Meds that cause weight gain - can you counter the weight gain by cutting cals?

[LeoandBoosmum]

Do these meds cause weight gain by increasing appetite (in which case I can monitor what I eat and exercise some willpower) or do you tend to gain weight regardless of how little you eat? Thanks

[pinkfrocks]

Which meds are you taking or talking about?

You can't do much about powerful steroids so I understand, except reduce the dose. With some meds though they are known to increase appetite, so the way with those is to have self discipline!

[mousmous]

there are meds that increase appetite and others that change the metabolism.
both can be countered with willpower but it can be very difficult.

[LeoandBoosmum]

Hi Pinkfrocks,

It's Metoclopramide...I think! I have been taking this med for a long time to help with headache-related nausea. I have had times where I have taken it quite frequently (have been prescribed it every month for a few years) and other times where I have tried to reduce how much I take a fair bit.
(I have chronic daily headache as part of a healthy condition and also get nauseous when I'm anxious, during periods, sometimes after eating etc). I have been getting odd symptoms for about a year (not usual for me eg, trembling mouth and jaw, strange pain down my left side and fast heart that feels like it's going to pop out of my chest). My usual doc has been off.

This weird stuff has been off and on, and I have noticed unexplained weight gain (I have been trying to cut calories but I feel hungry at times and it doesn't seem to be making a difference). My periods have also become erratic when they were regular. I am wondering if you can suddenly, after taking a med for such a long time without issue, get side effects that you had not previously had out of nowhere (in the first 18 to 24 months of use). It seems odd that I would get side effects from nowhere...I don't know if it's even possible (I looked up online and it said that it shouldn't be used for more than 3 months and listed rapid weight gain as a potential side effect!) I don't take any other meds that list weight gain as a possible side effect.

I am seeing my doctor tomorrow, and am wondering what to say to her/ ask her to do for me as I do need anti-nausea meds (though this does not stop it altogether). I do not know if stopping altogether with this med will cause any kinds of withdrawal or rebound, so I'm a bit afraid to raise it with the doc.

Sorry this is long, but I hope it answers your question, and perhaps if you have the time, advise a bit further if you can. Thanks so much for replying - I appreciate it! :)

Ps Thanks MousMous! It is difficult! When I have my head pain I don't even feel like eating but the other times I am constantly starving lately and wanting high carb, sugar laden junk! :(

[LeoandBoosmum]

Pinkfrocks...I meant that I think the metoclopramide is responsible (as the other I'm on don't list weight gain as a potential side effect). It does seem odd though that this should come after being on it such a long time...like I said, don't even know if it's possible to get such a side effect at this stage! Thanks!