Looking for suggestions to deal with loss of appetite

[Voidfish]

So I'm now on my third month of Vyvanse and I just started an increased dose for the first time. The past two months I already noticed a drastic change in my appetite, It's gone down by so much. Most of the changes are fine, like I'm no longer gravitating towards snacking as a coping mechanism and therefore I'm back on track to become a healthy weight again. However I'm now finding it difficult to want to eat at all, I'm almost never hungry so I tend to completely forget to eat. I know I'm not getting all the nutrients I need and I know that a good diet will help the Vyvanse do its job, I'm having difficulty finding something that works. I don't usually have issues with dinners, but for most of my life I already rarely ate breakfast now I pretty much never do, and now lunches and snacks are starting to slip my mind.

It's easier for me to have proper meals when I'm home all day on the weekends since my partner eating reminds me to do the same, but when I'm at work I'm easily absorbed into what I'm doing and feel like taking a break for lunch is a waste of time.

Does anyone else have issues with this? And does anyone have suggestions for quick and easy food/ drinks to get better nutrition in me? I'm currently thinking of at least getting some protein powder to keep at work since I think proper protein is my biggest issue.

Thank you all in advance

[Birdwatcher19]

Yes, this is a common problem with stimulants. I take short-acting Ritalin twice a day, so I find that I’m able to eat as the first one is wearing off and before I take the second; otherwise, I’m sure I’d forget to eat, too. I’m not a breakfast person either (before starting medication, I’d typically have just coffee and maybe a banana), so I have to force myself to eat something before I take my morning dose. Protein shakes are my go-to. Eggs are easy and great protein (hard-boiled are good because you can make them in advance so they are ready to go, or even buy them already made in the store), but if you eat them daily, you will get sick of them fast. Overnight oats are another good option. Also keep almonds or something similar on hand so you can snack on something with protein if you can’t manage a full lunch. (I like to eat mine with some dark chocolate because I’m a chocoholic, and it makes it easier to stomach the almonds, which I don’t especially like.) Carrots and hummus is another option. Protein bars work in a pinch, too (I try to minimize eating things from a box, but Larabars are pretty good and have limited ingredients). If you can manage a protein-packed breakfast and decent dinner, and a few decent snacks in between, you should be OK.

[Voidfish in reply to Birdwatcher19]

I'm glad to hear that I'm not alone in this. I picked up some protein powder and a veggie supplement after work today. My main concern is the lack of protein and vitamins, so I think this should at least cover the bulk of my work day since the protein is slow acting.

[The1Path]

I struggle with this, too. Maybe consider setting a recurring alarm on your calendar to go off at lunchtime, to remind you to stop & eat? Plus take a good multivitamin daily.

I snack on lightly salted mixed nuts when I’m too busy for lunch. Starting the day right helps me: I make a healthy & light breakfast of oatmeal microwaved with fruit & chopped nuts & almond milk, easy & fast.

[sjayer]

Hi, I have issues with vyvanse and loss of appetite as well!I've found that exercise increases my appetite, and exercise also helps generally speaking with my ADHD. I think a lot of small, protein snacks throughout the day can help combat this a little. Sometimes it sucks because you do have to force yourself to eat. But I think the suggestions in the other comments are really good in terms of easy, pre-planned snacks, protein shakes, setting an alarm, etc. It also may help to be around people who have a regular eating schedule, so you can just eat with them so you don't forget/avoid. Also, if this becomes a really bad issue, consider going down 10 mg on the vyvanse and see if its worth the decrease for the appetite increase. I hope this helps !! : )

[Mini-S8]

It may help to see a dietician or nutritionist for a session or two if it’s affecting your well-being? This has helped me in the past.

But defo try some of the suggestions on here in the comments. I have frozen fruit in the freezer and different natural plant based protein powders (the ones without the artificial rubbish in) at home. Smoothies are a great way to get some nutrients in and also maybe trying softer foods like oatmeal, quinoa, or maybe soup? It’s hard to suggest as everyone is different but for me, plant based smoothies are a great addition when I pack them with fruit and “superfood” powders, herbs or spices, nuts, seeds - anything!

For some reason, I have really gone off meat since starting Ritalin and Concerta, I think it’s the chewing and the texture. So I try different plant based meals now and they appeal to me lots more. Only thing is remembering to actually buy the items to then make food otherwise I am stuck with whatever I can find 😂👍🏻

[Jozlynn]

I live on protein shakes or smoothies during the day because I can't get real food down. Since being consistent with either a protein shake or smoothie I've felt significantly better. I can get through the morning and part of the afternoon before my brain starts feeling the lack of nutrition, but I don't have an appetite until around 7:00 PM when the meds are wearing off. Sadly, that often means I kind of binge eat - which is hella bad for my waistline. If I drink my shakes/smoothies during the day I find I don't binge eat when the meds wear off. If you add the goodies (superfood powder, wheat germ, etc.) you're getting more than you probably would with regular meals.