Medication causing hunger?

[glaceon]

Hi everyone.

I am currently taking two SNRI medications once daily. I started the the first in November 2015 and the second in January 2017.

The most prominent side effect for myself has been the intense hunger, cravings and uncontrollable binge eating. I crave carbs and anything sugary. White bread, doughnuts, biscuits, chocolate, potato chips and so on. While I'm eating these kinds of foods, I feel happy and energised. Shortly after I feel guilty and lethargic. And then the cycle resets. This has caused me to gain about 25kg (55lbs) in a relatively short time.

I should probably mention this weight gain started immediately after I stopped smoking weed. I was smoking heavily every day from April 2017 to July 2017. (Approx 4 months) I didn't gain any weight. In fact, I actually lost weight.

Is anyone else on a medication combination? If so. How do you manage your diet, weight and exercise?

PS. I try to exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes. (Skipping rope) and I walk an average of 5,000 to 8,000 steps every day. I loathe exercise but I know it's good for me, so I do it.

Thanks 🙂

[Peppermintbach]

Hi glaceon,

Thanks so much for sharing some of your experiences here with us. Your food cravings sound very intense. I feel it can definitely be a struggle to resist temptation...

Sorry, I realise that I might just be stating the obvious here, but I hope it’s okay for me to ask. I wonder if you’ve discussed the food cravings with your GP or psychiatrist. Perhaps s/he could make adjustments to your meds or help you come up with an alternative strategy to deal with the food cravings. Is is alright if I ask what do you think about this little idea?

It’s good to have you here with us and I hope you’re finding your way around the forums okay...

Kind and caring thoughts,

Pepper

[glaceon]

Thanks for your reply. I'm currently living abroad. Previous to this, I was in Brisbane. And seeing a Psychiatrist weekly.

Unfortunately, I cannot afford to see a Psychiatrist here, as bulk billing doesn't exist where I am living. And I don't have access to any free health services, as I am not a citizen / permanent resident. Nor do I have private health insurance.

My medication alone is costing over $100 a month. Compared to just $10 in Australia.

Healthcare is expensive here and I can only rely on these forums to gain advice or suggestions.

Thanks

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Glaceon,

Thanks so much for writing back. It’s good to hear from you 🙂 Wow, that is very expensive...financial constraints can definitely be an issue when it comes to healthcare. I understand what you’re saying...

I’m obviously not a doctor or nurse, but I’m happy to offer my thoughts as a peer. I know you mentioned food cravings before, so I’m wondering if it would help to have healthier options available in anticipation of the cravings.

For example, I know you mentioned your carbs and sugary foods. So I’m wondering if maybe you could keep healthier alternatives that are also sweet or have some carbs e.g. dried fruit (to replace some of the sugary food), grain based crackers (to replace potato chips), etc. I do understand that healthier alternatives may not be as appetising (and that they can also sometimes be more expensive), but perhaps you could consider trying some healthier alternatives and see how that goes?

Another option that I think you might find useful is a beyondblue thread called Healthy eating tips & food diary. If you’re interested, you can find it by typing the title in the beyondblue search bar. Just a little idea...

Please don’t hesitate to write in again if you would like to share anything else, ask something, chat, etc. Thinking of you.

Kindness and care,

Pepper