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Posted 8/12/2011 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
I wanted to run this by you all to see what's going on with my appetite. In July I was prescribed an antidepressant to prevent headaches. Doc didn't give me acute medicine because he wants me to see a special eye specialist, which is in October.

Long story short: I had eye surgery in 2005 to correct the alignment of my left eye. Never fixed my double vision, which concerns my doc. He thinks it may be linked to my headaches, because they started shortly after my surgery.

I'm on the anti pills for about two weeks and they cause constipation, even when I'm on fiber. In between constipation issues, my appetite goes down the tubes. I stop the meds, get my gut back in order but my appetite is still gone.

I'm curious, would eating the same thing almost everyday stop it? Or did the pills? Or am I just grabbing at straws? My UC is in check. Health is good. Except this.

Thanks for the advice :-)
Posted 8/12/2011 2:41 PM (GMT 0)
I think the antidepressant could be causing lack of appetite IMO. The gut controls a lot of the serotonin which regulates the whole body. It's also summer and heat causes less appetite normally. Are you losing weight? Do you have energy? People who are depressed, at whatever level, also have less appetite, it's probably chemical as much as anything.

Re: headaches. I had Lasik eye surgery several years ago and wow my head was scrambled up for awhile. Yes headaches because my brain was no longer wired correctly to my eyesight. It took months and months to get the brain re-wired to the new better vision. I thought my career was over (I was a photographer) but eventually it sorted out. This may have nothing to do with yours but thought I'd tell it anyway.
Posted 8/12/2011 2:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hy Sibby, what are you taking for headache prevention? I started Pristiq and I notice my appetitie isn't great but it's not so low that it's worrisome. I have a few pounds to lose, a lower appetite is good in my case. I had prednisone weight that I am still trying to kick - I am within 10 pounds of my goal which I am thankful for. I have to say, I think the antidepressant may have caused my condition to improve. I feel a lot less stressed about petty little things and my UC is better than it's been in years. Most antidepressants are known to cause increased appetite. I much prefer a bit of constipation over the constant D I was dealing with. I am still going just about every day. What do you take to abort migraines if you get one? I have only had one since starting Pristiq. Hopefully they continue to stay under control.

Post Edited (notsosicklygirl) : 8/12/2011 12:01:11 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/12/2011 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with notsosicklygirl in regards to the antidepressant causing loss of appetite. My son was on them and he never wanted to eat...in fact he said that food just didn't taste right and the poor boy is 135 pounds soaking wet (he's 18 and 5'5". Sigh...I wish I had this problem...I have soooo much pred weight to lose and because I've been out of a job for months now I sit home all day and munch on crap. Someone please just wire my mouth shut. :P
Posted 8/12/2011 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
I was on nortriptyline. The constipation was moderate. I didn't go for days, and when I did, it hurt worse than a flare. On top of that, it caused one major bout of hemmies.

My pharmacist said to stop if it's effecting my digestive track. So I did. I'm seeing my doc on the 15th to see what I can take. I've been on anti pills before for an unrelated cause when I was 12. Doc thought I needed them because of family issues. Didn't do me any good. Within days I was a zombie. Didn't, eat, sleep or talk, except to go into rages.

I'd rather be on acute medication for headaches/migraines. I trust them better. I don't feel comfortable with antidepressants. Family history of schizophrenia, so I try to avoid that kind of medicine if necessary.

NSSSG, I'm 5'2, around 115 pounds, I wouldn't mind losing some squish around my gut, but I don't really need to lose weight. tiny as it is lol. But my appetite is just brutal. It takes me a hours to just decide to eat anything. I have no desire to eat anymore. I thought the meds would make me want to eat more.

Sher, I know how your son feels. I'm the albino midget in the family.

Ima, I figured that was it. And with the eye issues, I think they can relate to headaches. If you're eyes aren't balanced then nothing else is.
Posted 8/12/2011 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
Sibby, I have been taking zomig for migraines and it seems helpful. Are you seeing a neurologist? There are a lot of options but it's a lot of trial and error. I tried 4 or 5 medicines before I found Zomig helpful and I am not sure if it will always be helpful for every migraine. Hopefully it is.
Posted 8/12/2011 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
I started lexapro 2 weeks ago and I have zero appetite. I mean none. It doesn't help that I'm flaring which makes me not want to eat anyway. So I agree w/ everyone that is probably the anti-d.
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