Vyvanse and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2016

For ADHD "Vyvanse has changed my life. I went from being a failing student to having grades above 90% in only a few weeks. These past 3 1/2 weeks have been the most productive weeks of my life. However, this med does come with a downside. Some side effects I experienced have been loss of appetite, dry mouth, trouble staying asleep, as well as some minor OCD. The OCD is really the only side effect that has been bothering me, when I have paper in front of me and I'm writing, I will constantly keep erasing what I wrote and writing it back down until it looks perfect, which I've never done before in my life. As for social anxiety, I actually feel more confident going outside, my brain feels slowed down when working, and I don't zone out anymore. 9.5/10"

• JPT...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 1, 2022

For ADHD "I've been on Vyvanse for 12 years now, and it's done nothing but positive things for me. Normally, I'm a scatterbrained mess due to ADHD, but Vyvanse has allowed me to live a productive and wonderful life. Not sure where I would be without it. I've only had to raise my dose once in the 12 years that I've been on it, and only because I started an anxiety drug that slightly diminished its effects. Started at 40 mg daily, now at 50 mg daily. The only lingering side effects have been minor: decreased appetite in the mornings (I take my pill with breakfast to help with that), dry mouth in the mornings, and increased libido (girlfriend loves that, as do I, so I'd say it's a positive!). I highly recommend Vyvanse for ADHD. It is a life changer. The only downside is that it is incredibly expensive, even with insurance. The out-of-pocket cost is insane, so if you don't have insurance, good luck."

• Anonymous
• October 24, 2008

For ADHD "I have identical twin boys that are eight years old. They were both diagnosed with ADHD at a young age. At first, we did everything possible to avoid medicines. After 1 year, we started with Adderall, the extended and immediate release, 2 pills a day and were impressed. Its effectiveness was noticeable once the medicine wore off (moodiness, short temper, and rebound hyperactivity). After 2 years, we were introduced to Vyvanse and it is great. They only take one pill daily, and it lasts 11-12 hours without the rebound side effects. The only problem is eating, they don't have much of an appetite throughout the day."

• mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 2, 2016

For ADHD "This medication saved my life! Better than any antidepressant I've ever tried (and I've tried a lot). Currently on it to help with my ADHD and manic depression (bipolar 2). Side effects are small and definitely worth it (to me, at least). Dry mouth and decrease in appetite. I've also lost 40 pounds since I've been on it (went from 182 pounds to *currently* 142 pounds)."

• Aus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2013

For ADHD "I was on Ritalin/Concerta since I was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 6 (I am now 18). I switched to Strattera last September, and that was horrible, it didn't do a thing for my ADHD. I went back on Concerta, but noticed it wasn't working as well. My psychiatrist switched me to Vyvanse 40 mg in the morning, and I immediately noticed the benefits, 100% better than Concerta and 400,000% better than Strattera. The only side effect is a lack of appetite, but I am welcoming that side effect because I also suffer from binge eating disorder. It helps my concentration immensely (I suffer from severe ADHD, to the point where it's hard to have a conversation without zoning out and not listening). Vyvanse is a lifesaver!"

• FL ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 8, 2013

For ADHD "I'm 33 and have struggled with ADHD for as long as I can remember. I was prescribed Vyvanse for the first time 6 months ago. I noticed a huge difference within just a couple of days. Unlike Ritalin and Adderall, I'm not moody and it actually works the entire day. My focus and concentration have improved greatly and so has my quality of life. The only drawbacks are that I've noticed a decreased appetite, and usually, it takes an hour or two to 'kick in'. I don't take it on weekends to help avoid developing a tolerance (this was per my physician's advice), and I seem to be restless at night on days when I don't take it. But overall, Vyvanse has helped me more than any other ADHD medication I've ever been on. Strongly recommended!"

• yxx...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 15, 2019

For ADHD "I started taking this after being diagnosed with a depressive disorder, GAD, and ADHD while in a short stay at the mental hospital for kids. Before this, I was so smart, but I couldn’t stop talking. I would constantly get in trouble for not staying quiet, and I wouldn’t do the best on my tests just because I couldn’t pay attention. As a young girl, they just said these symptoms were because of ‘puberty,’ and my severe ADHD went unnoticed until I was 15 and failing all my classes. After taking Vyvanse (started at 30mg and increased until 60mg where I’m at now), my grades went from C’s, D’s, and the occasional B to all B’s and A’s in a month. It suppressed my appetite, but that helps me with binging due to my ADHD. This medication works well, but the insomnia for the first week was hard. Melatonin worked well to fight that."

• Anonymous
• January 24, 2009

For ADHD "Vyvanse has worked great for me. Before I started taking the medication, I was like a walking zombie. I was zoned out about 90% of the day. Since I have started Vyvanse, I can tell a huge difference, and so can my family and friends. They say that I am more talkative and a great listener now and that I also seem much happier. The only downfall of this medication is some of the side effects, such as loss of appetite and sometimes I get headaches. I think I can deal with the side effects."

• Smi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 20, 2023

For ADHD "I have ADHD and bipolar. I took Vyvanse for years but was on too high of a dose at 60 mg, so we discontinued and focused more on treating my bipolar. I took about a year off and noticed that my mental health was way worse just treating my bipolar. I recently got back on 20 mg about 2 months ago, and I finally feel like myself again! I have more physical and mental energy. Small tasks no longer feel overwhelming, I can keep my room clean and can play with my kids without becoming exhausted for no reason. The only side effect I experience is loss of appetite, but I combat that with delta 8 (with the approval of my doctor), and that helps me to eat throughout the day. Obviously, this medication doesn’t work for everyone, but it is worth a try! I would advise starting with a low dose and adjusting where needed!"

• Sta...
• April 26, 2014

For ADHD "It's good during the day for my attention, but I have to force myself to eat. I've had bad headaches, probably from not eating enough. Also, as the evening progresses, I notice I start feeling moody and depressed. I sometimes cry over the silliest things. I also notice my appetite comes back later in the night as well, which could turn into a bad thing with weight gain. Normally, I can't fall asleep till around 2-3 a.m. every night. I know there seems to be more cons than pros, but overall, I rate Vyvanse a 7 due to the fact my mind isn't all over the place, when someone is talking to me, I'm actually listening. I seem to be in a better mood during the day, nighttime is my downfall!"

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2016

For ADHD "My 13-year-old son was put on Vyvanse for his ADHD and started at 20 mg, 30 mg, and for the last two weeks has been on 40 mg. He's had the usual not much of an appetite and off sleeping patterns. However, I've noticed in the last two weeks a drastic behavior change in him where he is extremely emotional, very anxious, feeling like everyone hates him, depressed, and wanting to hurt himself. His pediatrician advised me to stop this medication."

• Dee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 13, 2021

For Binge Eating Disorder "Vyvanse was a miracle drug for me for about 6 months, but the appetite suppression has mostly worn off and I'm back to bingeing and obsessive thoughts about weight and food, especially because after losing 50 lbs, I'm so worried I'm going to gain it back. My doctor didn't tell me at the start that the appetite suppression doesn't last. I wish I could get back that feeling I had where I wasn't thinking about food all the time and I felt normal. The doctor said I can increase my dose (I'm at 40 mg), but what happens when I get to the max dosage and my body gets used to that?"

• Dyl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2017

For Binge Eating Disorder "I've been taking this medication for about 4 days now. I've been binge eating a few times a week since I was about 12, and now I'm almost 19. My nurse practitioner put me on a 20 mg dose in the morning and said it would help with my BED and my energy due to my depression (diagnosed at 14, but have felt it since 13). The first day I took the Vyvanse, I took it around 12, and around 3 pm, I had energy I haven't had in YEARS. I'm in college and decorated my room, organized every single drawer, and even scrubbed the floor. I was talking my roommate's ear off. It's helped with my food habits, but now nothing sounds good. I'm barely getting to 400 calories a day and am hoping it will get better soon. But so far, so good!"

• Que...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 28, 2016

For ADHD "At first, I felt like it was a miracle pill. THE PROS: I could finally focus. I got things done. My grades improved extremely. I'd feel so happy, I wanted to talk to everyone about everything. THE CONS (These are the side effects that came after taking it for a year or so): I'm not the same person anymore. I only care about what I'm focused on doing. I'm not fun and happy anymore. I don't like to joke around. I'm constantly anxious. It makes me obsess over everything. Terrible headaches. Beyond exhausted and light-headed for the first few hours. No appetite. Can't sleep without medicine. In the middle of doing things, it's like my brain just freezes for a minute. Worst of all, I feel addicted to it, and I don't enjoy time with my children and loved ones like I used to."

• Cai...
• March 13, 2016

For ADHD "I have been taking Vyvanse for a couple of months now for my ADHD and BED. 40 mg seems to work fine with minimal side effects. My doctor recommended that I only take it on work days and give my system a break on weekends. However, I noticed that my binge eating has gotten way out of control on days that I don't take it, to make up for the loss of appetite during the week, I guess. I mean, I eat constantly! Is anyone else having this problem?"

• ldd...
• August 22, 2013

For ADHD "26 y/o female who was diagnosed with ADHD at 15. My parents chose not to treat it with medication. As an adult in college, I got made fun of in good humor by friends about how much I studied. I couldn't concentrate, remember, mind wander, and jump to something else & hyper. Tried Adderall instant and XR. My husband said both made me mean and irritable. Plus, I lost 10 pounds before our wedding (already underweight). It increased my anxiety, I hated it. My psychiatrist switched me to Vyvanse 30mg. Wow! No mood swings, no appetite changes, can concentrate, less anxiety because it evens me out. I feel alive and normal!"

• mar...
• September 20, 2008

For ADHD "My 8-year-old son was diagnosed with ADHD when he started kindergarten. It was horrible. His doctor put him on Focalin XR. It worked pretty well, it definitely calmed him down and helped him concentrate in class. But after a while, I noticed his appetite decreased immensely, and he started losing weight. So in April of '08, his doctor switched him to Vyvanse, and it is amazing. His appetite is normal, he's doing very well in school, and he's making lots of friends. Our lives have changed for the better thanks to Vyvanse."

• Anonymous
• September 26, 2009

For ADHD "I am a 20-year-old college student who was working full-time when I started taking this medicine, Vyvanse. At the time when I was first given this medicine, I was about 140 lbs and I'm 5'7''. And after about 4 months of taking the Vyvanse, I weighed anywhere between 115-120 lbs. Not good! The medicine made me totally not eat and run around like I was on drugs and couldn't sit still. I became so skinny I could see all of my ribs. I also felt like I had lost all emotions, and the relationship with my parents was harmed because of this. I think part of the problem was the doctor just upping my dose whenever he felt like it and not being very responsible. But I just want to warn anyone who is thinking about taking Vyvanse to be careful and have a doctor who cares."

• Rra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2019

For ADHD "I was on Vyvanse 30 mg for 5 months, it was the best time of my life. Succeeding in school. Succeeding in soccer and being really social while on it. Coming off it wasn’t that bad as I pretty much just went every day, then just decided to quit because I was so confident that I didn’t need the drug to do what I was doing. About a month later, I lost all my confidence as my ADHD really brought down my confidence when I started falling behind in school and wasn’t quite as social. I feel this drug does help with social anxiety, which I also have. Strongly thinking about going back on it, and I haven’t taken it in 2 years, just not sure yet. Some side effects I did notice were agitation, loss of appetite, and being abnormally emotional."

• Anonymous
• October 8, 2009

For ADHD "I have tried typing a response and recommendation for this medication but keep running out of space. In short, this drug absolutely changed my life. As adults, we all remember certain days in our life, i.e., our first kiss, graduation, birth of a child, getting married, etc. I will always remember Saturday, December 8, 2007, as the day where my life changed because of Vyvanse. The only side effect for me was a complete loss of appetite for about a month. But in my case, that's not such a bad thing! I was taking 50 mg for about 6 months and now have taken 70 mg for the last 16 months."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2014

For ADHD "Was placed on Vyvanse after extreme weight loss on Adderall. Started at 20 mg, upped to 40 mg, then upped to 40 mg 2x a day. I got my appetite back, but the medication really did nothing else for me. I went into rages and had huge anger problems for no reason. Anything could set me off! I could barely sleep or focus at work/school. Basically, I gained back the weight I had lost, but everything else sucked. I couldn't make it more than 6 months, my doctor switched me to Adderall XR."

• Anonymous
• June 4, 2009

For ADHD "I am a 21-year-old male diagnosed with ADD around 4 years ago. About a while back, I was prescribed 50 mg of Vyvanse. So far, its effects have been very positive. In the past, I have been on Strattera and Adderall. The euphoric feeling Adderall produces brings a high potential for abuse and dependence, along with extreme mood changes and irritability. With Vyvanse, the urge for more does not exist. It is consistent throughout most of the day and delivers concentration and a sense of confidence and well-being. I've had slightly decreased appetite, but am much more productive and focused. I feel that I have gotten my life back. It is the best ADD medicine I have been on. Highly recommended."

• jen...
• April 23, 2021

For Binge Eating Disorder "Frustrated with this drug. Yes, I lost a lot of weight and didn’t have an appetite for a little while, and I thought, “Wow, what a miracle, I feel great.” Of course, I felt great, I was losing weight with no effort and was also high on stimulants! It’s been over a year now, and it doesn’t work anymore, and I’ve been on the highest dose for a while now. I’ve gained all the weight back. DO NOT expect this to be a miracle... LONG TERM EFFECTIVENESS is a big issue."

• Drj...
• June 24, 2015

For ADHD "Been diagnosed with severe ADHD as a child on all the generic medications: Ritalin, Adderall, Adderall XR. Decided to run my life without it and did well for a while until I became 25. As you get older, ADHD changes and involves more depression, emotion, and anger while still keeping your energy level and craziness. Vyvanse was prescribed at a low dose, and it is clearly night and day on it. Emotions are manageable, and my mind is clear. One thought at a time. The lights in our mind do go out a tad. It's not so exciting in your own head anymore, but you do gain a sense of control that is, with ADHD, you don't even know exists. Some dry mouth, and it will keep you up at night if you take it too late. But that's to be expected from amphetamines. Some loss of appetite."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2016

For ADHD "My 10-year-old daughter was put on a low dose (20 mg) of Vyvanse for ADHD. Her ADHD was severely affecting her schoolwork. Positive: immediately teachers and I noticed she could focus, sit more still, and initiate her own homework, etc. But it's the NEGATIVE side effects that seriously concerned me. She went from a cheerful, joyous girl to a melancholy zombie. Even worse, she became more and more depressed and irritable at night. She said she felt like she lost all personality and had a sadness that she didn't understand why. I cannot emphasize enough how scary it was to see her whole personality change, and that was not worth any benefits she got out of Vyvanse. Other side effects: loss of appetite, joint/muscle pain, mouth twitch."