Loss of appetite. How do I survive?

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hi all.

I was taking 25 mg of zoloft for 4 days and had such bad nausea and headache that I stopped (with doctors approval). I just recently started back up on zoloft because it works for all biological members of my family so the Dr. really wants me to try and stick it out. I have had no appetite and have been pretty nauseous. I am scared because I can barely pallate water. My anxiety is already through the roof with the zoloft and I am even more anxious that if I can't eat my body is going to shut down. Help please? What did you guys do when you couldn't eat?

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Seth, 

    I completely understand how you feel and what you are going through. I started on 50mg 7 weeks ago. During the first 4 weeks, I lost 6kgs. I could not eat for the first 2 weeks and slept approximately 2-4 hours for the first two weeks. It was hell, I always thought my body was going to shutdown or have a heart attack due to the lack of energy or lack of sleep. I also had diarrhoea for the first two week. But trust me, It does get better. I started feeling better by the third week. Since then my appetite has come back and i already am on the same weight as i was before and sleeping 6-8 hours every night. My anxiety has got back alot better, I would say 80-90% back to my previoius self. So, Do not give up!! Sertraline takes time to work on your body. 

    I hope it all goes well for you. Again i assure things do get better. First few weeks is hell. 

    • Posted

      Thank you for the reply Robin! When you could eat, what did you eat? How did you stay hydrated? I am only on the second official day of my second try (12.5mg) so I feel it shouldn't be this bad, but I have always been very sensative to medicine.

    • Posted

      Hi Seth, 

      I forced myself to eat whatever it was on the dinner table actually. I try to drink as often as i could during the day. Also one of my doctor recommended that I take some Vitamin D, which i was low on count 3 months prior to my medication. I did a whole lot of research online in regards to the medication and any other thing relating to my condition, anxiety and panic disorder. So I found out eating Omega fatty acid 3 also help with anxiety and depression so i take that along with Sertraline. But I suggest you talk to your doctor first before that. I have been like that since then. 

    • Posted

      Yah, it has been a lot of force feeding, ginger ale, gatorade, boost meal replacement shakes, and whatever else I can get in, but I always feel like I am going to throw it back up. I too suffer from panic and anxiety disorder, not so much depression although I have gotten a little from the entire struggle. 
  • Posted

    I'm having the same problem, I've lost 22 pounds in less than a month, so I went from 165 down to 145, almost 22 pounds, in month. I'm as concerned about it as you are, sure hope people like us get some honest answers. Good luck with your problem. God bless.

  • Posted

    Hiya, can relate to your feelings. I've been on 100mg sertealine for 6 months now from 1 year of 50mg. Had similar experience when starting and when increasing my dose.

    If you can, I'd recommend trying to eat cold, refrigerated fruit - tinned or fresh. The smell of green melon, tangerine segments etc won't turn your stomach and the texture is fine too. Anything cold from the fridge will be easier to stomach than hot meals, which I just found impossible. Plain crackers with a slick of butter is also really useful, and I try to eat a cracker or two just before I take my meds as that helps a lot.

    You might lose some weight, but try to take comfort in the fact that if your body really needs sustenance you WILL be able to eat. Focus instead on resting your mind from any over-worrying about your appetite (obviously a challenge for us) - it will come back. Good luck and stay safe!

  • Posted

    Are you still taking zoloft and did the nausea and loss of appetite get better? Ive tried Zoloft three times and only lasted about 6 weeks on it each time. The nausea and loss of appetite made life unbearable but now im going through menopause and i can barely eat even without taking zoloft!

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.