Prozac & No Appetite

[likachika]

Hey guys! Hope your days are going well

I just started Prozac 20 mg for my anxiety/OCD about a week ago, and good lord it’s difficult to eat. I gag every time I put food in my mouth. I’m already underweight, as I’m 107 pounds at 5’5 so I am worried about dropping more weight. I had a blood test done about 2 months ago, and everything was fine there. I also feel weaker than usual, I’m not sure if that’s the medication, the anxiety, or the fact that I can barely eat.

I’ve been drinking smoothies, Gatorade, and lots of water to try to combat this. I’ve also been munching on some fruits. When I can, I try to eat foods high in protein— natto, eggs, vegetarian sausage. I’m probably gonna buy a meal replacement or something soon. Anyway I just want to know, has anyone experienced this on Prozac or any other SSRI? Does it go away after some time?

[jkl5500]

Maybe I shouldn't say this, because I don't want to scare you. But I had a lot of trouble with Prozac when I started it many years ago. Are you able to get enough sleep?

[likachika in reply to jkl5500]

Not really, honestly. If I take a Lorazepam, I can. But I wasn’t able to sleep well before that either, so I’m not sure if Prozac and my insomnia is correlated.

[jkl5500 in reply to likachika]

Everyone seems to have a different reaction to these drugs. When Prozac first came out in 1988 (ancient history for you), they were praising it as a major breakthrough in anti-depressants. Many people said it was the best thing that ever happened to them. Not for me! The two weeks I was on it were the worst of my life! I finally called my doc and begged him to put me on something else.

Believe me, you'd know it if you couldn't sleep because of Prozac. I don't think I got more than 2 hours any night of those two weeks. I didn't get any sleep at all for several of them. It was like torture for me. That's not all it did, but I think you get the idea.

[likachika in reply to jkl5500]

Thank you for letting me know. I had a similar experience, but with Zoloft. That medication made me feel like I was going crazy and no sleep.

I can sleep a decent amount without Lorazepam, but I’m bombarded by uncomfortable thoughts about my own mortality at night. I typically end up with nightmares about cancer or stuff like that. Hopefully it gets better, if not, I’ll try something else.

[jkl5500 in reply to likachika]

The reason I mentioned all this is to suggest that you keep a close eye on how you are reacting to Prozac. It takes a few weeks to adjust to any new med, but if things become unbearable, don't hesitate to call your doc and let him or her know.

[likachika in reply to jkl5500]

Thank you so much for the advice. I will be sure to follow it

[ksquig]

I started lexapro a week ago and I’m going through the same thing. It’s exactly like you said, I just can’t get myself to eat. I’ve heard the first two weeks are the hardest and then our appetites will get better. It sounds like you are doing everything right in terms of trying to eat when you can and being healthy about the food you are consuming (i.e., high protein). Hang in there!

[likachika in reply to ksquig]

Thank you for your response and I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reply! I thankfully got my appetite back a couple days ago. How’s yours doing?

[MAtoNE]

Hi! Going through a similar situation! Hope you see this! I was on Celexa for about 5 years. Helped a lot and then I moved across the country and doctor wanted to try switching meds. Went on prozac. Week 1 helped anxiety with a few stomach aches. I'm on week 2 with no appetite at all!!! I'm 5'1 and 120 pounds so losing weight scares me. I'm calling doctor today. Everyones says wait it out but I'm scared with no appetite. Barely eating.