Vyvanse Weight Loss: What You Need to Know

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 1 year ago · 4 min read

Vyvanse is a prescription medication designed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but it has also been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat Binge Eating Disorder or (B.E.D).

According to Good Rx Health, ADHD drugs are intended to curb impulsive behaviors, and binge eating in itself is an example of an impulsive habit. That’s why this drug is so effective in treating binge eating disorders. Although the manufacturer of Vyvanse states that it is not a weight loss drug, it has been proven effective as a weight loss solution.

But how does Vyvanse work in its treatment of eating disorders? Vyvanse is the brand name version of lisdexamfetamine, an amphetamine. As a Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant, Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance. This means that it can be easily abused and is addictive. 

Other examples of Schedule II drugs are methadone, hydromorphone, and Oxycodone. Schedule III drugs are typically safer, because they are less likely to be abused. Schedule II drugs can cause dependency, but are often acceptable for medical purposes. 

Buprenorphine and anabolic steroids are considered Schedule II medications. Many stimulant medications have the side effect of weight loss, and Vyvanse is no exception. Although more research is necessary to validate Vyvanse as an effective weight loss aid, weight loss is a prominent side effect of this medication. 

Weight loss is a common side effect of many CNS medications. There are a number of other CNS medications on the market. These include:

• Ritalin

• Focalin

• Adderall

These drugs mobilize dopamine in the brain. Eating in itself mobilizes dopamine. Too much dopamine can lead to weight gain, especially when you are partial to unhealthy and sugary food. Although it is approved for the treatment of B.E.D., Vyvanse is not approved by the FDA for weight loss. 

According to The Recovery Village, both Vyvanse and Adderall suppress appetite, but it is not advisable to take these drugs for this purpose alone. Even though drugs like Ritalin, Adderall, and Vyvanse achieve the same goals, it’s important to remember that they come with side effects. What side effects you experience while on this medication will ultimately depend upon you as an individual. 

If you are taking or are considering taking Vyvanse, it is important to know its side effects. According to experts, side effects of Vyvanse include nausea, headache, and weight loss. Researchers have found that males aged six to 12 typically see the following symptoms while on Vyvanse. 

• Insomnia 

• Stomach pain

• Mood swings

• Headache

Many people find that their appetite is lowered while taking Vyvanse, but experts assert that Vyvanse is not a reliable weight loss method. Because Vyvanse can cause you to drop weight quickly, it can lead some people to develop anorexia—a condition that can lead to extreme weight loss and an addiction to achieving thinness. 

Approved in 2015, Vyvanse helps with a number of behavioral-related issues, including impulse control. However, it has also been found to cause problems, such as a rapid heartbeat, gastrointestinal problems, and numbness. Many people believe that Vyvanse was developed for weight loss, but such is not the case. 

Vyvanse leads to weight loss in a number of ways. First of all, it suppresses appetite. Because of this, you feel full and have less of an inclination to snack between meals. This causes weight loss. Vyvanse is also believed to increase your heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure. These three factors could potentially speed up metabolism, thus resulting in weight loss. 

Although many people like to take Vyvanse for weight loss, experts don’t recommend doing so. Because Vyvanse is a controlled substance, it could lead to a host of other problems. Taking too much Vyvanse can lead to addiction, a problem that is all too prevalent in America. 

Vyvanse is effective in treating binge eating disorders, most likely because it suppresses appetite and reduces the desire to eat. Vyvanse increases awareness, which is why it is so effective in the treatment of binge eating disorder. But how does Vyvanse cause weight loss? According to Health Reporter, Vyvanse activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering the body to burn its energy stores. 

This aids in weight loss and gives you an energy boost. This increases your vitality and may actually motivate you to exercise. Exercising makes you feel good and motivated, despite what skeptics say. Exercise leads to fat loss. As a result of exercising, your mood is boosted, and you have increased vitality.

Because Vyvanse causes your body temperature to elevate, the central nervous system is stimulated when you take it. This leads to an increased metabolism, which is necessary to shed pounds. Having a faster metabolism also makes it easier to maintain your weight. When combined, all of these factors help you lose weight on this medication.

However, there are some things to be aware of. Despite its effectiveness, Vyvanse does produce a number of undesirable side effects. These include an elevated heart rate, lowered appetite, agitation, and nausea. 

Vyvanse also has some less common side effects. These include euphoria, dysphoria, sleepiness, and paranoia. However, there is a tactic to lose weight safely when you take Vyvanse. Eating a healthy diet is essential to lose weight while on Vyvanse. This can be achieved by eating fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. 

Surprisingly, trying to lose weight using Vyvanse can place your mental health at risk. Those who have no history of mental illness have the potential to develop mental illness if they take Vyvanse for weight loss. This drug can also produce psychological side effects, such as irritability and anxiety. 

It is important to exercise caution when taking Vyvanse, because its classification as A Schedule II stimulant makes it a risky choice as a medication. Take these factors into consideration if you are interested in taking Vyvanse as a weight loss aid.

While many people take prescription drugs off-label to lose weight, experts strongly discourage taking Vyvanse for this purpose. Taking Vyvanse alongside medications for depression poses a big risk. Doing so brings the potential for misuse. Abusing Vyvanse for weight loss comes with a number of long-term consequences. 

Dangers of abuse 

Vyvanse is designed differently than its stimulant counterparts, such as Adderall and Ritalin. Vyvanse is considered a prodrug. This means that it is a modified version of medications that convert enzymes, so they “become an active form” of the medication. Those who attempt to abuse this medication do so in a number of ways. Many people crush the pill until it becomes a powder and then immerse it in a liquid, which is then put into a needle. 

 This scary fact about Vyvanse should be a deterrent, but addiction often overrules logic for those who are addicted to Vyvanse. A number of symptoms indicate Vyvanse abuse. These include the following:

• Sweating

• Flushed skin

• Dilated pupils

• Stomach pain

• Vomiting

• Shaking

• Insomnia

There are also more extreme and dangerous indicators of abuse, which include:

• Hostility 

• Anxiety

• Suicidal thoughts

• Homicidal thoughts

It also helps to know the symptoms of a Vyvanse overdose. Symptoms of an overdose on Vyvanse can include nausea, fever, diarrhea, restlessness, aggression, and rapid breathing. Additionally, one may experience a rapid heartbeat or unconsciousness. Taking too much Vyvanse can lead to other problems, including heart failure and seizures. In some cases, these conditions can lead to death. 

In the event that you or someone you love experiences any of these, you should call 911 immediately. However, bear in mind that there may be a timeline on how long someone can survive heart failure. 

Vyvanse comes in a number of forms, including as a chewable tablet and a capsule. It comes in seven different strengths. However, you should steer clear of medications, such as Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, antidepressants, and Triptans. You should also avoid substances, such as St. John’s Wort, lithium, and Acetazolamide. 

As a general rule, Vyvanse should be taken once per day, usually around the time you eat breakfast. 

Weight loss results

Those who take Vyvanse to achieve weight loss tend to see results quickly. Some people report losing as many as seven pounds within the first few weeks of taking this medication. Many of these individuals report a drop in appetite. However, one common complaint is that the drug oftentimes is only effective for about eight hours, a disparaging fact for those seeking continual weight loss. 

According to PubMed, stimulants play a probable role in the treatment of eating disorders. Experts assert that more research on stimulants for weight loss will help them learn more about this phenomenon. According to experts, there is currently limited research on the impact of stimulants on weight loss.

To avoid experiencing drug interactions while taking Vyvanse, it is important to speak with your doctor before you begin taking it. You should not take this medication if you have a history of conditions like seizures, coronary artery disease, and high blood pressure. Those with anxiety should not take this medication, because Vyvanse is likely to make anxiety worse.

15 Sources

Nu Image Medical has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references. 

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https://www.goodrx.com/vyvanse/common-side-effects

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/anorexia

https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/vyvanse-effects-on-the-body

https://healthreporter.com/vyvanse-weight-loss/

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/whole-grains/

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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34846763/

https://dictionary.apa.org/dysphoria

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.