New medication, can't eat. Need advice.

NorthCascades · August 2018

I didn't wind up in a weight loss forum by not eating enough.

A few very stressful events have happened at the same time recently, and it dialed my anxiety up to 11. Until a week ago we've been stuck with awful wildfire smoke, which has kept me off my bike, I use the bike to cope with stress. Sometimes I feel like I'm in mortal danger for no reason at all, but it's unshakeable.

My doctor gave me a medicine that's helping to take the edge off the anxiety. I need the help right now, and I've heard people struggle to find the right medicine, so I'd prefer to stick with something that works.

But I just don't have an appetite. It's a chore to put food in my mouth and swallow it. I don't want to look at most food. And I forget to eat, yesterday at 6:30 pm I realized all I'd had to eat all day was half a yogurt.

I could really benefit from some advice on dealing with the eating problem.

cmriverside · August 2018

I think maybe it would be a good idea to tell the doctor - there are many different drugs available and it's not a one-size-fits-all thing, you may have to try a few before finding one that works.

Also, some drugs have an adjustment phase of a couple weeks to a month, mostly SSRIs and SNRIs. It may be that you will adjust if it's something you just started.

In the meantime, ice cream for the win. I hope you feel better.

VUA21 · August 2018

The few days after I had my surgery, I had no appetite. Boyfriend had a genius idea - weight gainer shakes, designed for bodybuilders on a bulk (500 calories per shake, some have more). It's a temporary fix, but in order to just get some calories in, they worked great! I know it's not the greatest in a complete nutrition sense, but for a few days they really helped me out.

sunfastrose · August 2018

+1 for talk to doctor and express concerns re: loss of appetite. And I agree with the direct post above - getting calories for the meantime will be easier if they are in liquid form.

Millicent3015 · August 2018

I lost my appetite for about a month the first time I went on a certain antidepressant. I couldn't stand the sight of food. Once my body had adjusted to the medication my appetite returned. If you're still experiencing no appetite in 4 to 6 weeks, go back to your doctor. You may just need to adjust your dose, or even the time of day you take it, before trying a different medication.

Side effects usually wear off in a few weeks, so don't start worrying now. Eat or sip what you can, maybe meal replacement and protein shakes, thin soups or broth, a glass of pop or even a stock cube dissolved in water if that's all you can manage, and give your body some time to get used to the meds.

TrishSeren · August 2018

I’ve been here before. When I first started on anti depressants even my favourite foods made me feel unbelievably nauseous. I stuck to very bland food during that time to get through.

It should wear off after a week or two. However if you are concerned have a chat with the doctor.

aokoye · August 2018

So again, you need to talk to your doctor about this. Also, most side effects (and this appears to be one) wear off within a few weeks to a month.

NorthCascades · September 2018

I just left the doctor's. They'll be closed for the next three days. They have me a different medicine, now I have to decide to continue with this one or change.

I used to love Cinnamon Toast Crunch as a kid. Probably because of nostalgia, that's not an instant no. If I can eat it, do you think that's better than nothing?

RAinWA · September 2018

Some of my husband's medications cause him to lose his appetite and he will forget to eat all day. We set an alarm for every couple of hours for him to eat something (he needs to gain weight). Peanut butter, chocolate milk, trail mix - pretty much anything calorie dense that he doesn't have to eat a lot of. You might try doing that.

And if cereal sounds good you should eat it.

Best of luck to you!

youngmomtaz · September 2018

Topamax does this to me. When I first started it and if I adjust the dosage. I eat what I can when I can. Some people love the weight loss side effect but I would rather my loss come from a slow deficit so I eat what I can stomach while my body adjusts, even if those are foods I won’t typically choose while trying lose weight. Beefed up protein shakes(add honey, extra berries, coconut oil, etc), milkshakes, cereal. After a week or two my body gets used to it and I can tolerate my regular diet again and I cut back on the hyperpalatable foods. But while adjusting, I just do what I can to get in 1200 cals even if they aren’t exactly balanced.

aokoye · September 2018

So two things. A. you might (read: should) want to think about seeing a psychiatrist as opposed to a GP for psychotropic meds. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners have significantly more training in this area than GPs do.

B. how long have you been on your current med and what is or isn't going on in terms of what you've been told about titrating up to a specific dose? If you're already on a very low dose of the current med stopping cold turkey probably won't be a major issue. If you aren't you need to titrate off of it.

Bonus bullet point: C. How much has your doctor told you about these specific meds. What's their rational between prescribing one med over another and having you take the doses that you've been prescribed to take. Note - I don't need to know this rational, you shouldn't feel obligated to tell me or any of us. You, however, should know why you're being prescribed one med over another and why the dose has been chosen.

And yes, cinnamon toast crunch is better than nothing.

Cbean08 · September 2018

Cereal is awesome. If it works for you, eat it. I used to use a Boost or an Ensure Plus instead of milk. A while ago when I was having a really, really hard time eating, I found oatmeal to be a safe food and I ate it 5 times a day. Some food was better than no food.

lynn_glenmont · September 2018

Anything that isn't poisonous or spoiled and that you don't have an allergy or medical intolerance to is better than nothing. Please don't cross foods that you find palatable off the list of things you'll allow yourself to eat while you are having trouble eating anything.

lorrpb · September 2018

I'm sorry this has happened to you. Loss of appetite can be a side effect of medication. I agree with those who say call your doctor and let them know how severely this has affected your appetite.

aokoye · September 2018

Oh also - do look up whether or not there are any foods that are contradictions to your new med(s). It's pretty likely that grapefruit will be a contradiction (and probably nothing else).

lynn_glenmont · September 2018

Good point.

VUA21 · September 2018

@NorthCascades
Absolutely!!! There's nothing wrong with Cinnamon Toast Crunch (unless there's some medical reason for you to avoid it). Although, if you needing more calories I would suggest cereal that is higher in calories such as Raisen Bran or the Quaker Medley's. Personally, I prefer Cookie Crisp or Fruit Loops, but that's just me. (Yes, for losing weight cinnamon toast crunch is the better option over most "healthy" cereals).

NorthCascades · September 2018

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions, and the caring.

Orphia · September 2018

You've had great advice. Love this place.

Hugs about your anxiety. I see a psychologist (for counselling) and psychiatrist (for medication) and my anxiety is getting a lot better.

Those stressful life events really put our already danger-sensing brains into hyperdrive.

My psychologist was telling me about how biologically we use our brains for safety and sex, and everything stems from that ultimately.

That helps me to observe my thoughts and fears and see them as my brain protecting me and my tribe.

Glad to hear the wildfire smoke has cleared. Hope you can get out on your bike on the trails this weekend!

TavistockToad · September 2018

Anything you feel you want to eat is better than nothing

Evelyn_Gorfram · September 2018

No advice on the appetite problem, just want to let you know you have my best well wishes.

My humble opinion matches those who say anything is better than nothing.

(And, with great good luck, you might be able to could sneak in little (almond?) milk with it?)

anl90 · September 2018

I am sorry to hear you are going through this, anxiety is a horrid thing to endure. You mentioned being given the option to try a new medicine - definitely read the side effects first, but I would say absolutely give it a try. When I first went on my medications for anxiety and depression, I had trouble eating as well. As my body adjusted to it, however, it slowly got better. Just listen to your body, and do what feels right. And in regards to Cinnamon Toast Crunch - is that even a question?! It the BOMB, so enjoy it! There is nothing wrong with eating that! Best of luck, and if you need anyone to talk to you are more than welcome to add me as a friend.

MeanderingMammal · September 2018

A lot does depend on the medication, but what I've found with anti depressants is that it took about three weeks to stabilise. I've felt quite nauseous for much of that time before it settled down again.

With that in mind I've just had to be both conscious of eating stuff less likely to cause a reaction, and to eat more slowly.

middlehaitch · September 2018

I'm so sorry the smog has had such an adverse effect on your anxiety.

Hopefully your appetite will return soon.

Until then, eat what you can and stay safe.

Sorry, I have no advice, just know I care.

We have blue skies with big puffy white clouds today, hope your sky is clearing too.

Cheers, h.

kshama2001 · September 2018

My go-to "I don't feel like chewing but need calories" meal is a peanut butter, banana, chocolate protein powder smoothie. I also add a raw egg towards the end. I use weak coffee for the liquid.

This is not on point, but when I don't have an appetite b/c I am sick, I gravitate towards spicy Asian soups. Something with coconut milk, like Tom Kha Gai or a curry, would be higher in calories.

{{{{{{{{{{ hugs }}}}}}}}}}

mkculs · September 2018

I hope you are feeling better. I just wanted to add that when my stress level gets high, I cannot eat--so perhaps that is also affecting you, and you think it is the medication. But how long does that take to kick in? Many take weeks and it might not be the meds. Just a thought--if you've had it before, you may know my suggestion is off base. Good luck finding the right solution. I'm sorry you are dealing with fires. We're dealing with flooding and wishing we could send some of our rain to the folks who need it.

sydlovesscience · September 2018

hi, i have struggled with the same thing, what i have found works best for me is calorie dense foods, or foods that appeal to me such as fruits and vegetables. by finding these things i have been able to at least maintain or minimize any weight loss. i have also noticed that when i take medication can affect my appetite, so i try to take it after my first meal to make sure i still have had something substantial

NorthCascades · September 2018

There was a suggestion in this thread to try drinking food if I can't eat it. So today I had two smoothies from raspberries and blueberries. I finished then both!

Also invited a coworker to hike with me, we did Cascade Pass today. Lots of ripe wild blueberries, my hands were stained.

So things are improving. I'm still taking the first medicine, trying to give it a chance.

Evelyn_Gorfram · September 2018

Hurrah for drinking your meals!

And hurrah for wild blueberries, and coming back form your hiking looking like you've butchered a smurf!

Orphia · September 2018

So happy to hear this! Yay, you ate, and yay, you got to hike!

I don't know if they have them where you live, but breakfast drinks (Sustagen, Up & Go) are great for drink calories with protein.

ETA: That's assuming you didn't add protein to your smoothies. Sorry if I made a mistake!

kommodevaran · September 2018

I'm sorry you are in such a dire situation. But try to separate problems, and prioritize concerns. Just doing that, can help reduce your anxiety. You can eat anything you want, and you can even eat without an appetite, and you can eat by the clock, by setting an alarm. Are you nauseus, or do you have trouble chewing/swallowing?

New medication, can't eat. Need advice.

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