Hunger 3 Hours After Vyvanse Does Not Indicate Treatment Failure
Experiencing hunger 3 hours after taking Vyvanse does not mean the medication is ineffective for ADHD—appetite suppression is a side effect, not a measure of therapeutic efficacy. The medication's effectiveness should be assessed by improvement in ADHD core symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity), not by appetite changes.
Why Appetite Is Not a Therapeutic Marker
Vyvanse reaches peak plasma concentrations of the active metabolite d-amphetamine at approximately 3.5-4.4 hours post-dose, meaning at 3 hours the medication is still being absorbed and has not yet reached maximum effect 1, 2.
The therapeutic window for Vyvanse extends from 1.5 hours through 13-14 hours post-dose, with demonstrated efficacy maintained throughout this entire period in controlled studies 2, 3, 4.
Appetite suppression (decreased appetite) is listed as the most common adverse event occurring in 47% of patients during dose optimization, but this side effect does not correlate with therapeutic response 2.
Assessing True Medication Effectiveness
Focus on ADHD symptom control rather than side effects to determine if Vyvanse is working:
Evaluate improvement in attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity using standardized rating scales at multiple time points throughout the day 2.
The medication demonstrates significant efficacy at every assessment point from 1.5 hours through 13 hours post-dose on validated measures like SKAMP deportment and attention scales 2.
Peak therapeutic effect occurs around 3.5-4 hours post-dose, which is when you're observing hunger—this timing actually suggests the medication is being properly absorbed and metabolized 1, 2.
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not confuse the absence of appetite suppression with medication failure. Some patients experience minimal appetite changes while still achieving excellent ADHD symptom control. The presence or absence of this side effect is highly variable between individuals and does not predict therapeutic response 2, 4.
When to Consider Medication Adjustment
Reassess the medication regimen only if:
ADHD symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity) are inadequately controlled during school, work, or evening activities 2.
Symptom control wears off before the expected 13-14 hour duration, indicating possible need for dose adjustment 3, 4.
Intolerable side effects emerge that significantly impact quality of life, though appetite changes alone rarely warrant discontinuation 2, 4.
Managing Appetite Concerns
If appetite suppression becomes problematic (weight loss, inadequate nutrition):
Administer Vyvanse with breakfast and provide high-calorie meals/snacks in the evening when medication effects have diminished 5.
Monitor weight regularly, particularly in pediatric patients, as this represents a clinically meaningful safety parameter 6.
The return of appetite at 3 hours may actually be beneficial, allowing for adequate daytime nutrition while maintaining therapeutic ADHD control 5.