Fluoxetine (Prozac) and appetite loss

[runnergirl812]

Has anyone experienced this as a side effect of fluoxetine (Prozac)?

The past 2 months I've been taking fluoxetine, I've dropped 9 lbs without trying (ie, without doing any extra exercise). I'm not complaining. At all. It's just I'm not hungry most of the day, and therefore what I eat is a smaller portion. It has definitely suppressed my appetite. I eat breakfast and a good, healthy lunch, but by dinner time, I'm not hungry. I've been making sure I drink enough water throughout the day. It's definitely the decrease in calories, so I'm trying to be good about what I eat. But has anyone seen appetite-suppression while on this med, or any other SSRI?

Should I bring this up with my doctor next time I see her? Maybe it's the combination of my thyroid finally adjusting and my serotonin levels being where they're supposed to be, combined with not eating junk.

[tjr42px]

It is not uncommon for Fluoxetine to act as an appetite suppressant. Not all SSRIs act as suppressants and not all SSRIs act as suppressant for everyone. Many people will experience an increased appetite. Depending on your dose it may have a mild suppressing effect or simply not an increase in your appetite. I would talk to your Doc especially if you have any thyroid concerns. It's probably normative appetite suppression by the med and your healthy behaviors (ie exercising, eating healthfully, etc). Your doc should be checking vitals (including weight) at every visit anyway, but if not its worth mentioning. Are you prescribed anything for your thyroid? SSRIs have been shown to have no significant impact on thyroid functioning, but there is an increase in effectiveness in reducing major depressive symptoms with the addition of thyroid hormone. So there may be some interaction there if your on thyroid meds.

Probably more info than you need. The short version: mention it at your next visit, but it's not uncommon.

[runnergirl812]

I will definitely mention it. And yes, I'm being treated for my thyroid. My GYN increased my meds 2 months ago, so I go back on Tuesday for her to check my levels again.

My psychiatrist checks my vitals at each visit. Weight and BP. So she will notice on the weight end if this keeps steady. I hope it does. I was slightly overweight due to lack of energy to work out and bad eating habits. Now I'm getting some energy back and have been back to my normal eating habits, which are much healthier. I could stand to lose 10 more lbs. I just wasn't expecting the weight to fly off! Happy, but just want to make sure.

Will definitely mention it to my dr.

[juliayadda]

runnergirl812, when I started my SSRI in 2002 I lost 40 pounds in 6 months because of this side effect. It went away after a year or so. by 2005 it was the same as before.

[runnergirl812]

Officially down 14 lbs and holding. Weight has been static for the last week. I think more activity will increase my chances of losing another 6. I'd love love love to lose more.