How Does Vyvanse Cause Weight Loss? A Quick Medical Review
Everyone wants to be healthy, active, and happy in life. You can only be active if you are healthy. Some people suffer from obesity, and shedding that extra weight can be challenging for them. There are many treatments for weight loss, like a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity. If all fails, they visit professional healthcare for weight loss drugs.
There are many weight loss drugs available, such as Wegovy and Phentermine. Still, for this sake, we will be talking about Vyvanse, a stimulant medication approved by the FDA for Binge eating disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The question is, does Vyvanse cause weight loss? We will find out more about this medication in this blog.
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What is Vyvanse Used to Treat?
Vyvanse consists of the chemical lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. The use of Vyvanse is to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and, in some cases, binge eating disorder in adults. So, this blog will cover the question: does Vyvanse lead to weight loss? The answer is yes; some people experience weight loss as a side effect.
However, the FDA does not approve this medication for weight loss treatments (because of unwanted adverse effects.) When taken for ADHD, this stimulant increases the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that lead to improved focus, attention, and impulse control.
How Does Vyvanse Work?
As mentioned earlier, Vyvanse is a central nervous system stimulant that increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This increase results in improvements in the symptoms of ADHD and decreased impulsivity and the need to eat in people with binge eating disorders.
Does Vyvanse Cause Weight Loss?
Yes, like other ADHD prescription drugs or medications, Vyvanse decreases appetite and the need to eat in people. The active component lisdexamfetamine breaks into dextroamphetamine, blocking the removal of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
This increased levels of these neurotransmitters, plus the stimulating effects of Vyvanse, lead to an increased metabolism and decreased appetite. Unlike Focalin, Vyvanse needs to be metabolized before it gets active.
Does Vyvanse Have FDA Approval for Weight Loss?
No, Vyvanse has FDA approval for treating ADHD in adults and children and BED in adults only. It is not approved for losing weight, nor do the doctors recommend people to use it for the same. In fact, the official FDA guidance warns people against using Vyvanse off-label for weight loss.
They say,’ Vyvanse is not indicated or recommended for weight loss. The use of other sympathomimetic drugs for weight loss has been associated with serious cardiovascular adverse events. The safety and effectiveness of Vyvanse for the treatment of obesity have not been established.”
What Makes Vyvanse to Lose Weight?
Yes, Vyvanse leads to weight loss. It is achieved by the following;
- Vyvanse Suppresses appetite, reducing the need to eat. That urge for people with BED has gotten less.
- Vyvanse boosts dopamine levels, making them feel more fulfilled even when they eat less.
- It activates the fight and flight response. The rush of adrenaline burns fat in the body.
- Vyvanse makes a person more energetic, making them move around. The increase in physical movement burns excess fat. Whatever you eat gets burned easily when on Vyvanse. Even if you are resting, you burn more calories, so whatever you eat gets burned and not stored.
- Finally, if people ask about other ways Vyvanse causes weight loss, don’t forget to mention that although rare, it is a side effect. Some other side effects are nausea and vomiting, leading to weight loss.
Factors Affecting Weight Loss With Vyvanse
Research shows people shed 3 to 9% of body weight with Vyvanse. The exact percentage depends on;
1. Vynase Dose
The biggest factor contributing to how much weight is shed with Vyvanse is the dosage. Generally, you shed more weight with higher doses of Vyvanse. If you don’t want to shed weight, discuss it with your doctor, as they might decrease the dosage.
2. Frequency of the Medicine
The second factor is frequency. Usually, the ideal dosage for ADHD is once daily, but some individuals only need Vyvanse less frequently when they need to be more focused. These people (as compared to those who use Vyvanse daily) are less likely to lose weight.
3. Duration of the Treatment
Duration plays a huge role in determining the total weight loss with Vyvanse. People using Vyvanse for a long time are likely to shed more weight in comparison to those who just started the treatment.
Tolerance also plays a role. People who become dependent on Vyvanse won’t lose weight. However, if you don’t become tolerant, you will keep losing weight. Some people develop tolerance with a high dose, and they start gaining weight back once the tolerance is developed.
4. Lifestyle And Genetics
Finally, your lifestyle plays a role, too. Some people who follow a healthy diet will lose more weight than people who eat unhealthy snacks. They will gain weight from eating junk food and lose less weight because the calories they burn with Vyvanse are counteracted by junk food.
Physically active people will lose more weight than couch potatoes. Sleeping patterns and physiological factors also influence the amount of weight an individual loses.
Note– All stimulant ADHD medications aid in weight loss, unlike non-stimulant ADHD medications or over-the-counter ADHD drugs.
Does Vyvanse Cause Weight Loss in Children?
Yes, children are at higher risk of weight loss or suffer from slow growth due to the suppression of appetite. Since children are growing up, they require proper nutrition.
Parents of children using Vyvanse for ADHD should look for changes in their eating habits and drastic weight loss. Keep an eye on these and discuss them with the healthcare provider. The doctor will weigh the benefits vs. the risks and decide whether to continue with Vyvanse. If not, an alternate treatment plan will be recommended.
Does Vyvanse Cause Weight Loss for All?
We can’t claim anything, but weight loss with consistent use of the drug is hard to miss. A few pounds here and there are possible. No matter if you are eating well, Vyvanse increases your metabolism and reduces your cravings. You might be energetic and not realize you are eating less because you won’t be tired easily. So, whether you want to or not, everyone does lose weight with Vyvanse. But, whether Vyvanse causes drastic weight loss or not depends.
5 Medical Tips to Manage Weight Loss on Vyvanse
If you are losing weight with Vyvanse and are not keen on the idea, discuss it with your healthcare provider. Tell them how you feel about losing weight with Vyvanse and how it affects you. They might recommend ways to manage that weight loss if another treatment option is not considered.
1. Dosage Management
They might adjust the dosage. High doses usually aid in more weight loss. Lowering the dose will reduce the effects of suppression, and you may crave eating more. The dose would be something that does not cause weight loss but still manages the symptoms of ADHD.
2. Alternate Medicine
If that does not work and Vyvanse still does cause weight loss, then an alternate medication would be required. The doctor will work out the best drug for you that offers the same effectiveness in offering relief from ADHD symptoms while also reducing the adverse side effects.
3. Work Along With Your Dietician
They will provide a customized diet to ensure you receive the required calories with a low appetite.
4. Create a Consistent Food Diary
Keep track of what you eat and set alarms when it is time to eat next. Knowing when to eat will reduce unwanted eating periods while eating enough so that the effects of Vyvanse are not visible.
5. Engage in Physical Activity
Go for a regular walk, as exercising regularly will maintain muscle mass and improve your health overall.
Risks of Vyvanse for Weight Loss
The FDA did not approve Vyvanse for weight loss. People using it for recreational purposes are at risk of the following more serious side effects.
Vyvanse is a CNS stimulant, increasing heart rate and bp. People with heart conditions or history of one, should tell your doctor about the condition before hand.
Vyvane has quite a few drug interactions, which leads to more profound effects of Vyvanse
- Using vyvanse without a prescription leads to tolerance and dependence. With time, the side effects and effectiveness decrease; therefore, if you think Vyvanse causes weight loss all the time, you are wrong.
- Vyvanse also affects growth in adolescents. Keep Vyvanse away from young adults, as it leads to addiction. Always use Vyvanse as directed by the doctor, only for FDA-approved diagnosis. However, consult your doctor for more info about the risks of using Vyvanse for weight loss.
Vyvanse Side Effects
Vyvanse has some mild and some serious side effects in our body. We will see the side effects it has on our CNS, our respiratory system and digestive system
Side Effects on the CNS
Vyvanse increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Since norepinephrine is a stimulant, Vyvanse helps to control impulsivity and hyperactivity in the individual. Off-label Vyvanse is used for narcolepsy and resistant depression. For BED, Vyvanse reduces the impulse to eat.
Some common CNS side effects are;
- Anxiety
- Unable to call asleep
- Irritability
Rare side effects of Vyvanse;
- Tiredness
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Mania
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- paranoia
Side Effects on Respiratory and Circulatory System
Vyvanse causes an increase in heart rate. This inturn increases the blood pressure, but it is a rare side effect. Vyvanse can sometimes lead to arrhythmias in people. Some people notice problems with blood circulation, look out for numb and cold toes and thumb.
Rarely, Vyvanse leads to shortness of breath.
Side Effects on the Digestive System
Among the other side effects, the effect of Vyvanse on the digestive system is more common. Look out for;
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- And stomach pain
Note- Vyvanse is an appetite suppressant, leading to weight loss. Remember, it can lead to anorexia, DO NOT use Vyvanse for weight loss. In case of an allergic reaction, contact 911.
Do All ADHD Drugs Cause Weight Loss?
To answer that, we should know that there are different types of ADHD medications: stimulating and non-stimulating. Stimulating drugs like Vyvanse speed up the metabolism, aiding in weight loss. In contrast, non-stimulants work differently and do not cause weight loss.
Can ADHD Medications Cause Weight Gain?
Almost all stimulating ADHD medications either increase weight or decrease it. Most stimulants are appetite suppressants, causing weight loss. In contrast, non-stimulants like Strattera and Intuniv leads to weight gain.
But, there are other reasons why people with ADHD gain weight too. Individuals with ADHD suffer from mood swings, and are on antidepressants to fix it. Most antidepressants like SSRIs, lead to weight gain. Another factor could be, ADHD individuals often have difficulty at impulse control, leading to overeating at times.
Alternatives to Vyvanse
If weight loss is a cause of concern for you, then discuss it with your doctor. They will recommend alternatives that have a lower risk in comparison to Vyvanse. Each drug reacts differently, and if we compare nonstimulants, they are less prone to cause weight loss. Find out more about the over-the-counter drugs, and non stimulants drugs right here.
Apart from medications, you can try CBT, or ABA therapy as it helps individuals learn more about coping strategies, teach about time management, and teach them how to address negative thought patterns.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Vyvanse and Weight Loss
If you suffer from BED or ADHD and the doctor prescribed Vyvanse, don’t worry. Yes, Vyvanse causes weight loss, but do not let that stop you from starting a treatment plan for ADHD. Make sure you ask the healthcare professional about the medicine, side effects, benefits, and risks. Be open in communication. And do not forget to ask;
- How long will the side effects last?
- Make sure you discuss your present medical condition too.
- How will I know Vyvanse is working?
- Am I losing weight? Is it Vyvanse? How to know?
- I am using other weight loss drugs. What to do?
- Discuss your health history
- Ask about the ideal dosage
- When to contact them in case of side effects
- How to reduce side effects and risk of addiction
- Ask about any diet changes you might need
- How often should you check your weight
Final Thoughts
Vyvanse is a great prescription medication for ADHD. Although yes Vyvanse does cause weight loss and suppresses appetite, these side effects can be reduced by the doctor after thorough consultation with them. They will decrease the dose most likely.
Every person reacts differently to the drug; you might not lose much as compared to someone else with the same dosage. We just saw other factors that affect the amount of weight a person loses with Vyvanse. Do not use higher doses of Vyvanse, and tell your doctor if you suffer from other mental health issues. Find out more on how long Vyvanse stay in your system?
Medical Disclaimer:
At TherapyFleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to TherapyFleet’s qualified staff.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health—be kind to yourself and take it one step at a time. Healing is a journey, not a race.
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FAQs
1. How much weight does Vyvanse make you lose?
We all know Vyvanse causes weight loss, but how many people exactly? The answer is about 3 to 9 % of people lose weight with Vyvanse. The amount lost is dependent on different factors.
2. Does Vyvanse speed up your metabolism?
Yes, all stimulants speed up metabolism. The mode of action of Vyvanse is like amphetamine, increasing the release of brain chemicals, helping to stay energized and focused. More metabolism and suppression of appetite help in losing weight.
3. What ADHD meds cause the most weight loss?
All stimulating ADHD drugs cause weight loss. Drugs like Adderall and Ritalin suppress your hunger and burn calories faster. Studies suggest, among others, that Adderall leads to the most weight loss. However, individual response plays a role here.
4. Do you lose your appetite with Vyvanse?
Loss of appetite is a side effect of taking Vyvanse. Other side effects are insomnia, dry mouth, dizziness, serotonin syndrome, and mood swings. Although people with ADHD often have mood swings, regardless of which drug they take,
5. Do you lose more weight on Ritalin or Vyvanse?
Vyvanse has more adverse reactions in comparison to Ritalin, thus more weight loss.
6. How fast does Vyvanse work?
Vyvanse’s effect will be visible in about 2 hours. Its maximum duration is 12 to 14 hours.
Additional Resources
How Long Does Vyvanse Stay in Your System
Is Vyvanse a Controlled Substance
