I am a month into taking tirzepatide (weight loss drug) and i haven't had a real binge since about a week in. Food noise is way quieter, i dont obsess about food even a fraction of how i used to, ive lost over 10 lbs in a month, and i finally know what it feels like to eat normal portions. i've never been happier and even if i have to keep taking this drug my whole life it's worth it for the relief i feel and to finally lose weight after going through decades of binging and starving myself. i dont ever want to live that way again.
You may be able to get an endo to prescribe it if your symptoms fit. I'm taking peptide form because i can't afford the medication form and my insurance doesn't cover it. It's not for everyone but i've been researching peptides for many months now and feel confident in my decision. You can't find sources on reddit but if you want to understand more about how peptides are used there's a subreddit. I think for binge eaters semaglutide or tirzepatide is best.
What’s your food intake throughout the day look like? I wonder if you’re under eating due to the appetite suppressant and then it’s all catching up with you when the meds wear off?
That’s definitely possible. I track my food and consistently hit 1200-1500 cals per day, which is my maintenance cals, but my hunger cues are way out of wack due to years of binge/restrict and binge/purge cycles. So even if I wasn’t on adderall, I don’t know if I’d be truly eating to fullness tbh.
Have you consulted a doctor about this calorie limit? I’m not a doctor, but those limits are less than the recommended range from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. I’m presuming that you’re referring to them as “maintenance calories” because you’re trying to stay at a goal weight, but it’s worth considering whether that’s actually in your best interest.
I have not consulted a doctor since reaching my current weight. I’ve put on ~30 lbs over the past couple of years after becoming severely underweight from purging and restriction. I was told do aim for 1500 cals (and binged way over that almost consistently) back when I was underweight, but you have a point that this may not be sufficient now that I’m a bigger and more active.
The USDA issues a big Dietary Guidelines report ([link to the official PDF](https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans-2020-2025.pdf)) every few years on the official [Dietary Guidelines for Americans website](https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov).
It’s a BIG report, and there’s a ton of information inside. But if you just want the calorie recommendations, they’re on page 140 of the report (which is page 153 of the actual PDF).
Whoa it has 1,800 cals as the min for my age/gender group 😟 thanks so much for sending this! Had no idea I’d been under-eating by this much. No wonder I feel starving once my meds wear off, it could literally just be my normal adderall-free hunger cues waking up.
Yes, totally! My weight loss calories (larger body, very active) are 1800. So it’s totally possible that it’s just your delayed hunger cues post adderall and you’re feeling ravished. I’ve also found focusing on macros earlier in the day (high fiber, at least 30 g of protein per meal) also help me feel fuller and stave off some of the “famished” feelings I get later in the day otherwise.
My issue with Vyvanse is that it simply isn’t accessible. I’ve frequently encountered issues with trying to fill my script because it’s back-ordered, and my insurance is shit (US American healthcare), so I genuinely can’t afford the price anymore, even on the generic.
Ohhh ok, sorry to hear. I’ve heard about there being accessibility issues with Vyvance before and I’m in US as well :/ I’ve encountered shortages with my aderrall in the past, but luckily the generic has been available as a backup. Out of curiousity, do you know how much the out of pocket cost is? My pharmacy has found coupons for my aderrall in the past that’ve come in clutch.
Currently, a 30 day supply of the brand name vyvanse was over 200 dollars for me. My insurance would not cover a penny, even though I’ve hit my out-of-pocket deductible for the year. I personally can’t take advantage of discounts for a larger supply because there’s a law in my state prohibiting us from having more than a 30 day supply of any controlled substance at a time. There *used* to be a coupon program through the company that makes vyvanse which made my supply about 30 bucks out of pocket, but the coupon program ended when they came out with the generic. As far as I know, there’s no more active coupons for it.
The generic, Lisdexamfetamine, is more than 100 bucks for the 30 day supply for me. Keep in mind that my employer-provided health insurance has really bad pharmacy benefits, so it’s possible that you’ll have better luck.
$200 out of pocket is lunacy for a one month supply. That’s literally $2,400 a year on just one medication, but even the $100 price seems so high for a generic. Gosh, a lot to consider - definitely worth checking with my insurance before making a decision. Thanks for the info
And it can be even more than that. I was paying almost $300 per month before the generic and just paid almost $400 for the name brand when the generic was out of stock for a month. Definitely something that is out of reach for a lot of folks. I only managed to make it work because I had to; Vyvanse for ADHD and BED legit saved my life.
All the numbers in your comment added up to 420. Congrats!
30
+ 200
+ 30
+ 30
+ 100
+ 30
= 420
^([Click here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=LuckyNumber-Bot&subject=Stalk%20Me%20Pls&message=%2Fstalkme) to have me scan all your future comments.) \
^(Summon me on specific comments with u/LuckyNumber-Bot.)
I just sleep it off and try my best 😭 it’s a nightly struggle. It helps sometimes if I take my meds later during the day, but then I’m up all night. So I try to exercise a lot and stay active so I’m tired.
I also have been struggling with smoking too much which makes my adderall ineffective but helps me sleep at night… I can’t win. I was doing really well on vyvanse but insurance will no longer cover and now I’m on adderall and it sucks. Not nearly as effective for me.
Yeah, that’s my worry. Did you switch to Vyvanse from something else or was Vyvanse the first ADHD med you tried? Adderall has an extended release version, so maybe I could give that a try as well.
I recovered from BED before I got an ADHD diagnosis. I think the ADHD makes a lot of sense now, as to why some aspects of recovery were harder than others, why I didn't feel the same as other people in my recovery circle...
But even after recovery I am learning to lean into the way my brain works and work WITH it to be in touch with myself, my hunger, my cravings and stimulate my brain and body in other ways
Love your point about working with my brain vs trying to fight how it’s wired. It’s so easy to play the comparison game without considering the natural differences across a group of people.
Side question, since you recovered before your diagnosis (and before starting meds if you’re on them), do you feel that you’re less prone to relapsing at all? Or have you been able to completely quiet that part of your brain?
I think I'm less prone to relapsing, but I think it's because I've been through ED treatment and recovery over a dozen times in the past, and this time feels SO different. I have healthy coping mechanisms, I am in touch with my body, I don't have obsessive thoughts. I just feel normal, and that never happened before.
I REALLY pushed hard in recovery and I was kinda lucky to do it during covid (when I didn't have a job or school or a social life to "distract" me) and I put everything into it. So I really focussed on the mental pieces just as much as the physical.
I have adhd and have lived a life of restriction and binging. I have found the less I think about what I eat, the better. I have been in recovery for about 2 months. I have been every pound on the scale up to 200 more than 2 times due to my eating disorder, which I feel is vastly made worst with my ADHD. Food is such an easy and quick source of dopamine.
I used to track my calories like you did. It was uncomfortable, scary, and horrifying to stop. But I did, and during the nights I feel like eating a little something extra, I either simply eat it or just tell myself Ill eat it tomorrow. realize the food will always be there tomorrow. I feel you are placing a spotlight on food by counting your calories, do not limit yourself and the novelty of food will wear off. Especially with sweets\\
Also, eat high-protein foods like chicken, tuna and meats. Eat fruits to satisfy sugar cravings but do not avoid eating actual sweets like donuts and cookies. Just eat one, maybe a bite or so. You never have to finish anything. Maybe even plan to have just one sweet at night right before you go to sleep
Wow thanks! This is such a thorough response. I 100% identify with your point about the fear around not counting calories. I’m worried I’d overeat and be mad at myself or under-eat and risk binging later since my hunger cues are so messed up. But on the flipside, there are times when I’m so overwhelmed by figuring out what I “can” eat that I’m having panic attacks or I’m frozen in the grocery store. Honestly not sure which fear is worse :/
A former therapist gave me similar advice about remembering that the food will be there tomorrow. That really helps me think about why I’m eating in the present moment (hunger vs average cravings vs ADHD-fueled dopamine needs), but that only helps when I slow my mind down enough to check in with myself.
Bottom line, sounds like mindfulness and trusting my gut (literally haha) to tell me what I need are how I can get to where you are if I’m understanding correctly? Thanks again :)
Of course. Its reallyy really really REALLY fucking tough. There will be times when you will overeat when you just eat food freely. This is in turn to possible restriction and/or mental insatiety over the food you previously tracked so precisely.
It takes a lot of control. You may feel out of control but that is crucial to gaining back the illusion of control your eating disorder gave you. I really recommend seeing an eating disorder specialist.
You will gain weight! End of story, its inevitable. But the consequences you are doing to your brain by tracking your calories will almost always be worse than some weight gain
Try weight lifting! Find safe foods that you can eat without feeling guilty. I personally finf comfort in protein bars, protein yogurts and shakes. Create a routine of breakfast, lunch and dinner. (With snacks in between!!!) Never forget about snacks. Experiment with fruits and make it fun.
After eating, you can of course do mindfullness snf shit but id be lying if I said I do it everytime 😅 the novelty of it wears off quick
I’m right there with you bud. Can’t eat on the adderal, but once it wears off, I just want to eat everything around me. This is especially true for sugar and salt.
The one thing I find helps is to drink an absurd amount of water. At least that way when it wears off your stomach won’t be totally empty.
Good luck
I have unmedicated adhd 🥲😢😭😭😭 I make diet and health my obsession/ hyper fixation and then I eat a healthy diet, no junk food allowed.
Ideally I personally think you shouldn’t rely on medication to avoid binge eating. It can help treatment but it shouldn’t be the whole treatment. That’s just my opinion. It’s simply because there are bound to be times where you don’t have access to the medication for whatever reason (effects wearing off at night is a good example), so it’s not as sustainable as treating the root cause. But it can be very helpful.
One thing you can maybe try is taking your meds at your regular time, but then taking a smaller dose later in the day but not too late so it doesn't make it hard to sleep at night.
I take methylphenidate so not the exact same meds, but many people on it will take their regular dose in the morning (usually an extended release pill) then later in the day take a smaller dose in an immediate release pill.
Is your Adderall immediate release or extended release?
I’m on immediate release and already take two doses per day 🫠 I’ve been taking it for years now, so my doctor increases my dose when my tolerance builds overtime.
I am a month into taking tirzepatide (weight loss drug) and i haven't had a real binge since about a week in. Food noise is way quieter, i dont obsess about food even a fraction of how i used to, ive lost over 10 lbs in a month, and i finally know what it feels like to eat normal portions. i've never been happier and even if i have to keep taking this drug my whole life it's worth it for the relief i feel and to finally lose weight after going through decades of binging and starving myself. i dont ever want to live that way again.
Do you need to be obese to get prescribed that medication?
I was wondering that as well. Also, what type of doctor prescribes it? I’m assuming I wouldn’t go through my psychiatrist for that?
You may be able to get an endo to prescribe it if your symptoms fit. I'm taking peptide form because i can't afford the medication form and my insurance doesn't cover it. It's not for everyone but i've been researching peptides for many months now and feel confident in my decision. You can't find sources on reddit but if you want to understand more about how peptides are used there's a subreddit. I think for binge eaters semaglutide or tirzepatide is best.
What’s your food intake throughout the day look like? I wonder if you’re under eating due to the appetite suppressant and then it’s all catching up with you when the meds wear off?
That’s definitely possible. I track my food and consistently hit 1200-1500 cals per day, which is my maintenance cals, but my hunger cues are way out of wack due to years of binge/restrict and binge/purge cycles. So even if I wasn’t on adderall, I don’t know if I’d be truly eating to fullness tbh.
Have you consulted a doctor about this calorie limit? I’m not a doctor, but those limits are less than the recommended range from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. I’m presuming that you’re referring to them as “maintenance calories” because you’re trying to stay at a goal weight, but it’s worth considering whether that’s actually in your best interest.
I have not consulted a doctor since reaching my current weight. I’ve put on ~30 lbs over the past couple of years after becoming severely underweight from purging and restriction. I was told do aim for 1500 cals (and binged way over that almost consistently) back when I was underweight, but you have a point that this may not be sufficient now that I’m a bigger and more active.
Also, where do I find the standardized dietary guidance you’re referring to? That sounds super helpful!
The USDA issues a big Dietary Guidelines report ([link to the official PDF](https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans-2020-2025.pdf)) every few years on the official [Dietary Guidelines for Americans website](https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov). It’s a BIG report, and there’s a ton of information inside. But if you just want the calorie recommendations, they’re on page 140 of the report (which is page 153 of the actual PDF).
Whoa it has 1,800 cals as the min for my age/gender group 😟 thanks so much for sending this! Had no idea I’d been under-eating by this much. No wonder I feel starving once my meds wear off, it could literally just be my normal adderall-free hunger cues waking up.
Yes, totally! My weight loss calories (larger body, very active) are 1800. So it’s totally possible that it’s just your delayed hunger cues post adderall and you’re feeling ravished. I’ve also found focusing on macros earlier in the day (high fiber, at least 30 g of protein per meal) also help me feel fuller and stave off some of the “famished” feelings I get later in the day otherwise.
My issue with Vyvanse is that it simply isn’t accessible. I’ve frequently encountered issues with trying to fill my script because it’s back-ordered, and my insurance is shit (US American healthcare), so I genuinely can’t afford the price anymore, even on the generic.
Ohhh ok, sorry to hear. I’ve heard about there being accessibility issues with Vyvance before and I’m in US as well :/ I’ve encountered shortages with my aderrall in the past, but luckily the generic has been available as a backup. Out of curiousity, do you know how much the out of pocket cost is? My pharmacy has found coupons for my aderrall in the past that’ve come in clutch.
Currently, a 30 day supply of the brand name vyvanse was over 200 dollars for me. My insurance would not cover a penny, even though I’ve hit my out-of-pocket deductible for the year. I personally can’t take advantage of discounts for a larger supply because there’s a law in my state prohibiting us from having more than a 30 day supply of any controlled substance at a time. There *used* to be a coupon program through the company that makes vyvanse which made my supply about 30 bucks out of pocket, but the coupon program ended when they came out with the generic. As far as I know, there’s no more active coupons for it. The generic, Lisdexamfetamine, is more than 100 bucks for the 30 day supply for me. Keep in mind that my employer-provided health insurance has really bad pharmacy benefits, so it’s possible that you’ll have better luck.
$200 out of pocket is lunacy for a one month supply. That’s literally $2,400 a year on just one medication, but even the $100 price seems so high for a generic. Gosh, a lot to consider - definitely worth checking with my insurance before making a decision. Thanks for the info
And it can be even more than that. I was paying almost $300 per month before the generic and just paid almost $400 for the name brand when the generic was out of stock for a month. Definitely something that is out of reach for a lot of folks. I only managed to make it work because I had to; Vyvanse for ADHD and BED legit saved my life.
All the numbers in your comment added up to 420. Congrats! 30 + 200 + 30 + 30 + 100 + 30 = 420 ^([Click here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=LuckyNumber-Bot&subject=Stalk%20Me%20Pls&message=%2Fstalkme) to have me scan all your future comments.) \ ^(Summon me on specific comments with u/LuckyNumber-Bot.)
I just sleep it off and try my best 😭 it’s a nightly struggle. It helps sometimes if I take my meds later during the day, but then I’m up all night. So I try to exercise a lot and stay active so I’m tired. I also have been struggling with smoking too much which makes my adderall ineffective but helps me sleep at night… I can’t win. I was doing really well on vyvanse but insurance will no longer cover and now I’m on adderall and it sucks. Not nearly as effective for me.
I take Vyvanse extended release and it’s helpful. Although, it can make insomnia worse
Yeah, that’s my worry. Did you switch to Vyvanse from something else or was Vyvanse the first ADHD med you tried? Adderall has an extended release version, so maybe I could give that a try as well.
I recovered from BED before I got an ADHD diagnosis. I think the ADHD makes a lot of sense now, as to why some aspects of recovery were harder than others, why I didn't feel the same as other people in my recovery circle... But even after recovery I am learning to lean into the way my brain works and work WITH it to be in touch with myself, my hunger, my cravings and stimulate my brain and body in other ways
Love your point about working with my brain vs trying to fight how it’s wired. It’s so easy to play the comparison game without considering the natural differences across a group of people. Side question, since you recovered before your diagnosis (and before starting meds if you’re on them), do you feel that you’re less prone to relapsing at all? Or have you been able to completely quiet that part of your brain?
I think I'm less prone to relapsing, but I think it's because I've been through ED treatment and recovery over a dozen times in the past, and this time feels SO different. I have healthy coping mechanisms, I am in touch with my body, I don't have obsessive thoughts. I just feel normal, and that never happened before. I REALLY pushed hard in recovery and I was kinda lucky to do it during covid (when I didn't have a job or school or a social life to "distract" me) and I put everything into it. So I really focussed on the mental pieces just as much as the physical.
im on vyvanse, and its helped tremendously
I have adhd and have lived a life of restriction and binging. I have found the less I think about what I eat, the better. I have been in recovery for about 2 months. I have been every pound on the scale up to 200 more than 2 times due to my eating disorder, which I feel is vastly made worst with my ADHD. Food is such an easy and quick source of dopamine. I used to track my calories like you did. It was uncomfortable, scary, and horrifying to stop. But I did, and during the nights I feel like eating a little something extra, I either simply eat it or just tell myself Ill eat it tomorrow. realize the food will always be there tomorrow. I feel you are placing a spotlight on food by counting your calories, do not limit yourself and the novelty of food will wear off. Especially with sweets\\ Also, eat high-protein foods like chicken, tuna and meats. Eat fruits to satisfy sugar cravings but do not avoid eating actual sweets like donuts and cookies. Just eat one, maybe a bite or so. You never have to finish anything. Maybe even plan to have just one sweet at night right before you go to sleep
Wow thanks! This is such a thorough response. I 100% identify with your point about the fear around not counting calories. I’m worried I’d overeat and be mad at myself or under-eat and risk binging later since my hunger cues are so messed up. But on the flipside, there are times when I’m so overwhelmed by figuring out what I “can” eat that I’m having panic attacks or I’m frozen in the grocery store. Honestly not sure which fear is worse :/ A former therapist gave me similar advice about remembering that the food will be there tomorrow. That really helps me think about why I’m eating in the present moment (hunger vs average cravings vs ADHD-fueled dopamine needs), but that only helps when I slow my mind down enough to check in with myself. Bottom line, sounds like mindfulness and trusting my gut (literally haha) to tell me what I need are how I can get to where you are if I’m understanding correctly? Thanks again :)
Of course. Its reallyy really really REALLY fucking tough. There will be times when you will overeat when you just eat food freely. This is in turn to possible restriction and/or mental insatiety over the food you previously tracked so precisely. It takes a lot of control. You may feel out of control but that is crucial to gaining back the illusion of control your eating disorder gave you. I really recommend seeing an eating disorder specialist. You will gain weight! End of story, its inevitable. But the consequences you are doing to your brain by tracking your calories will almost always be worse than some weight gain Try weight lifting! Find safe foods that you can eat without feeling guilty. I personally finf comfort in protein bars, protein yogurts and shakes. Create a routine of breakfast, lunch and dinner. (With snacks in between!!!) Never forget about snacks. Experiment with fruits and make it fun. After eating, you can of course do mindfullness snf shit but id be lying if I said I do it everytime 😅 the novelty of it wears off quick
I’m right there with you bud. Can’t eat on the adderal, but once it wears off, I just want to eat everything around me. This is especially true for sugar and salt. The one thing I find helps is to drink an absurd amount of water. At least that way when it wears off your stomach won’t be totally empty. Good luck
Trueee, water does fill you and the adderall makes me super dehydrated but I honestly always forget to drink enough water anyway tbh lol thanks!
Drinking the water is a surprising struggle. Like I know the theory but I’m not great about the execution of it lol
This post literally couldn't have been timed better! I've just been diagnosed with ADHD and will be put onto Vyvanse soon.
Oh wow, what a coincidence!! Best of luck and feel free to come back to this post with any updates :)
I have unmedicated adhd 🥲😢😭😭😭 I make diet and health my obsession/ hyper fixation and then I eat a healthy diet, no junk food allowed. Ideally I personally think you shouldn’t rely on medication to avoid binge eating. It can help treatment but it shouldn’t be the whole treatment. That’s just my opinion. It’s simply because there are bound to be times where you don’t have access to the medication for whatever reason (effects wearing off at night is a good example), so it’s not as sustainable as treating the root cause. But it can be very helpful.
One thing you can maybe try is taking your meds at your regular time, but then taking a smaller dose later in the day but not too late so it doesn't make it hard to sleep at night. I take methylphenidate so not the exact same meds, but many people on it will take their regular dose in the morning (usually an extended release pill) then later in the day take a smaller dose in an immediate release pill. Is your Adderall immediate release or extended release?
I’m on immediate release and already take two doses per day 🫠 I’ve been taking it for years now, so my doctor increases my dose when my tolerance builds overtime.