Vyvanse is a common treatment for adults with binge eating disorder. Binge eating disorder is an eating disorder that involves regular episodes of severe overeating. People with this condition often experience feelings of guilt and shame after the binges end.
Vyvanse is one of the most common medications used to treat binge eating disorder. In fact, it’s one of the only FDA-approved treatments for this condition.
That being said, getting diagnosed and treated for your binge eating disorder might be a little tricky. After all, there are many misconceptions about what exactly this condition is and how to treat it.
Read on to learn more about vyvanse as a treatment for binge eating disorder, including its pros and cons as well as information on how to get your doctor to prescribe you Vyvanse if it’s right for you.
Table of Contents
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a common brand-name prescription for adult patients with binge eating disorder. It’s part of a group of medications known as central nervous system stimulants.
These types of drugs are commonly used to treat conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Vyvanse is also sometimes prescribed off-label to treat shift work disorder.
The active ingredients in Vyvanse are dextroamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These ingredients are meant to help control the symptoms of binge eating disorder by stimulating certain neurotransmitters in the brain. In particular, these medications increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine produced in the brain.
How does Vyvanse treat BED?
The exact mechanism of action for Vyvanse in the treatment of binge eating disorder is unclear. However, the drug is thought to improve the functioning of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain.
This neurotransmitter is associated with feeling pleasure, motivation, and cognitive function. When dopamine levels are too low or do not work properly, many people exhibit symptoms of depression or anxiety. Binge eating disorder is believed to be caused by a disruption in the regulation of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Thus, people with BED are believed to have reduced dopamine and norepinephrine function in the brain. This disruption may be caused by genetics or past trauma.
People with BED often experience feelings of joyless eating, loss of control while eating, and feelings of shame or guilt after eating a large amount of food. Vyvanse is believed to modulate the brain’s reward pathway, which regulates feelings of pleasure. This may help people with BED eat less food during binges and feel more in control of their eating.
Pros of taking Vyvanse for BED
- May reduce food cravings and binge eating episodes: One study found that 68% of patients who took Vyvanse for eight weeks experienced a reduction in binge eating episodes. In comparison, only 43% of patients who took the placebo reported a reduction in binge eating episodes.
- Helps control the symptoms of BED: Once the Vyvanse starts working, it may help you feel less depressed, less stressed, and less anxious. This may make it easier to control your eating habits and avoid binges.
- A good option for people with comorbid disorders: If you have BED and another mental health disorder, Vyvanse is a good option. This is because it’s approved as a treatment for BED as well as ADHD and narcolepsy.
Cons of taking Vyvanse for BED
- May cause unpleasant side effects: While most people tolerate Vyvanse well, it does have a number of side effects.
- May not be covered by insurance: Vyvanse is a covered treatment for some mental health disorders, but not for others.
- Not a long-term solution: Because Vyvanse affects the dopamine system of the brain, it may cause long-term side effects.
- May not be a good option if you have a history of substance abuse: Vyvanse is a controlled substance and is not recommended for people with a history of substance abuse.
How to get a prescription for Vyvanse?
If your doctor thinks that Vyvanse is right for you, they will likely have you try a low dose at first. This is because Vyvanse has a high risk of side effects and may not be the best treatment for BED. If you don’t experience any serious side effects, your doctor may increase the dosage over time. If you experience serious side effects, you may need to switch to a different treatment.
Keep in mind that each doctor has their own rules about prescribing Vyvanse. Some doctors may only prescribe this medication to people with BED who have also been diagnosed with ADHD.
Others may prescribe Vyvanse to anyone with BED, even if they don’t have an additional diagnosis. It’s important to know your specific situation and understand what you need to do in order to get a prescription.
Final words: Is Vyvanse right for you?
If you have BED and Vyvanse sounds like the right treatment for you, it’s important to discuss it with your doctor. While Vyvanse is one of the only FDA-approved treatments for BED, it may not be the right fit for everyone. BED is a complex condition that may require a combination of medications and therapy. It’s also important to note that Vyvanse may not work for you. If you try the drug and it doesn’t help, don’t be afraid to try something else!
There are many effective treatments for binge eating disorder, and Vyvanse is just one of them. Other medications that may be used to treat this condition include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and medication for anxiety.
BED is a serious condition that can cause a lot of harm if left untreated. If you’re looking for ways to manage your binge eating disorder, it’s important to talk to your doctor about treatment options.
