Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a prescription medication primarily used to treat Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED). It is a central nervous system stimulant that affects brain chemicals to improve attention span, control hyperactivity, and improve mood. While weight loss can be a side effect of taking Vyvanse, it is crucial to understand its appropriate use, potential risks, and alternative treatment options.
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a long-acting amphetamine that stimulates the central nervous system. It was initially developed for ADHD treatment but was later approved by the FDA in 2015 for treating moderate to severe BED in adults. Vyvanse increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps balance brain chemicals to increase attention and decrease restlessness.
How Vyvanse Works for Binge Eating Disorder
Vyvanse has been shown to reduce obsessive thoughts about binge eating and decrease the frequency of binge episodes in short-term research studies. It is essential to recognize that Vyvanse is not intended as a weight loss medication; its primary purpose is to address the underlying issues related to BED.
Vyvanse for Weight Loss: What You Need to Know
While Vyvanse may cause weight loss as a side effect, it is not approved or recommended for weight loss purposes. The FDA specifically warns against using Vyvanse off-label for weight loss due to the potential for serious cardiovascular adverse events.
Risks of Misuse
Using Vyvanse without ADHD or BED can lead to serious physical and psychiatric issues. Potential psychiatric side effects include anxiety, irritability, agitation, nervousness, insomnia, depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, hallucinations, delusions, psychosis, or mania.
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Vyvanse is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and dependence. Long-term use can lead to dependence, where the brain relies on the medication to produce adequate amounts of epinephrine and dopamine. Other possible effects of long-term misuse include severe hypertension, irregular heart rate, heart attack, stroke, and seizures.
Side Effects and Risks of Vyvanse
Taking Vyvanse can lead to several side effects, some of which can be serious. Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Sweating
- Weight loss
- Irritability
- Restlessness
More serious side effects can include:
- Blurred vision
- Irregular or fast heartbeat
- Mood or behavioral changes, like depression, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Muscle twitching or shaking
- Signs of blood flow problems, like cold toes or numbness
- Change in sexual interest or ability
- Swollen ankles or feet
- Extreme fatigue
- Rapid or unexplained weight loss
Contraindications
People with certain co-occurring conditions may not be able to take Vyvanse. These conditions include:
- People who take antidepressants: Vyvanse can negatively interact with other medications, especially antidepressants.
- People with substance use disorders: Research shows that people with substance misuse issues are more likely to develop a dependence on Vyvanse.
- People with high blood pressure: Vyvanse can raise blood pressure, which can be dangerous for those with hypertension.
Who Should Take Vyvanse?
Vyvanse may be a helpful treatment approach for adults with moderate to severe BED, but it is not typically the first line of treatment. Traditional treatment approaches should be tried first.
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Effectiveness of Vyvanse for Treating Binge Eating
In a 12-week study of adults diagnosed with moderate to severe binge eating disorder, Vyvanse was shown to reduce weekly binge days. Patients taking Vyvanse experienced significantly fewer binge days per week compared to the control group. The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale Modified for Binge Eating (Y-BOCS-BE) was used to measure obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, with results showing a greater decrease in these thoughts and behaviors in patients taking Vyvanse compared to the control group.
Another two clinical studies involving 724 adults with moderate to severe binge-eating showed that the group taking Vyvanse had a decrease in the number of binge eating days per week and showed fewer obsessive-compulsive binge eating behaviors compared to the control group.
Alternative Treatment Options for Binge Eating Disorder
There are several alternative treatment options for binge eating besides Vyvanse. These include therapeutic techniques such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Aims to change behaviors by changing the way you think.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Helps people develop coping skills to manage urges to binge and other difficult feelings.
- Meal coaching: Provides support during meal times to help with portion control and balanced meal creation.
- Nutritional counseling: A registered dietitian can help develop a healthy relationship with food and meet unique nutritional needs.
- Dual diagnosis treatment: Addresses co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
- Peer support groups: Provide an opportunity to give and receive support from others going through similar experiences.
Safe Weight Loss Methods
If you’re looking to lose weight for health reasons, there are safe and effective ways to do so, including:
- Portion control
- Decreased snacking and sugar intake
- Regular physical activity
- Adequate sleep
- Stress management
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, broken up into smaller sessions.
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Vyvanse and ADHD: Additional Considerations
Vyvanse is also a first-choice medication for treating ADHD in adults and children ages 6 years and older.
How Vyvanse Works for ADHD
Vyvanse increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps balance brain chemicals to increase attention and decrease restlessness. Studies have shown that Vyvanse can start working within 1 hour of taking it, and the effects can last up to 10-12 hours.
Dosage and Administration
Vyvanse is usually taken once per day, in the morning. The usual starting dosage is 30 mg, and the highest recommended dosage is 70 mg daily. It can be taken with or without food.
Side Effects Specific to Children
Certain side effects of Vyvanse may be more common in children, including loss of appetite, weight loss, effects on personality, and slowed growth.
Managing Weight Changes with ADHD Medication
ADHD medications, including stimulants like Vyvanse, can cause weight loss as a side effect. However, once the medication wears off, appetite can return, leading to potential weight gain.
Strategies to Manage Weight
- Control impulses: Avoid keeping junk foods at home and stock up on healthy treats like fresh fruit, carrot sticks, nuts, and low-fat yogurt.
- Plan meals: Make a list before going to the supermarket and stick to it.
- Cook in batches: Prepare large batches of healthy meals and freeze them for easy access.
- Exercise regularly: Use extra energy to exercise, breaking routines into 10- or 15-minute segments to make them easier to finish.
- Track progress: Keep track of diet and fitness in a diary or using a smartphone app.
Vyvanse: Important Precautions
- Vyvanse has a high potential for abuse and dependence.
- It is not indicated for weight loss because it may be associated with serious cardiovascular side effects.
- Vyvanse may cause dizziness, impair judgment, and affect a person's ability to drive or operate machinery.
- Alcohol should be avoided while taking Vyvanse.
- Tell your doctor if you experience chest pain on exertion, unexplained temporary loss of consciousness, or other symptoms suggestive of heart disease.
- Vyvanse may precipitate psychotic symptoms even in people with no psychiatric history.