Medications
Appetite loss is a common side effect of many medications. Sometimes, it may be a temporary problem that goes away after the body adjusts to the medication. However, appetite loss can be a more serious problem in other cases as long as they take the medication.
There are many different types of medications that can cause appetite loss. The most common include antidepressants, anxiety, blood pressure, and cancer treatments.
Appetite-suppressing drugs are sometimes used as a cancer treatment because they help prevent weight loss and cachexia, a condition characterized by wasting and weakness. In addition, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause nausea and vomiting, decreasing appetite. Steroids are another type of cancer treatment that can cause appetite loss. In addition to their direct effects on appetite, steroids can also cause indigestion and stomach pain, both of which can make it challenging to eat.
For individuals concerned about losing their appetite when taking medication, it is best to talk to a doctor or pharmacist about the possibility of changing to a different medication. They may be able to suggest an alternative that doesn’t have the same side effect.