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Anyone noticed a connection between SSRIs and blood sugar control?

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Posted 8/15/2015 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
Just as the topic states...anyone had blood sugar issues after starting on an SSRI?

I'm having a bit of trouble regulating my blood sugar, and the symptoms that led to me testing it began only after starting Lexapro. From what I'm reading, it CAN be a side effect, but is relatively rare.

So I thought I'd ask here. Anyone have this experience?
Posted 8/15/2015 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
ROF,

I have heard of this with other psychotropics...especially mood stabilizing Rx's.

One of our moderators has been dealing with this concern, so hopefully, she will chime in soon with some insight...

What does your doctor suggest? A watch and wait to see if things regulate themselves with some time and adjustment to your med?

Or have you been advised to switch?

Following your doctor's guidance and keeping an eye on your levels and how you feel should help you to make the best decision on how to proceed.

Wishing you the best with this...keep us posted.

S.C.
Posted 8/15/2015 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
S.C. - I am just barely making connections and figuring out my sugar, so I haven't been advised to switch meds yet. First thing I noticed was crazy increased appetite, which I thought could be attributed to Lexapro, then had phone consultation with my doctor who suggested I track my blood sugar for a few days. Will be seeing him Monday to go over results, but they are elevated compared to the guidelines he gave me.
Posted 8/15/2015 7:31 PM (GMT 0)
Got it...

Keeping in contact with your doctor...keeping track of your levels and seeing if things stabilize, or if you continue to have higher readings will reveal your course of action I am sure.:)

Best wishes...and keep posting so we can keep you in support.

S.C.
Posted 8/16/2015 8:43 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

This is an interesting thread I was actually going to put a post up about this issue today as I have been experiencing similar symptoms and starting to think it could be the ssri??

I have been getting dizzy spells and have been going very pale I first thought it was my blood pressure dropping but I have a home monitor and it has not been dropping to low. So I am now starting to wonder if it is something to do with blood sugar levels. I have started doing a lot more exercise this past couple of months and I get these symptoms during and after exercise.

I have an appointment with my psychiatrist this week so I will mention this to them and see what they say.

Hibee
Posted 8/16/2015 9:43 AM (GMT 0)
Hi ROF, very interesting indeed!

I've been on SSRI for many years now and had blood sugar checked many times over these years. Results were all fine.
Though, I have been feeling exactly the same as Hibee, as he mentioned above I also felt pale and dizzy from time to time and had some lethargy symptoms even though I wasn't sick or anything.

Around a month ago I reduced the added sugar amount in my diet, to the extent of NO SUGAR other than a portion of fruit daily. Since then I am feeling better with my symptoms.

As S.C. said, keep checking your levels and get your dr's opinion. So you will know if the SSRI is related or not.
Sending healing <3
Posted 8/16/2015 2:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi RunningOnFumes, I don't think we have met yet, so welcome to the HW anxiety forum!! As you can see this is a awesome community full of caring people, so I hope you stick around and we will walk this journey with you.

Although not a SSRI, I am on Abilify and one of the side effects is a rise in BS levels, I recently went off it because of that side effect and other side effects for about 6 or 7 weeks, but found I couldn't live without it, became severely depressed. So I Went back on it about a week ago and already feel much better. I had my AC1 checked about a week ago too, and although it is high 6.0 it hasn't changed over the past 2 times I've had it checked so I felt safe going back on abilify.

It most certainly can be a side effect of SSRI also, so watch it and if you are having problems keeping your BS at a good level I would for sure talk to your doctor. :)
Posted 8/18/2015 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
Just checking back into this thread now, sorry to have missed these replies!

I have been able to slightly improve my sugar levels and symptoms with my diet - cutting out most added sugar and cutting back on carbs. Eating lots of leafy greens and other veggies with protein, a few complex carbs each day.

The one symptom I can't seem to get away from is this extreme hunger, so I will be discussing this with my doctor, hopefully on Thursday.

Hibee - I did some reading, and I don't know if you check your blood sugar levels, but it was suggested not to exercise when your blood sugar level is below 110 or so. If it's below that, snack first! Something with protein and slow digesting carbs - like peanut butter on a piece of whole grain toast.
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