Vyvanse and Weight Loss: A Closer Look

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Prescription drugs have an intended use, but they tend to come with side effects. Some might view these as positive, while others are unwanted. Vyvanse is one particular drug that can result in side effects that might lead some people to abuse or misuse this medication.

Misusing medication can be harmful, so it is critical to understand what it is you’re taking and why. If you’re trying to lose weight and are curious about taking Vyvanse, keep reading. 

This article explores the effectiveness, safety, and risks of using Vyvanse for weight loss.

What Is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine, a prescription-only stimulant medication taken orally. It is FDA-approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in patients over the age of 6 and moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults.

Vyvanse belongs to a class of drugs called central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medications. These medications increase certain chemicals in the brain to enhance cognitive processes. They can help improve mental performance, concentration levels, and energy levels.

People must take Vyvanse correctly as prescribed by their doctor. It is categorized as a schedule II controlled substance, which means this drug has a high risk of abuse and the potential to cause severe psychological and physical dependence if used inappropriately.

What Is Vyvanse used for?

Vyvanse is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Individuals with ADHD tend to be restless and fidgety, have difficulty concentrating, and act without thinking. Vyvanse helps decrease these symptoms and increase attention and alertness.

Doctors also prescribe Vyvanse to treat binge eating disorder in adults. People with binge eating disorder frequently consume large amounts of food and struggle to control their eating habits. Vyvanse is proven to be an effective drug for reducing the number of binge episodes.

The Food and Drug Administration only approves this medication to treat ADHD and binge eating disorder. Vyvanse is not designed for weight loss, although some people do misuse the drug to lose weight. You should only ever use prescription drugs as directed.

How Does Vyvanse Cause Weight Loss?

One side effect of Vyvanse is that it promotes appetite suppression, which means you lose the desire to eat. This is partly why Vyvanse for binge eating works. It makes the user feel less hungry while increasing attention, allowing them more control over their binge eating habits.

Moreover, Vyvanse has some physical effects that can aid weight loss. It stimulates the sympathetic nervous system causing the body to burn excess energy stores, which may help you lose weight. It can also increase physical energy, making you more likely to exercise and burn fat.

How Quickly Do You Lose Weight on Vyvanse?

It’s unclear how quickly or how much weight you might lose on Vyvanse because weight loss is only a side effect of this drug. It has yet to be studied thoroughly for weight loss purposes. Not everyone will have the same results, and you should not rely on this drug for weight loss.

It can start taking effect after the first dose when used to treat symptoms of ADHD and BED. However, it might take a few weeks to see any noticeable physical changes in your body.

Does Vyvanse Speed Up Your Metabolism?

Taking Vyvanse can potentially speed up your metabolism. It raises your body temperature, which is closely associated with your body’s metabolism and also activates the central nervous system, and the sympathetic nervous system plays a fundamental role in regulating metabolism.

A faster metabolism can support weight management, while metabolic slowing can aid weight gain. Some users may experience unwanted weight loss while taking Vyvanse despite eating food as normal and following their usual diet.

Side Effects of Vyvanse

Like any drug, anybody who takes Vyvanse might experience some side effects. You can work with your doctor to assess the advantages and drawbacks of using Vyvanse. Usually, the benefits of prescription drugs weigh out the potential adverse effects.

Serious side effects may include allergic reactions and serious cardiovascular reactions with an overdose, including a heart attack or sudden death. Vyvanse can potentially cause certain mental health conditions. If you have a mental health disorder, Vyvanse might worsen symptoms.

How to Lose Weight Safely

Taking an ADHD drug is not a safe way to lose weight. You do not want to risk Vyvanse addiction, which can have a rebound effect and lead to severe weight gain. Furthermore, the Vyvanse withdrawal period brings unpleasant symptoms, such as anxiety and fatigue.

There are better ways to lose weight without putting your mental and physical health at risk. Diet and exercise are two scientifically-proven strategies to help you shed pounds. A healthy diet fills your body with important nutrients, while exercise ensures you burn calories.

Conclusion

Vyvanse should be reserved for treating ADHD and binge eating disorders. It is not FDA-approved for weight loss, and using this medication to alter your appetite and promote fat loss intentionally is dangerous. It can pose a serious threat to your physical and mental health.

It’s best to lose weight with safe and sustainable methods. Aim to eat healthier and work out at least twice a week to reduce your overall body weight.