I have heard that Vyvnase can help reverse symptoms of depression. Is this true? Part 2

Only four patients dropped out of the drug study because of adverse effects. The four events that led to the four people dropping out include loss of concisions, skin rash, suicidal ideations and worsening of depression. Other side effects of vyvnase include diminished appetitive, trouble sleeping, profuse sweating and lethargy.

The company has now submitted its results for an expanded study and hopefully will seek approval by the FDA for treatment of depression.

For the consumer this is good news but one should always be cautious about new drugs. In my opinion when companies perform their own studies, the results are usually positive and negative results are usually hidden. In addition, the study only lasted 9 weeks and it is not known if the positive cognitive function is sustained.  Vyvnase is also relatively expensive with each pill costing anywhere from $3-4. 

The good news is that most reports from people who take the drug for ADHD are positive.

I have heard that Vyvnase can help reverse symptoms of depression. Is this true? Part 1

Depression affects millions of people. The disorder can create havoc in the individual and everyone around them. While there are effective drug treatments, many have undesirable side effects. In addition, for some unknown reason the conventional anti-depressants gradually stop working. Therefore, pharmaceutical companies are continuously developing newer and better drugs. 

Now there is a report from a phase ll clinical study that the stimulant drug (vyvnase) used to treat attention deficit hyperactive disorder, may help improve cognitive function in adults with depression. Vyvnase (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is currently approved by the FDA for use in adults and children with ADHD.

The recent study conducted by the manufacturer of the drug showed that some patients achieved partial or full remission of depression symptoms and improved cognitive function when Vyvnase was added to their daily treatment regimen.

How common is depression? I feel like I am the only one who has it!

Depression is a very common medical disorder that affects the mind. Most people who do not have this agonizing disorder are not able to appreciate the fact that depression can significantly alter the way one behaves and thinks. It is a life long illness which is not easy to treat. The disorder leads to a variety of emotional and physical problems.  

The precise numbers of individuals who have severe depression are not known but estimates indicate that about 12 million adults in USA have depression. Depression cuts across all barriers and affects all races, cultures and social class. The disorder generally begins in early adulthood but can occur at any age. While hospital data reveal that more women have depression, this is simply because most men do not seek treatment. Depression occurs in various grades and symptoms do vary in intensity.

I have just lost my job and feel depressed. Do I really need treatment for my depression?

Slight depression is of minor consequence. One may become slightly depressed over a loss of job; break up of a romantic relationship or divorce. Other causes of slight depressions include loss of a parent, sibling, marrriage stress, job anxiety, moving or not having a great job. Slight depression may present with feelings of sadness, problems sleeping, irritability, being easily annoyed and feeling tired. Slight depression is reversible and short term. Most people get over slight depression with time and supportive therapy. However, if the depression is severe enough to affect your lifestyle and is getting worse, there is no harm in speaking to your doctor.

I am 27 and think I have mild depression. What sort of symptoms usually occur with depression?

There are some individuals who may develop mild depression which may start gradually for no reason. The individual may start to feel tired, restlessness, feel lonely and have difficulty sleeping. In many cases, the individual loses interest in sex and wants to be left alone. One may be able to go to work but not have any enjoyment. Mild depression may last a lot longer than severe depression but can be overcome with changes in lifestyle, psychotherapy and social support.

 However, some individuals develop severe depression which may induce feelings of not wanting to live anymore. Suicidal ideations are common in severe depression. In severe depression one may feel sad all the time, cry for no apparent reason, have trouble sleeping and focusing, become fatigued, feel worthless, develop headaches or backache and may increasingly have thoughts of self harm/suicide.

What causes depression? I am only 28 years old and have been diagnosed with this disorder

While mild depression has a cause, both moderate and severe depression generally are complex brain disorders which are not well understood. Mild depression may be related to the environment, such as being unable to cope with the job, unemployment, financial problems or loss of a loved one. No one understands why severe depression occurs. Even though many brain imaging studies have been done, the exact neurotransmitters in the brain which play a role in depression are still in question. Some studies do show that severe depression may be more common in families. In most cases, the cause of depression is simply bad luck

Is light treatment of any benefit for non-seasonal depression?

It is well known that light therapy is of benefit to people who have seasonal depression. Now some practitioners are recommending light therapy for people who have non-seasonal depression. The few studies conducted indicate that light therapy is of some benefit for non-seasonal depression. Light therapy administered in the morning was of most benefit to depressed people who were also sleep deprived. The only mild side effect was hypomania in a few individuals. However, at the moment light therapy is considered a supplementary treatment and not a substitute for the established methods of depression treatment. If you want to try out light therapy speak to your doctor.