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Suppressed Appetite... what the? Escitalopram wk 6

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Posted 7/12/2016 9:14 AM (GMT 0)
Week 6 of meds and my appetite is decreasing weekly...
Appointment with my doc Friday to check in.

My appetite used to be very healthy, decent portions, hungry quite often- eating 3 meals a day and healthy snacks.

For a few weeks my appetite has become worse with every passing day- I am now forgetting to eat particilarly when im busy whether this be lunch and/or dinner and I am a little concerned... as even when my dinner is infront of me I have little desire to consume it, but try and eat it to get in the nutrients.

My weight has dropped a bit- but not below my regular weight as I had gained a few kilos this year.

Doc on Friday as i said but hoping for some support prior to this...
Im feeling anxious about the possibility of the doc changing my meds and I am feeling some positive effects and do not want to change meds...

Has anyone had a similar experience... and can the doc change my meds if i want to continue (as i have heard 8wks is when the full effects can be felt and im so close!)

Any support and advise would be greatly appreciated- its causing me lots of anxiety and Friday is 3 full days away :(
Posted 7/12/2016 9:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi AAA,

Sorry to hear about your current situation with your eating.

I am on Escitalopram (5mg) just coming up to 2 week mark.

I have never been a great eater and my appetite decreased from day 1 of taking them, although it is improving slowly now.

I am sure this is a side effect of the meds that affects different people in different ways/times.

I am currently taking 2 booster/protein shakes a day to help increase my appetite and to get nutrients, I have just started taking Vitamin C and Omega 3 too, as I have been told this will help anxiety in general. When my eating was "normal" I was a "grazer", little often, try small healthy snacks during the day.

I am sure your Doctor will respect your wishes to stay on this med, especially when you tell him/her that you are starting to feel positive effects.

Stay strong and take care xx
Posted 7/12/2016 12:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Sometimes meds can decrease your appetite but more often they increase your appetite.

A doctor can only recommend that you change meds ultimately the decision is up to you but chat things through with your doctor.

Hibee
Posted 7/12/2016 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
AAA,

Hopefully this is a temporary phase that will pass once your body fully adjusts in a couple more weeks...

...until then I second the meal replacement shake suggestion. Or make your own high calorie version with banana, peanut butter and frozen yogurt...as well as adding in calorie dense bars such as Muscle Milk brand makes.

Hopefully all will be back on tracks soon...and talking with your doctor will give you some reassurance.

Keep us posted,

S.C.
Posted 7/12/2016 5:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there!
I have been on this drug since February of this year and I can confirm that this is normal. I lost about 10 lbs before my appetite came back. It's normal now and I eat like I would prior to the medicine. Don't feel discouraged! I treated it as sort of a blessing... I was looking to lose about 10 lbs anyway and it has stayed off so far. Do you get nauseous at all? In the beginning I was so nauseous. That was definitely not fun but that also went away except for a random morning like maybe once a month if that. I have had great success on this medicine. Wishing you happiness and continued success :)
Posted 7/12/2016 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks all for your support, A, H, SC, & K !

Waking up to your words this morning was helpful as I had a restless night.

Im glad to hear I have some say on continuing my meds and A the shakes sound good- thanks for your ongoing support along this journey.

I think i have been most anxious about the meds changing as a result of this side effect- which i am hopeful will pass.

Special thanks to K for sharing your success story and similar experience... i dont feel nauseous its more like i am not enjoying eating it - and im not feeling hungry... which is so strange for me!

Take care all... hoping for a good day today! :)
Posted 7/12/2016 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
No problem! This forum helped me so much when I was going through the worst parts of my ordeal so it feels good to be able to give feedback and help. Please let me know if you ever need anything.
Posted 7/13/2016 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
I second that K, this site is a blessing.

AAA, I don't feel nauseous either but definitely decreased appetite.

The shakes do seem to help, over here we have Complan or Ensure, I use the Complan as we can buy that over the counter, but both are full of the vitamins and minerals we need.

Hope all goes well at your docs appointment.

Take care and stay strong.

xx
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