Medicines That Increase Appetite.

[ck1]

Common side effect of some drugs is increased aappetite and therefore weight gain. If the increased appetite can be resisted does this result in weight loss ie if you feel constantly hungry but maintain a normal calorie intake, does the body think it's not being fed so starts using its fat reserves?

[Sqad]

I can't think of any COMMONLY prescribed drugs that have increase in weight as a side effect.

No doubt someone will appear with a "link."

[Sqad]

Just seen your other point

\\\\\ if you feel constantly hungry but maintain a normal calorie intake, does the body think it's not being fed so starts using its fat reserves?\\\
No, if your calorific intake remains the same and your lifestyle remains the same, then fat will not be "mobilised."

[anneasquith]

contraceptive pill. HRT . ?

[Sqad]

anne....naaah! it's a myth.

Perhaps initially due to the oestrogen content, but modern contraceptive pills have much less oestrogen.

[anneasquith]

it maybe a myth to you sqad, when was the last time you had HRT ?

[wolf63]

One of the tablets that I take causes increased appetite. Can't remember which one it is though.


One that increased energy would be nice.

[anneasquith]

steroids.

[Sqad]

Steroids?....maybe long term use, but certainly not in the short term.

[wolf63]

My wee boy gets a steroid jab every month from the vet. It causes the munchies and the munchies causes weight gain. He is 5.5kg

[woofgang]

alcohol, pot.

[nailit]

I'm on mirtazapine and ive piled weight on. One of the side affects is increased appetite. (Its an anti depressent but Ive heard that they use it in the treatment of anorexia)

[Eve]

I was going to mention mirtazapine too, was told it depends on the dose as in higher doses the effect stops.

Lyrica (pregabalin) too though maybe some of the drugs cause other issues which can lead to weight gain such as fluid retention. I was told tocilizumab can cause weight gain too.

[nailit]

Eve, im on 30mg. Have got a medication review coming up as its effects seem to be minimal at the mo, if the dose is upped then it would be great as my jeans are bursting at the seams ;-)
Since been on it I have developed sugar cravings like mad. Before I never really had a sweet tooth.

[Eve]

I think it's around 45mg and up it loses that effect, something like that.

They tried upping it for me to help get rid of that side effect but then you lose the help it gives in sleeping and I felt awful as I just wasn't getting as much or as good sleep and that is something I really need as I have big issues with fatigue and get more tired as it's harder to get around etc... So I asked to go back down as my sleep was more important for me.

I do worry about having less flexibility, especially the last few weeks which have been pretty tough but will see how it goes.

[nailit]

Thats very interesting Eve, thank you. One of my major problems was the fact I couldnt sleep...it was literally driving me nuts and making me suicidal in the process. Was put on mirtazapine while in a psychiatric hospital and at the time was the best thing that ever happened to me. Slept well, started eating again (over eating...) and felt better mood wise than before. BUT the weight piled on. Small price to pay however.
Really dont want to get to the point that I cant sleep again though, be back to square one.

[Peter Pedant]

olanzepine.... sqad

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olanzapine

it causes a bit of a problem, the patients dont like it much

[Peter Pedant]

um I think cannabinoids do as well - not that I know anything about that

[nailit]

Squad wrote //I can't think of any COMMONLY prescribed drugs that have increase in weight as a side effect. //
I have to question Squads credentials as a medic? You must surely, as a doctor, be aware of drugs...that you have prescribed...that have side effects such as these?

[Sqad]

Go ahead.....question my credentials....I couldn't care a toss.

[nailit]

had a lot of respect for you before on here Squad but if thats your attitude??
What gives?
Surely you must know about weight gain with certain medications?
If you dont give a toss then im glad you aint my gp