Phentermine vs Vyvanse for Weight Loss: What’s Different?

January 8, 2024 |

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There are many variations of weight loss supplements on the market, and Phentermine and Vyvanse are two popular medications that you can use.

If you’ve been doing some research, you may be wondering if there’s any significant difference between the two and if one is more beneficial than the other. This article will compare Phentermine and Vyvanse to determine which one is the best appetite suppressant based on your needs.

It is also essential to know what to expect depending on the appetite suppressant you choose, so we will look at how both supplements affect the body negatively and positively.

So, let’s jump right in.

Phentermine vs Vyvanse – What are They?

Before we compare both products, let’s look at both appetite suppressants and what they are.

What is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse is a prescription medication widely used to treat binge eating disorders, specifically in adults.

Binge eating is an easy way to gain weight and is a severe medical condition that can cause future severe medical issues. It is only prescribed for adults over 18 years old and is not usually prescribed just as a weight loss medication or an appetite suppressant.

In the United States specifically, Vyvanse is usually recommended to be used alongside therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy or individual psychotherapy, for best results.

It also has several side effects but has proven to be very effective in treating binge eating disorders and suppressing your appetite.

What is Phentermine?

Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that doctors around the world prescribe. It helps people to lose weight by suppressing their appetite and preventing overeating.

Unlike Vyvanse, Phentermine is generally safe for the public, although it is just as inaccessible and can be used at all ages for weight loss. Phentermine does not treat any specific eating disorder; instead, it is used for general weight loss, appealing to a wider variety of patients than Vyvanse can.

Even more so, Vyvanse is never prescribed as a weight loss supplement or appetite suppressant, as opposed to Phentermine which is continuously prescribed for weight loss.

Phentermine vs Vyvanse Comparison

Despite their use case, phentermine and Vyvanse are great ways to lose weight. Because of this, we’ve dived into the difference between both supplements and their effectiveness for weight loss.

Let’s take a look at both below.

Phentermine and Vyvanse for Weight Loss

Firstly, while Vyvanse is an effective method of losing weight because it helps prevent overeating, it is not a medication specifically prescribed for weight loss. That is important to note because it is unavailable unless you have a binge eating disorder.

Does Vyvanse work well for weight loss? Yes!

Vyvanse is very effective and works similarly to Phentermine to suppress appetite leading to faster weight loss. It is an FDA-approved stimulant that directly impacts the brain, suppressing the appetite and directly impacting and reducing weight gain.

Studies have proven that Vyvanse effectively treats binge eating disorders, causing the medication to work for weight loss.

Even so, it is an unattainable drug for many who are trying to lose weight because it has to be prescribed for binge eating disorders.

Depending on the person taking it, the results of how much weight they can lose will vary.

On the other hand, Phentermine is a bit more accessible by prescription, and it is available to be taken specifically for appetite suppression and weight loss. It is available to more people because it can be taken from age 16 and upwards.

Phentermine is also a stimulant that acts on the brain directly to help with appetite suppression, leading to weight loss like Vyvanse.

Phentermine is well known for weight loss and can be legally bought with a prescription, although there may be over-the-counter variations.

Verdict: While Vyvanse is highly effective at weight loss, it is constrained and can only be obtained when prescribed by a doctor, making Phentermine the more convenient appetite suppressant.

Both products work for weight loss and produce similar results, but Vyvanse is too difficult to obtain.

Side Effects of Vyvanse vs Phentermine

Both products boast similar side effects that can be highly inconvenient for those who want to lose weight.

The most common side effects of using Vyvanse are:

  • dry mouth
  • heart palpitations
  • digestive issues such as constipation
  • anxiety and nervousness
  • restlessness and trouble sleeping
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • stomach/abdominal pain
  • loss of appetite
  • headache
  • irritability

Phentermine on the other hand carries these same side effects, along with increased heart rate and tingling or prickling feeling in hands or feet.

There is not much difference in how both products operate regarding side effects, so it doesn’t necessarily impact your choice.

Because of these effects associated with both drugs– we do recommend going for a much safer, healthier, and natural alternative like PhenQ appetite suppressant.

More on PhenQ later on.

Dosage & Interactions of Vyvanse vs Phentermine

Because Vyvanse is a controlled substance (just like Phentermine), it is very carefully prescribed by most doctors. This dictates the dosage generally given to patients, especially when using it for the first time.

Vyvanse typically begins with a lower dosage and gradually increases as your doctor sees fit. The average starting dosage is about 30 mg, but that can be different depending on your doctor.

Phentermine is prescribed in low doses and gradually increased as the doctor sees fit.

Depending on the patient, doctors generally start from their specialty 8 mg variation to bouts of 15 or 30 mg. There is also a recommendation for Phentermine not to be used for more than 12 weeks, as you can become tolerant to the drug.

When it comes to interactions with other drugs or substances present in the body, Vyvanse can be less effective when taken with Vitamin C.

It can also negatively contribute to hypertension by raising your heart rate and causing heart palpitations.

Experts also highlight that Vyvanse can interact with antidepressants such as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (also called MAOIs), SSRIs, and Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).

Phentermine can also interact with many other medications and even some vitamins and dietary supplements. It can cause a rare fatal lung disorder known as pulmonary hypertension when mixed with other diet medications, including fenfluramine (Phen-Fen) or dexfenfluramine (Redux).

Phentermine can also cause hypertension to worsen by increasing the heart rate.

Verdict: Both drugs can become addictive, so they are initially prescribed in low dosages.

Both can cause fatal medical complications when combined with particular medications, so it is important not to combine Phentermine or Vyvanse with other diet medications when taking them.

Also read: Phentermine vs Adderall Guide & Comparison

FAQs about Phentermine and Vyvanse

Is Phentermine like ADHD medication?

No, Phentermine is not like ADHD medication. While both medications are stimulants, they work in different ways. ADHD medication works by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, while Phentermine works by decreasing appetite.

Additionally, ADHD medication is typically prescribed to children and adolescents, while Phentermine is most commonly prescribed to adults who are overweight or obese.

Is Vyvanse better for weight loss?

Vyvanse is a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also sometimes prescribed for other conditions, such as Narcolepsy.

This medication can be effective for weight loss in some people, but it is not approved by the FDA for this purpose.

There are several possible mechanisms by which Vyvanse could help with weight loss.

For one, it can decrease appetite and cravings. Additionally, it can help increase energy levels and motivation, making it easier to stick to a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

Finally, Vyvanse can also help improve focus and concentration, which may make it easier to stick to a healthy lifestyle without being distracted by thoughts of food.

Does Vyvanse Give You More Energy?

Because Vyvanse is a stimulant, many patients report feeling a boost in energy and mood when they take it for the first time.

Vyvanse and Phentermine give you energy when you begin on them, but that boost can disappear sometimes.

As your body adjusts to the pills, your mood and energy will return to normal.

Can Vyvanse or Phentermine Cause Permanent Damage?

It can cause permanent damage to specific organs in the body if you abuse either Vyvanse or Phentermine. This can happen if you take these medications longer than the doctors and experts have recommended.

Abusing Vyvanse can cause you to have chronically elevated blood pressure and heart arrhythmias while abusing Phentermine can significantly increase your thyroid activity.

Is it Safe to Switch from Vyvanse to Phentermine?

It is essential to speak to your doctor regarding the best choice for you specifically, but it is generally safe to switch from Vyvanse to Phentermine for weight loss.

Be mindful that Phentermine is a short-term drug that you shouldn’t take for more than 12 weeks at a time.

What is the difference between Vyvanse and Phentermine?

Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) and phentermine are two different types of medications. Vyvanse is a stimulant that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that is used for weight loss.

Vyvanse works by increasing levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps to improve focus and concentration and reduce impulsive behaviors and hyperactivity.

Phentermine works by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness.

Vyvanse vs. Phentermine? – Which One is Best for You?

While both products are effective and well-performing in their own right, it is obvious which is the best to choose for weight loss specifically.

In this article, one of the things that have been repeated is that Vyvanse is not a weight loss drug, but it is prescribed for binge eating disorder and ADHD. This specific fact alone makes Phentermine the superior option.

Phentermine is also more readily prescribed for weight loss and is safe to be used by those 16 and over, making it superior.

The side effects and interactions are relatively the same for both drugs, so you are not risking health for results.

Why do we recommend PhenQ?

While there is no way to rid yourself of the risks associated with taking Phentermine completely, there is a healthier and safer way to do it.

PhenQ is a natural appetite suppressant and weight loss pill that helps you shed the pounds quicker and easier without all of the other risks involved. Not to mention, PhenQ has a unique blend of natural ingredients that reduces your risk of having those nasty side effects associated with taking Phentermine by itself.

Because of its formula, it will sustain that energy boost and the mood enhancement that you get when you begin taking this supplement.

That, combined with its fat burning and blocking properties, will revolutionize the weight loss process, leading to a complete shift in how you believe you had to lose weight.

I have tried many other weight loss supplements, but none of them have worked as well as PhenQ.

The best thing about PhenQ is that it not only helps me lose weight but also gives me energy and suppresses my appetite. I have more energy now than I ever have before, and I am able to control my hunger cravings.

In addition, PhenQ has also helped me improve my mood and confidence. I feel better about myself now than I ever have before, and all thanks to PhenQ.

If you are looking for a weight loss supplement that actually works – with similar benefits to Phentermine – then I highly recommend PhenQ. As you don’t have to go through the hassle of getting a prescription.

I haven’t been disappointed so far – and you won’t be.

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