, the indications for prescribing antidepressants have expanded significantly. Numerous studies have been conducted that have shown the effectiveness of antidepressants not only for depression, but also for anxiety, sleep disorders (insomnia), neurosis, and even neuropathic pain. Today, drugs from different groups of antidepressants are widely prescribed by psychiatrists, neurologists, and even therapists.

Two groups of drugs are most commonly used.

Tricyclic antidepressants

These are the oldest drugs that are considered the most powerful:

Amitriptyline is a drug with a strong sedative and powerful antidepressant effect. Large doses are used to treat severe depression, and small doses are used for milder disorders. It relieves anxiety and has a hypnotic effect.
Anafranil is a drug of balanced action, usually more easily tolerated than amitriptyline, and also relieves anxiety well. It is prescribed for the treatment of depression from mild to severe, various anxiety disorders.
Melipramine - has a stimulating effect, they treat apathetic depression.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

This is a more modern group of drugs. Their advantages are good tolerability and few or no side effects.

Often prescribed from this group:

Fevarin — has anti-anxiety and good antidepressant effect. With prolonged use, it normalizes sleep, if it has been disturbed.

Zoloft is a fairly strong daytime antidepressant. It relieves anxiety, obsessive thoughts, while not causing drowsiness.
Paxil - relieves anxiety, often prescribed for the treatment of panic attacks.

There are many more modern antidepressants that have few side effects and are well tolerated:

Ixel;
Velaxin;
Valdoxan;
Trittiko;
Simbalta and others.

But strong antidepressants are not sold without a prescription . They can only be prescribed by a doctor: a psychiatrist, a neurologist, sometimes a therapist.

Why can't I take antidepressants without a prescription?

Only a doctor can assess the risk of side effects for a particular patient.
Different antidepressants have different nuances of therapeutic action. If the medicine is chosen incorrectly, at best it will not help, at worst it will hurt.
Dose selection is carried out individually. If you increase the dose too quickly on your own, you can experience a lot of unpleasant consequences.
Cancellation should also be carried out gradually and under the supervision of a physician. Otherwise, you risk getting a withdrawal syndrome.

What to do?

There are a number of drugs available without a prescription. They are not effective for clinical depression, but they will help to cope with stress, short-term sleep disorders and irritability. With their help, you can try to alleviate your psycho-emotional state a little:

Glycine is one of the most popular products. It is prescribed, starting from childhood, with stress, overwork, emotional overstrain. Sometimes effective for minor sleep disturbances.
Afobazole . Has an anti-anxiety effect, eliminates the feeling of fear, tearfulness, irritability. It is used in the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia and even in alcoholism, to alleviate the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Not addictive. It should be borne in mind that children under 18 years of age are contraindicated.
Novo-passit . Quite a strong sedative for nervousness and irritability. Effective in reducing concentration, memory, fatigue. Helps to restore the nervous system during periods of increased stress.

Over-the-counter medications won't cure clinical depression, but they can alleviate the psycho-emotional state.

Stressovit . Well calms, relieves irritability, anxiety, improves sleep. It is not recommended to drive a car and other activities that require increased concentration of attention during the period of treatment.
Persen is a herbal medicine. Contains extracts of valerian, lemon balm and peppermint. It has a calming and anti-anxiety effect. It helps well with increased excitability, emotional lability, tearfulness. It can be used in the complex therapy of mild anxiety depressive disorders, facilitates the withdrawal of potent drugs.
Magne B6 . Increases the body's resistance to stress. Magnesium deficiency can lead to an imbalance of the nervous system, irritability, sleep disturbances, so Magne B6 has a positive effect in these cases.
Tenoten . It has an anti-anxiety, calming, anti-asthenic effect, helps to cope with stress and psycho-emotional stress. Relieves irritability and tension. Can be used in neurotic conditions.

When should I see a doctor?

If the decrease in mood persists for more than two weeks, and attempts at self-treatment have not been effective.
If you have thoughts about not wanting to live or suicidal thoughts.
If depression significantly disrupts the usual course of life: you cannot work, fully communicate with your family, enjoy what used to bring joy.

You can consult a psychiatrist in confidence. Information about the very fact of treatment, not to mention the diagnosis and treatment, is a medical secret: they are not reported to work, they are not disclosed. It is better to diagnose depression on time and start treatment than to bring it to advanced stages.

Literature

Bauer M., Pfennig A., Severus E., Vaibrau P.S., Angst J., Muller H. Clinical recommendations of the World Biological Psychiatry Societies on Biological Therapy of Unipolar Depressive Disorders Part 1: Acute and Acute and Acute CONTINUOUS TREATMENT OF UNIPOLAR DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS AS OF 2013//MODERN THERAPY OF MENTAL DISORDERS Number: 4 Year: 2015 Pages: 33-40
Antidepressant therapy and other treatments for depressive disorders.
Learn more