Is Vyvanse Approved For Weight Loss?

Vyvanse is not approved for weight loss. However, it is approved for those suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep disorders such as narcolepsy.

Vyvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate and is marketed by Shire Pharmaceuticals. Vyvanse is a stimulant medication that contains the active ingredient lisdexamfetamine dextroamphetamine.

Although Vyvanse is not approved for weight loss, this medication can be useful in helping prevent weight gain, which is one reason why it’s approved for those struggling with binge eating disorder.

Vyvanse & Appetite Suppression

Although sometimes simply referred to as an ADHD medication, Vyvanse is a medication that can be used for more than just ADHD treatment. In fact, Vyvanse can be used for those suffering from binge eating disorder since the med has a side effect of appetite suppression.

Treating Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder may consist of a person having recurring bouts of binge eating. This can take place within a short amount of time and involves eating a larger amount of food than necessary.

In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a lack of control over eating is a key component of binge eating disorder. To help treat this disorder, Vyvanse may be prescribed due to one of the primary side effects of the drug, the suppression of appetite.

Dangers Of Using Vyvanse For Weight Loss

In addition to the serious side effects which can occur when taking Vyvanse, those who abuse this stimulant may experience a number of health concerns.

Vyvanse Can Be Habit-Forming

Some may abuse Vyvanse to experience weight loss or prevent weight gain, despite the lack of necessity.

Since Vyvanse is habit-forming, people who abuse this stimulant drug may begin to increase their dosage in the hopes of losing more weight or experiencing the feelings produced by the stimulant.

Vyvanse weight loss is one of the main contributors as to why people continue to abuse the drug. Vyvanse abuse can lead to an imbalance within the CNS, causing withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal Symptoms

If a person has developed physical dependence to Vyvanse and they abruptly stop taking the medication, they can experience a withdrawal syndrome. A number of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms may take place.

Certain withdrawal symptoms can occur such as:

• extreme fatigue
• depression
• cravings for stimulants
• increased appetite<
• prolonged sleep
• mood swings

Side Effects Of Vyvanse

Although Vyvanse can help those struggling from a range of health issues, it creates a number of short-term and long-term side effects. While Vyvanse has common side effects such as loss of appetite, there are other side effects that can be more serious.

Short-Term Side Effects

Some of the short-term side effects of Vyvanse may include:

• sleepiness
• dry mouth
• weight loss
• nausea
• constipation
• diarrhea
• headache

Long-Term Side Effects

Some of the long-term side effects of Vyvanse consist of cardiovascular problems. For instance, a person may exhibit poor blood circulation in the extremities. Those with poor circulation in their fingers and toes can develop Raynaud’s disease.

Other cardiovascular issues include an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and heart palpitations. Due to these dangerous cardiovascular changes, the risk of a stroke or heart attack may occur.

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mental health problems can also be a long-term side effect of Vyvanse. Some of the symptoms a person may experience include depression, anxiety, and manic episodes.

How Stimulants Work

There are a number of other prescription stimulants that include:

• Concerta (methylphenidate)
• Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine)
• Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
• Ritalin (methylphenidate)
• Modafinil (Provigil)

Stimulants work by stimulating two neurotransmitters in the brain. When the central nervous system (CNS) is affected, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain are increased.

This is how the stimulant is effective in controlling ADHD symptoms, and why these medications are sometimes abused.

To learn about our outpatient treatment programs for stimulant abuse and addiction, please contact us today.