Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a prescription medication primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It is also approved for the treatment of moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. While weight loss can be a side effect of Vyvanse, it is crucial to understand that the drug is not approved for weight loss and should not be used for that purpose due to potential serious side effects and the risk of addiction.
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a stimulant drug that belongs to the amphetamine class. It works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps to improve attention, control hyperactivity, and improve mood. Vyvanse is a long-acting drug that is slowly released into the body over many hours.
Vyvanse for Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
In 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Vyvanse for the treatment of BED in adults. Binge eating disorder is characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating, where individuals consume large amounts of food in a short period and feel a lack of control over their eating.
How Vyvanse Works for BED
Vyvanse helps reduce obsessive thoughts about binge eating and the number of binge episodes. Studies have shown that adults with moderate to severe BED who took Vyvanse experienced significantly fewer binge days per week compared to a control group. The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale Modified for Binge Eating (Y-BOCS-BE) was used to measure obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, and results indicated that patients taking Vyvanse had a greater decrease in these thoughts and behaviors compared to the control group.
Goals of BED Treatment
The primary goals of BED treatment are to reduce binges and address unhealthy coping skills and triggers. Treatment also focuses on emotional feelings such as shame, guilt, and poor self-image. While Vyvanse can aid in treatment, it is not the sole solution.
Read also: Weight Loss Effects: Concerta & Vyvanse
Psychotherapy for BED
Psychotherapy is a primary treatment for binge eating disorders. Different types of therapy can be used, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify triggers for binge episodes, recognize negative feelings and thoughts, and develop healthier self-talk and behaviors.
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy: Focuses on a person’s relationship with others, including family, friends, and co-workers, to reduce binge eating triggered by poor relationships and unhealthy communication skills.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Helps individuals learn new coping skills such as stress tolerance, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and improved interpersonal skills.
Risks and Side Effects of Vyvanse
Vyvanse has a high potential for abuse and dependence and is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. It is essential to be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with taking Vyvanse.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Vyvanse include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Sweating
- Weight loss
- Irritability
- Restlessness
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects of Vyvanse can include:
- Heart problems, such as high blood pressure, increased heart rate, heart attack, stroke, and sudden cardiac death
- Mental health conditions, such as mania or psychosis
- Problems with blood flow to fingers and toes, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon
- Serotonin syndrome
- Slowed growth in children
- Risk of misuse and addiction, which may lead to suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Severe allergic reaction
Contraindications
People with certain co-occurring conditions may not be able to take Vyvanse. These include:
Read also: Vyvanse: A Comprehensive Overview
- People who take antidepressants
- People with substance use disorders
- People with high blood pressure
- People with cardiovascular conditions
Boxed Warning
Vyvanse has a boxed warning, which is the most serious warning from the FDA, regarding the risk of misuse and addiction. Misuse can lead to dependence and addiction, with symptoms such as heavy breathing, high blood pressure, hostile behavior, increased heart rate, and insomnia.
Vyvanse and Weight Loss
While weight loss is a potential side effect of Vyvanse, it is not approved for weight loss or the treatment of obesity. Using similar drugs for these purposes has caused serious heart problems.
Why Vyvanse is Not Recommended for Weight Loss
- Serious Side Effects: Vyvanse can cause serious side effects that can harm your health.
- Addiction Potential: Vyvanse has a high potential for abuse and dependence.
- Not a Safe or Effective Method: Vyvanse is not a safe or effective way to lose weight outside of healthcare provider-guided binge eating disorder treatment.
What Happens If You Take Vyvanse Without ADHD?
Taking Vyvanse without ADHD can lead to serious side effects, including anxiety, irritability, agitation, nervousness, insomnia, depression, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, delusions, psychosis, or mania.
Safe and Effective Weight Loss Methods
If you are looking to lose weight for health reasons, there are safe and effective ways to do so:
- 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.
Read also: Side Effects of Vyvanse: Weight Loss
Vyvanse Dosage and Administration
Vyvanse comes in two forms: capsules and chewable tablets, available in strengths of 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg, and 70mg. The usual starting dosage for ADHD and BED is 30 mg once per day, taken in the morning. The dosage may be increased over time by your doctor.
Important Considerations
- Take Vyvanse in the morning to avoid insomnia.
- Swallow capsules whole or mix the powder inside with water, juice, or yogurt.
- Chew chewable tablets completely before swallowing.
- Do not crush or split capsules or chewable tablets.
- Vyvanse can be taken with or without food.
What to Discuss with Your Doctor
It is essential to discuss all your concerns and questions about Vyvanse with your doctor. Here are some questions to consider:
- How will Vyvanse affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?
- What are the potential side effects, and how can they be managed?
- What are the risks of misuse, dependence, and addiction?
- Are there alternative treatments for my condition?
Vyvanse in Pediatric Obesity: A Case Report
While Vyvanse is not typically used for weight loss, a case report described the use of lisdexamfetamine treatment on an adolescent patient with severe obesity, binge eating disorder, and attention deficit disorder. In this case, the patient had been followed in a pediatric weight management clinic since the age of 9, with limited success from intensive lifestyle treatment.
Treatment and Results
The patient was started on lisdexamfetamine at the lowest dose of 20 mg once daily, which was gradually increased to 50 mg. After one year of treatment, the patient lost 39.4 lbs, with a significant reduction in BMI. The patient also reported improvements in school performance and social anxiety.
Considerations
The decision to use lisdexamfetamine in this case was made by a multidisciplinary team well-trained in clinical anti-obesity therapeutic applications. The team considered the patient's disease progression, comorbid conditions, and limited response to intensive lifestyle treatment. It's noted that lisdexamfetamine was indicated for ADHD, providing double benefits in this case.
tags: #vyvanse #for #weight #loss #information