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Taking medication for anxiety, and I can't stop eating! Help!

Posted , 4 users are following.

eennaylime
eennaylime

First off, hello all! I'm new to this site, as well as new to the world of severe anxiety. I thought it would help to discuss with other people that may understand better, and also try to help other people too.

On to my current issue. I began taking 20mg fluoxetine pills almost 5 months ago. Before taking the medication, I ate a very scheduled diet. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, maybe one snack. I was very meticulous about what I would consume, and always tried to stay healthy. Now, I feel like I can't eat enough food! I've gained a few pounds since starting my treatment, and after a little research I believe that food tasting amazing plus craving sugar and carbs are to blame. I don't believe it to be my metabolism slowing down and I'm still an active person.

My question is, what can I do to stop these cravings? Is there anything that has worked for anybody? It's almost as if my will power has disappeared! My symptoms feel better, so I don't want to stop taking the medication. Thanks in advance!

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • michaelall35712
    michaelall35712 eennaylime

    Posted

    Hello, this seems to be a common side effect of SSRI medications.  I was on Paxil myself and of course my doctor was I am concerned about the weight your gaining, blah, blah.  I am not particulary worried about my weight, but of course I am a male.  One thing I can recommend is to discuss this with your doctor, and express that you have been gaining weight, due to medication making you have cravings etc.  He may be able to switch you to a medication that is less likely to have these effects.  Hope this helps.
  • elizabeth2244
    elizabeth2244 eennaylime

    Posted

    I have the same concern with food and being on medication I take zoloft, trazodone, lamotrigine and lorazepam for my anxieties and depression and yes you can eat a lot on these meds. Do you have any coping skills to get your mind off of food like reading, exercising, writing taking a walk 

    One thing is try only eating breakast, lunch, and dinner and before bed a snack then close off the kitchen for the night and do other stuff besides eating. 

    I have a weight problem and i am trying to lose weight myself 

  • edna69270
    edna69270 eennaylime

    Posted

    I know the feeling. I am on Paxil. I gained 60 lbs in a very short time. The paxil has done a lot for me. I don't want to go back to where I was but the weight gain bothers me. I don't know the answer but know I understand.
  • eennaylime
    eennaylime

    Posted

    I had a pretty good routine going before I started the medication. I never really felt the need to eat other than for energy. But now I want to eat when I'm bored, when I'm happy, when I'm sad. It's frustrating.
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