Vyvanse and Weight Loss
Although Vyvanse is prescribed to adults and children who have been diagnosed with ADHD, many patients have reported that they have lost weight while using it. Patients who have started using it may experience a severe decrease in appetite when using this amphetamine-based medication, especially within the first few weeks.
Appetite Suppression
While Vyvanse has the ability to stimulate the brain by controlling the release of dopamine and norepinephrine, it also has the ability to decrease the patient’s appetite which can result in moderate to severe weight loss. This is because it raises the body temperature, blood pressure and heart rates in some patients. Because the body temperature is so closely linked to a person’s metabolism, it can result in rapid weight loss when these symptoms are experienced while using this medication.
Because this medication has not been approved by the FDA as a weight-loss drug, it should not be used exclusively for this purpose under any circumstances, as it can lead to serious psychological side effects.
How to Avoid Weigt Loss
Adults and children who are experiencing rapid weight loss while using this medication should advise their doctor immediately, as this can lead to other health conditions if not treated.
Doctors may adjust the dosage of the drug to see if the patient experiences an improvement in appetite. In most cases, this will involve decreasing the dosage until the symptoms are no longer present. If this approach is not effective, a non-stimulant ADHD medication may be prescribed instead. Patients should ensure that they at least try to eat something at mealtimes in order to try and stimulate their appetite. It can sometimes help to offer the patient their favourite foods to try and encourage them to finish meals.
Patients who use Vyvanse should monitor their weight carefully to ensure that they don’t lose weight too rapidly or lose too much weight. A balanced diet that is high in proteins and complex carbohydrates can help prevent significant weight loss while on the medication. Patients should consume smaller meals more frequently throughout the day and include foods like nuts, legumes, olive oil, low-fat dairy products and fruits in their diet. It is important for patients to avoid high fat or processed foods while using this medication, as it will lead to unhealthy weight gain and other conditions such as diabetes. Juices like apple or cranberry juice are calorie-rich and should also be included to help the patient gain weight.
Another way for patients to help prevent weight loss while using Vyvanse is to engage in regular exercise. While this may sound strange, it is true because of the fact that exercise is known to stimulate the appetite naturally. By stimulating the appetite, the patient will be more inclined to eat and thus retain a healthy weight while using Vyvanse. It is always important to follow your doctor’s order while using this medication.
