Vyvanse and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Sal...
• April 12, 2013

For ADHD "I am a 50 y/o f just recently diagnosed with ADHD. My 32 y/o was diagnosed just 2 or 3 yrs ago. I have always been forgetful, impatient, unable to focus, misplaced items, etc. I went back to college 2 1/2 yrs ago and did excellent, but it was very hard. Even though I studied and knew the material, it was the same in HS. I realized something was changing in my ability to learn and saw a doc on adults w/ADD & ADHD, realized it was hereditary, got tested and BAM. I've been on the initial 30 mg a day for a month. I feel sure doc will increase the dosage due to how long it lasts. But, it's GREAT, completely changed my life. I have a small decrease in appetite, must take it early to negate insomnia, otherwise, awesome med."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2012

For ADHD "Vyvanse is the awesomest thing that ever happened to me 4 months ago. At first, I would just stare at my teachers and try to listen to them, but it would just go out the other ear. But sometimes, I was just down the rabbit hole daydreaming. Also, when I tried to remember stuff, I would get distracted because that got too boring and I moved on. But on Vyvanse, I can concentrate with ease. I can remember stuff without even trying to. Nothing seems boring anymore in school, but I hate it how it makes me sweat a lot, like under the pits... a lot. For me, there's a major loss of appetite, like I don't eat anything once I'm on it because food doesn't sound, look, or taste good. But I do get these random cravings."

• Anonymous
• February 15, 2012

For ADHD "I am 20 years old and have been taking 60mg Vyvanse for a little more than 4 years now, and it really helps me focus. It increases my attention span, clarity, and motivation without giving me jitters. However, I have experienced almost every side effect that comes with this medicine, including insomnia, appetite loss, nighttime depression, flat-lined emotions throughout the day, etc. However, despite what you might think, there are ways around these bad side effects. Staying healthy is key. Making sure you're keeping yourself hydrated and getting a good hour of exercise every day can greatly reduce some of these bad side effects, and also hanging out with friends regularly helps too. This is just my experience, though."

• Ani...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 9, 2019

For ADHD "I have been on Concerta almost all my life, but last year my mental health got uncontrollable. I got prescribed Prozac, which I eventually got the right dose. But when I found the right dose, I started to take Concerta again, I had dropped it during the summer. My depression got worse. So my doctor prescribed me a non-stimulant ADHD drug, which didn't work at all. So my psychiatrist this time prescribed me Vyvanse. Vyvanse didn't work at first, but after a while, it did. Until my appetite went up, I know that's weird, normally, your appetite goes down. The doctor gave me a higher dose, and my appetite went back to normal, but my concentration wasn't as good as it was. So he increased it one last time. I can concentrate so well that I can work from 8 am to 9 pm non-stop. The only downfall is my appetite is almost gone. I concentrate all day that I don't take breaks. I can do my assignments, though. I think the benefits outweigh the loss of appetite."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2016

For Binge Eating Disorder "The medication did work at first to stop binges. At 30 mg, the starting dosage, it did not do anything. A week later at 50 mg, I had very little of an appetite for three days. After five days at 50 mg, I was binge-free, but the binges started on the sixth day and continued until my doctor increased it to 70 mg. I was binge-free about five to six days at 70 mg, but then they started again and have continued. So, it is not working for me to stop the binges. However, I do feel overall more energetic and alert. It fails to address my main concern, the binges."

• Ds ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 5, 2013

For ADHD "We switched on the advice of the then new ADHD therapist. It took longer to 'kick in' and build up than other meds we tried, but it has been a godsend. His grades are way up, and he's not as hot or cold as he used to be. My only issues are he won't eat while on it...not even a tiny bite. The doctor is keeping an eye on the weight. Also, to me, he's not himself. I don't like the flatness because his personality is so big! At least it wears off!"

• pat...
• May 24, 2008

For ADHD "I have to say that this has been a great drug that has done so many good things for my granddaughter that I have adopted. She is 7 years old with ADHD. She was so unhappy and would even tell me that she knew something wasn't right and wanted to be a good kid like the ones in her classroom. She was in tears and asking for help. This is the first drug for her ADHD, and it has worked great! Some side effects: not eating and not sleeping good at night. But overall, this drug has worked great so far."

• shm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2012

For ADHD "Then put me on 20 mg, and now I am on 40 mg. Throughout this whole trial, I have noticed a huge difference. I do have less appetite, like everyone else does. But that doesn't bother me. I am overweight already. I also concentrate way better. I am much happier during the day, and my patience has increased. He did put me on Lexapro for my anxiety, and that is all going good as well."

• Msn...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 9, 2017

For ADHD "Ok, so I'm 18. I have been taking these for a little under a year, and it keeps you very attentive, especially because I have school and after-school activities along with homework. It does help you focus, although it suppresses my appetite a little too much. I try to force myself to eat, but it seems like I can't. I have lost about 25 pounds and went from a size 8 to a 4 in jeans because of this medication. I don't know if anyone else experienced this, but it won't allow me to keep food or fluids in my system. I continue to run to the bathroom all night and all day, sometimes even at four in the morning. But for the most part, it's a good product for what it's used for."

• Kay...
• January 20, 2016

For ADHD "I am 21 years old, 5'7" and 115 lbs., and I am currently taking 20 mg in the morning. I've only been taking the medicine for about two weeks, but I've noticed a lot of changes. Positives: I'm getting my work done, staying motivated, I'm focused on the road when I'm driving now, and I don't forget little details like I was before. Negatives: zero appetite - I have to force myself to eat, minor nausea, easily aggravated. It also altered my menstrual cycle. I am still yet to start my period, but I've never been irregular - starting on the exact same days of each month since always. My mood has COMPLETELY changed in the two weeks. I'm severely depressed now and mildly suicidal. Can't tell if these side effects are worth it."

• r23...
• May 18, 2009

For ADHD "My son has been taking the medication for a week on Tuesday, and all I have to say is that he is doing a lot better. His teacher noticed a difference on the first day, so did my son. He stated to me that he can actually focus on lessons and listen to the lesson with no problem. The only thing that I can say is that my son said that he doesn't want to eat as much, but he eats anyway because he knows he needs to, and at night he wakes up once. The doctor did tell us that that may happen in the beginning, but that it will wear off."

• Anonymous
• January 14, 2010

For ADHD "I've been taking Vyvanse for about a year now, and it has been an interesting trip. At first, I couldn't sleep for the life of me and would go days on only a couple of hours of sleep that I could get. Then, after a couple of months, I was able to sleep almost like I used to, and I noticed that I was more mentally alert and energetic, but my appetite dramatically diminished to almost nothing and still felt like my body wasn't getting enough rest. On top of that, when I would skip a dose, I would have EXTREME hunger where I couldn't eat enough, and I would have terrible fatigue! After a year, everything evened out, and I began to feel normal, other than having no appetite, but I have a healthy food schedule so I don't forget to eat. I would also like to say that I think it should NOT be recommended for children!"

• Bai...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 28, 2022

For Binge Eating Disorder "Female, 24, I started Vyvanse 20 mg at 236 lb in October 2019. I was prescribed for both ADHD and binge eating. The first day I started Vyvanse was immediate. After a week, I realized I wasn't eating when I wanted to, but when I needed to. After 6 months, I didn't notice a huge weight loss, mind you, I just turned 21 and still casually drank here and there every other weekend with friends. (I do not condone alcohol use while taking Vyvanse.) So I talked with my provider, and she increased me to 40 mg. After about 9 months, I eventually lost my craving for huge portions, certain foods, sweets, and carbonated beverages. After a year and a half, my provider increased my dose to 50 mg due to study-related issues. Every now and then, I won't take Vyvanse on the weekends because it has the capability, in my medication management experience, to completely diminish my appetite (and I like to eat). By a year and a half, I had lost about 50 lbs, healthily maintaining my weight at 184 lb."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2018

For ADHD "First day or so was great. I was focused, great, had heaps of energy, felt good. Then came the next few days: loss of appetite, pains in my body and chest, extreme anxiety, and outrageous mood swings. It was so bad I don't think I'll take it any time soon. Not a medication for me."

• Man...
• July 21, 2018

For ADHD "I'm on 20 mg Vyvanse XR 1 daily in the AM. Within the first few days, it was life-changing. But that only lasted about a week before it stopped. Upped to 40 mg, and the process started over again. Now I’m on 60 mg and the same but better. My body has adjusted to the stimulant effects, but concentration and focus have improved. But the issue is it works for a limited amount of time. Vyvanse is a pro-drug, it takes anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to kick in. Once mine kicks in, I’m locked in for a solid 4 hours, and then it starts to evaporate quickly. Vyvanse is a great medicine, and it has helped me immensely, but I don’t think it’s powerful enough to mask the symptoms I deal with on a daily basis. I gave it a 9 because of the potential it has. The downside is you’re not hungry at all. You have to force yourself to eat. I’ve been on this medication for 3 months. When I started taking it, I was 200 lbs. I’m currently 170 lbs. I recommend eating something in that 1 to 2 hour window you have before the meds kick in."

• Rin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2017

For Binge Eating Disorder "I've had BED for 9 months, started off as anorexia and morphed into BE after 6 months. I'm of normal weight - should work out more, but one thing at a time. Nothing was helping the BE (SSRIs or anxiety meds). I finally caved and tried Vyvanse - I was afraid because I had been on Adderall before and it was too crazy - I'm on 20 mg, had to get it approved, but I'm glad I have it. I'm in therapy and hope this will be a good aid in my efforts. It definitely decreases my appetite, but I don't hate food like on Adderall. I feel more productive, less empty euphoria than Adderall, but still excessive sweating under my arms during peak activation. Takes 1-2 hours to kick in. Lasts only 6 hours for me, may up dosage later. It's a great tool - not a miracle :)"

• bub...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 22, 2013

For ADHD "I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was a kid. I've tried all sorts of medications, (two types of Adderall, and I don't even remember what else). Around two years ago, my doctor decided to switch me to Vyvanse. It is effective, I won't lie, but the side effects make it less than desirable. I am a 17-year-old on a 7-year-old's dosage, and it still causes me to have mood swings, become irritable and antisocial, and kills my appetite. If I happen to be stressed out, on my period, and on Vyvanse at the same time (both tantrums and objects will be thrown). I've taken to using it on an as-needed basis. It's not as effective this way, and my doctor doesn't like it, but at least I can balance academics and a social life this way."

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 15, 2020

For ADHD "My 6-year-old was on Vyvanse 10 mg. After about 6 months, we put him to 20 mg, and we had a horrible experience. He completely lost his appetite, his weight was 43 pounds, and he went down to 36 pounds. And let's not forget he never slept, was up all night long, and finally, when he did fall asleep, it was about 3-5 am and then back up at 7 am for school. So I took him off it, and now he's on intuitive, and our doctor wants to add Biphentin 10 mg. I'm so worried he will have a bad experience again."

• Anonymous
• November 15, 2009

For ADHD "My 9-year-old daughter has been on this for about 2 months. We switched from Adderall XR due to severe weight loss. This seems to work much better and also does not affect her personality like Adderall. She has some loss of appetite but not as bad. Yesterday, I forgot to give the medication to her, and she had a severe crying spell last night and did not know why. I believe she may have been experiencing withdrawal symptoms. She is taking 40 mg. I may switch back to 30 mg. Be aware that you may not be able to stop this medication abruptly if on it for a long time."

• kal...
• August 28, 2010

For ADHD "My son (ADHD) has been on Vyvanse for about 3 years now, and I love it. He is 10 years old now. He started out on Focalin, which he took for about 3 months and never saw a change in him. So his doctor switched him to Vyvanse, and the very first day I noticed a change in him. Calm and relaxed, but not a zombie like I heard a lot of ADHD medicines do. He always made A's and B's, but since being on Vyvanse, he has made all A's. I believe it's due to him being able to sit still in his seat and concentrate more. The only side effect I have seen in him is his appetite. He does not have one and is on the skinny side. But we found a way to get him to eat, so hopefully he will gain a little. Other than that, this medicine is WONDERFUL."

• Stu...
• May 20, 2018

For ADHD "So I've only been diagnosed at the age of 33 with ADHD and suffered for so long, and now taking this drug has completely changed everything. The positives I've found are focus, everything seems easier to handle, and I now feel balanced. The negatives I've found are I don't eat much now and have lost weight really quickly. Overall, I'm really happy."

• Anonymous
• September 20, 2010

For ADHD "I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was eleven. Over the years, I've been on Metadate, Strattera, Ritalin, Adderall, and Concerta. Finally, after a couple of years of a break from the medications (nothing worked before), my new doctor decided to put me on Vyvanse (30 mg). Within the first few hours of taking this drug, I noticed improvement. My mind didn't feel clouded, I could remember things, I could finish tasks, and I was not easily distracted like before. He added Depakote (125 mg) to my regimen, which is supposed to assist with agitation and anxiety. Together, these drugs have tremendously improved my life. The only 'bad' things I have noticed are that my appetite is almost gone, and I talk A LOT more than I used to."

• Anonymous
• March 26, 2009

For ADHD "Absolute miracle pill. I am 17 and take Vyvanse. I went from being a sleeping-in-class 'F' student to being more focused and motivated to do my work, and now my F's are A's and B's. It also made me so much more social and happy. One bad thing is that I do have trouble sleeping, and that's really the only bad thing about this drug. It also causes a decrease in appetite and weight loss."

• You...
• April 10, 2013

For ADHD "I am a high school student (10th grade). Today was my first day taking Vyvanse, and I feel like a totally different person! I was very stressed about school because I couldn't concentrate, and making bad grades isn't fun, so it made me a little depressed. I noticed that I actually felt like doing work (never thought that would happen), and instead of finishing my episode of Teen Mom 2, I was eager to do my homework instead! At night, I got about an hour of sleep, then was up for about 8 hours until it was time to go to school, and I forgot to eat the whole day. It's just food didn't sound good at all, and it gave me so much energy, especially because we had to run the mile at school, and I ran it very fast because it changes your whole mindset."

• Sha...
• February 24, 2013

For ADHD "I started taking this my senior year in high school, and after 6 months on it, my GPA has come up at least 1 point! I take it during the week, and I have no problems with headaches or loss of appetite, and it helps wake me up and keep me up. I love it!"