Unable to Eat

[onelittlerose]

Even though my anxiety has diminished due to new medication, I still can't eat more than a cup of food before feeling sick. I've lost five pounds just this weekend alone, and over forty the past few months. I don't feel the urge to eat either- does this happen to anyone else?

[TheAwfulToad]

Have you always had these problems, or have they happened only since starting your medication? If so you really need to get switched onto a different one.

CBT can be very effective for anxiety; although drugs can be palliative in the short term, it would be as well to address the underlying issues so that you're not eternally dependent on pills.

[onelittlerose in reply to TheAwfulToad]

I've always had eating issues, but every med I've been on has affected me differently. This one isn't as bad as Lexapro, where I would often skip eating for days just to avoid the symptoms of it clashing with the med.

[TheAwfulToad in reply to onelittlerose]

Ouch. It seems to me if the meds are causing you MORE anxiety - to the point that you're literally not eating - it's time to find a way to stop taking them. My qualifications are in psychology, not medicine, but this sounds like a very serious situation that needs to be addressed sharpish.

I'd encourage you to seek out a therapist experienced with eating disorders and anxiety - things have come on a long way over the past couple of decades, and there are now some VERY effective protocols for handling these issues. If you can get the right person to help you, there's every chance you can find your way back to a normal relationship with food and stop the drugs.

I do realise that, given the limitations of the NHS, it's very hard to actually get effective treatment. I'm surprised (but not very) that your doctor gave you Lexapro instead of referring you to a clinical psychologist: SSRIs simply don't do anything useful in the vast majority of cases. Sadly, a GP has only two or three minutes to get the patient out of his office with a prescription. This is not going to help in your case and you may need to shop around (or spend money) to get some actual treatment, instead of being fobbed off.

[onelittlerose in reply to TheAwfulToad]

I've actually been in therapy with a psychologist and psychiatrist for many years and only started meds recently because i was in a destructive spiral. I would have panic attacks so serious that i would spasm, pass out, and thrash around badly enough to cause serious damage, all without being able to control it. Now at least I don't have those and I don't know the ER staff on a first name basis anymore, but I would like to eat once in a while, and be able to drink properly too

[Zest]

Hi onelittlerose ,

Welcome to the Healthy eating forum. I think TheAwfulToad has given you a very helpful reply, and in addition I would also like to suggest the following forums might be helpful too, as additional support from the anxiety side of things:

healthunlocked.com/search/a...

Having your medication issues looked at does sound like a priority - to ensure you're on the right medication, and so seeing your healthcare provider, would be advisable.

Hope you get your appetite back soon, and take care.

Zest

[grace111]

so sorry to hear of your anxiety .Could you try drinking soup? As I think the food in our stomach helps to calm our nerves a little. IM not to bad with my anxiety at the moment but i have lost my appetite in the past due to it. Its always good to get a litte food even if its soup as it gives our stomach something to work on. wishing you well. love grace xoxoxo