Lisdexamfetamine and Weight Loss: What Users Say

• Bia...
• August 30, 2020

For ADHD "At first, while taking this medication, the side effects I experienced included increases in heart rate (which made me feel a bit lightheaded and weak) and stomach discomforts (making me less hungry throughout my day). These are things you will experience with anxiety, which is something I dealt with growing up and wasn't much of a concern for me while on the medication, but something to note for people looking to use Vyvanse for the first time. You will notice an increase in motivation! Taking this medication was more helpful than my antidepressants were in the sense that it made me feel so much more motivated to do everyday activities. If you're concerned about the effects this medication will have on your weight, know that you will have a loss in appetite and experience weight loss. Before taking Vyvanse, my weight was at 125 lbs. After a few months, I dropped to 110 lbs. When I took a break from using this medication for focus and motivation, my weight went back to 123 lbs. Thanks for reading!"

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 5, 2020

For Binge Eating Disorder "I was 306 lb in Aug. 2019. I started taking Vyvanse to treat my ADD and binge eating. I had to start low at 10 mg and increase every 2 weeks by 10 mg. I'm now on 70 mg. This is a miracle drug. I can focus, have energy, and completely have increased my energy. I usually eat just fruits and veggies in small portions. I instantly just wanted healthy foods. This is not a weight loss pill and should only be used if you indeed have ADD or ADHD with BED. But for me, I now weigh 220 lb, so in about 6 and a half months, I'm 85 lbs down! It's actually quite remarkable!"

• Anonymous
• March 27, 2008

For ADHD "I started taking this pill and immediately noticed the difference. My life literally changed the moment I took the first pill. While I suffered from uncontrollable speech the first 2 days, but my body adjusted. I started with 50mg, and I now take 70mg. I am 23 years old. Some other side effects I have experienced are decreased libido, loss of weight, and appetite. However, I can concentrate on anything. This pill has taken the characteristic of lazy out of me. I am more productive than ever."

• Bel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 12, 2025

For ADHD "I’ve been taking this since starting high school 8-9 years ago. This medication helped me excel at my job. I am able to focus, multitask, and have an overall good mood. I have bad anxiety as well and feel like this helps with that sometimes also. Vyvanse gives me so much energy, but I don't feel a hard crash when it wears off. This will make you lose weight without noticing at first, so it’s important to eat at your normal times even if you are not hungry. For me, I get about 12-14 hours before I’ll feel tired as the medicine wears off. Take it as soon as you wake up to avoid not being able to fall asleep at night. For me, Vyvanse has been great and I don’t plan on changing to anything else."

• Nie...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 14, 2014

For ADHD "I was not officially diagnosed with ADD until I was 30 years old. I have been on Vyvanse for over 10 years now. I have had to increase my dose from 30 to 50 and have now been at 60 for over a year. Sometimes I feel it causes irritability, but other than that, only dry mouth. It has definitely helped with my attention disorder. It initially made me lose 10 lbs and then leveled out. I have always been athletic except when my chronic pain is too bad. My son has ADHD and took Concerta for about 2 years. It helped tremendously with his anger, outbursts, and grades. I only wish that my parents had me tested when I was younger as we did for my son. It would have taken away a lot of heartache! My daughter never suffered, thankfully."

• Anonymous
• June 6, 2020

For ADHD "I'm already a thin male. I'm normally 6'1" and about 145. I've always been a really thin guy, 'bean pole' is what I get a lot or 'dipstick,' lol. Now it's gotten even worse with Vyvanse. In about 3 weeks, I've lost about 10 pounds. I'm currently 135 lb and still dropping. I don't eat nearly enough and work really hard, plus I golf a lot in the heat. I don't necessarily feel sick, I just have zero desire to ever eat. Eating seems like a task and a chore now rather than a treat and something I enjoy. It's the ONLY negative with this medication for me. I'm going to start a weight gain shake and begin counting calories to see if that helps me go back to my normal weight."

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 17, 2019

For ADHD "Vyvanse made me feel like I had dementia; I kept forgetting words and could barely form sentences. I’m only 32, so it was frustrating and overwhelming to feel like I was losing all my brain cells. I am not an emotional person, but I would start crying during work and normal situations, which was embarrassing. I felt socially awkward, withdrew into myself, became very passive, and lost my confidence. I’d fall down the rabbit hole online and accomplish little more than 12 hours of research on topics which have nothing to do with my life. I also became winded and dizzy every time I stood up, which may have also been due to my weight dropping from 100 to 86 lbs while I was on it. Lastly, my vision was absurdly blurry going from 20/20 to 20/60...that wasn’t listed as a side effect at the time, so I thought I was going blind until it subsided after stopping Vyvanse. Overall, I’d say it’s great for weight loss but horrible for mental cognition."

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 22, 2020

For ADHD "I started taking Vyvanse sophomore year of high school, and my grades went up, and I actually became a good student. But I went from 142 lbs to 117 lbs. Not a good medicine if you are not okay with losing weight."

• 33y...
• November 10, 2008

For ADHD "Works better than any other stimulant medicine I have tried. I have sensitivity to stimulants; it causes bruxism. The bruxism is absent with a 20 mg dose, and minimal with a 30 mg dose. Other stimulants - I cannot take even the lowest dose without getting the bruxism side effect to the point I can't stand it. Also, I can't 'feel' when it starts working and stops working - which is great. It wears off slowly starting about 7-8 hours after I take it. After 10-11 hours I do not feel it in my system anymore. No insomnia or 'crashing feeling'. Weight loss (okay since I am fat) about 25 lbs in 3 months. My only complaint is it makes me want to smoke. I quit smoking a long time ago. I think about wanting to have a cigarette several times a day."

• LDB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2018

For Binge Eating Disorder "For 23 years, I tried everything to fix my severe BED/bulimia. Diets, OA, therapy, CBT, DBT, Meds, hospitals. Nothing helped. Heard about this and was VERY skeptical, but after years of trying to fix it on my own, actively suicidal, and having daily eating disorder episodes for hours, I decided to try this medication, or else I would kill myself. I started with 30mg and was stunned! The obsession with food was lifted on day 1. I had some side effects but tapered off. I lost weight, however, that is secondary to the fact that I don’t hate myself or want to die anymore. I am now up to 60mg, and if the medication becomes ineffective, my doctor and I will discuss other options then. I’m hoping to build better habits and coping mechanisms so that in 12-18 months, I may not need the medication anymore. This isn't about weight loss. It’s about being free from the obsession with food and the subsequent behaviors that controlled my life. Yes, the medication is expensive, however, it is still less than the money I was spending monthly on binge eating. I feel free now, though the future obviously remains undetermined, and I couldn’t be happier about it."

• Nes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 8, 2014

For ADHD "I am a male and 42 years old. I am an ASM in retail and a husband and father of four kids. The doctor prescribed 30 mg the first two months and upped the meds to 40 mg. I have only been on them for 5 months. I have seen and felt a huge change in my lifestyle. I am more focused at home and especially at work. I am Mr. Mom and won't stop cleaning at home. I even cut and edge my neighbor's front yard. I lost 10 lbs and now weigh 197. I do feel myself get upset faster though. Because I feel that, I also stop and calm myself down. So far I have no complaints... yet."

• 77H...
• July 26, 2015

For ADHD "I have been taking Vyvanse for just a week. 40mg. The first 3 days, I couldn't sit down. I cleaned my house and my parents'. Not just cleaned, but extra clean, like walls and moving furniture and everything. But now it has faded a little. I noticed right away that when I am doing stuff, it's like I really concentrate and strive for perfection in everything. My appetite has been curbed, but I still eat. But nowhere like I did before. So far, I've lost 4 pounds. It's been almost a week. I don't get any feelings of jitters, or that I'm taking speed. I feel normal, I just want to do stuff. I'm more social. I always stayed in my home, but now I just want to go out. It's a very nice feeling. I have no problems sleeping either, but I also take it as soon as I wake up."

• han...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2018

For ADHD "I am 20 years old. Dose 30 mg. Taking this medication for mood improvement (depression) and focus (ADD). Since starting: much more organized thought process, improved ability to communicate with others socially and keep a conversation going. Have been told by others that they notice a significantly positive change in my ability in social settings and in my affect. Intense focus in any activity I take part in. Significant increase in productivity and a major reduction of my depression symptoms. I am happier and more confident. Not easily bored anymore. Motivation levels have increased greatly, and I actually feel like doing my hobbies again (I had completely lost interest in them for a long time). Very suppressed appetite. Can get so focused on an activity that I will forget to eat all day. Must force self to eat. Weight loss. Teeth clenching. Tense jaw muscles. Thirst. Overall positive experience with this drug so far."

• Anonymous
• October 17, 2012

For ADHD "My 6-year-old son has been on 20mg of Vyvanse for the past month and a half. I was so reluctant to start him on any type of medicine, but his inability to focus, keep his hands to himself, stay in his seat at school, etc., was affecting the learning of his classmates and causing him to have a hard time making friends. I saw a difference in him (and his teacher did, too), immediately after the first dose, he was able to focus, was making friends, etc. I have decided to try him on something different because he's losing weight and he's not the happy, sweet boy that I know he is. He's moody, he gets upset extremely easily, he's grumpy, and is super serious about everything, he finds nothing funny. It's definitely altered his personality, even off the meds."

• Anonymous
• January 20, 2017

For ADHD "Started Vyvanse (30 mg) about 3 years ago, and still on it to this day! I am extremely more concentrated and have more motivation throughout the entire day. This medication saved my life, and I have not looked back ever since! Plus, you lose weight, so that's a plus (:"

• Tm5...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 8, 2019

For ADHD "I was prescribed Vyvanse in high school for ADD. I always had a really hard time paying attention in class, and Vyvanse helped a lot. My grades went up, and schoolwork became easy. However, there were various bad side effects: extremely dry mouth, weight loss, trouble sleeping, and the worst of all, mood swings. During the day, I would be fine and very productive, however, at night, when it started to wear off, I would get extremely depressed and even, at times, have increased really dark thoughts. They call this “Vyvanse crash,” and it is no joke. This became a big problem. I loved Vyvanse because I was able to get so much done, but the mood swings made it unbearable. I am now a college student and no longer take Vyvanse consistently. It is great for concentration problems and ADD, but beware of the dosage of the Vyvanse and the possible side effects that may occur. There are also studies that show it can be very addicting."

• Ean...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 1, 2019

For ADHD "I’ve been on Vyvanse daily for the past 8 years (recently, my doctor has added 10 mg of Zenzedi in the afternoon). Vyvanse has truly been a godsend for my ADHD. I also have anxiety, which causes even menial tasks to seem unbearable. With Vyvanse, daily life tasks are not only easier to complete, they are easier to begin. Prior to Vyvanse, I tried Ritalin and Focalin (gave me horrible anxiety and agitation), Strattera caused me to lose an unhealthy amount of weight, Adderall gave me headaches and plunged me into a depression as it would wear off."

• alv...
• September 4, 2013

For ADHD "My child is a young teen girl with autism or Asperger's, recently diagnosed with ADHD due to impulsivity. Very bright and attentive normally, but trouble with transitions, outbursts, interrupting, slow processing speed, getting agitated and not being able to calm down, lack of awareness of surroundings, misunderstanding others' signals, sensory overload. Responding well to Vyvanse 30 mg. Easier transitions, speaks more fluently without stammering, less agitated, less angry, much more cooperative and calm, able to converse without interrupting or changing topics, happier, feels better about self. Side effects are dizziness with exertion, worst when changing position from sitting to standing, needs more sleep, mild headaches, weight loss."

• 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."

• Lil...
• January 15, 2016

For ADHD "My 7-year-old son has ADHD. After years of struggling with ADHD as a parent, I decided to finally try medication for my son, he was prescribed Vyvanse. During the first month, it was great, he was finally able to focus in school and follow directions. I received so much positive feedback. Starting in the second month, I noticed he was sad all the time. At first, I dismissed it as maybe he was having a rough day, then it became two weeks, and it really affected his mood. My son started to not care in school, he would cry over any minor thing, he lost a lot of weight, and overall, I thought he was depressed. I brought it up to his therapists, who recommended we immediately remove him off of it."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2015

For ADHD "There are many positives such as motivation and a brief period of content, but there are also many negatives: rapid heartbeat, chest pains, weight loss, dizziness, dry mouth. When the medicine kicks in, I feel this amazing sense of being content, no matter what I'm doing at the time, I just feel happy, but soon feel an extreme sadness and despair when it wears off because I wonder why I can't be happy anymore. I also become extremely irritable, anxious, and restless. I continue to take this medication because it helps me get things done and focus, but the negative impact is extremely hard on me and affects my mental and physical health greatly. Most common side effects for me are chest pains, sadness, rapid mood change, headache, and loss."

• 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."

• LBe...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 10, 2023

For ADHD "I'm currently on my second round of Vyvanse. My first attempt was back in 2021, and it caused a full mental breakdown. At that time, I didn't realize how much of it was from the medication. I lost a bunch of weight and looked very sick. I don't have SI in terms of wanting to unalive myself, but I hope for things like not waking up or 'what if the train came right now and hit my car' type of thoughts. It was BAD. I had titrated up to a pretty hefty dose, and it caused me to pick at my nails and skin really badly. I felt horrible, and it wasn't doing anything for my ADHD, so I asked my doctor to take me off of it. Not realizing how much of my previous breakdown was from the Vyvanse, I agreed to try it again. Instantly had the same feelings and connected the meds to my previous breakdown. I cried uncontrollably for three days straight. Finally, that subsided, but I still wasn't feeling any benefits, so we increased the dose. I couldn't function for a week and had to call out of work."

• 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."