a little personal but...

ellenrose25
ellenrose25 Posts: 33
edited October 4 in Health and Weight Loss
...could antidepressants be the reason i've lost my appetite? i used to easily eat 2,000 calories a day. never lost, but never gained. i was told i have dysthymia (chronic depression) and am now taking antidepressants. the past few days it has been hard for me to reach my 1,300 calorie goal.

maybe i'm not eating as much because i'm not using food for comfort? has anyone else had experience with this and would like to share? send me a message if you're not comfortable posting here.


thanks!

Replies

  • hazelmae123
    hazelmae123 Posts: 109 Member
    It is sometimes a side effect but usually wears off over time.
  • hstallings13
    hstallings13 Posts: 306
    When I first started on them several years ago I lost 20lbs in the first 2 weeks cause I was never hungry and couldn't stop moving. After that I leveled out. Takes the body just a bit to get adjusted to it
  • pinkgigi
    pinkgigi Posts: 693 Member
    lucky, when I started I put on a whole lot of weight.

    GG
  • Yoopermom13
    Yoopermom13 Posts: 22
    I have the same thing and take anti-depressants. They do take my appetite away. I think they did more at 1st, but your you will level out on them.
  • Wpbarr
    Wpbarr Posts: 142 Member
    It depends on which one you are taking; it is a side effect for some. Some meds take weeks to start becoming effective, so this could just be temporary. BTW, meds will not stop the urge to eat for comfort, that is psychological not biological.
  • Akjenn89
    Akjenn89 Posts: 265 Member
    Depends on which medication you're taking, but that is a common side-effect. Especially with Wellbutrin and Prozac.
  • Savemyshannon
    Savemyshannon Posts: 334 Member
    I'm a nurse and yes, anorexia (I say that as the official medical term for "loss of appetite", not as the psychological diagnosis) is a very common side effect of anti-depressants (as is loss of sex drive!).

    The side effects should subside as you get used to the medicine, but until then, try to eat small, frequent meals. Time your meals so you know when it's time to eat, don't rely on your body to tell you. Also make sure that you are taking in plenty of fluids!

    And if eating is too hard or unappetizing, try liquid meals, like soups, broths, or homemade smoothies. The "meals in a can" (like Ensure and Boost, not Slim Fast) can work to get your nutrients if you need it, too, but those are not very low in calories (6g of fat and 250 calories per can). So those are a great way to hit your caloric intake for the day if you're falling a little short, but once you are back on track, cut them out of the diet.

    I hope you feel better soon! :)
  • ellenrose25
    ellenrose25 Posts: 33
    thanks everyone! i have been a little confused because i saw a lot about people gaining weight, not losing appetite... i did eat a little more today so hopefully it's wearing off
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