Eating Disorder - Feeling generally unwell...

[Pink_and_Sparkly]

Ive been feeling unwell since last night and dont really know why.
I havent been eating much lately, probably for the last 2-3 weeks. I've lost weight, (though I am not underweight) due to not eating much. I have no appetite anyway, and feel sick the majority of the time.



Last night I started taking my increased dose of antidepressant (as I was meant too after 2 weeks) and within an hour of taking it, I felt horrendous. I kept feeling like I was going to faint, I was hot and shivering at the same time, and I felt like I was going to be sick.



I dont know if it's coincidence that it was the same night I took the increased dose, or if I feel ill because Im not eating enough? I feel better this morning, but still feel light-headed and sick. Im seeing the doctor this week, and obviously will be discussing this.



I just thought if I wasnt eating, a side effect of that wouldnt be going hot and cold? I could understand the fainting and nausea, but am confused about the body temperature?
Has anyone had any similar experiences?

Im trying to eat more today to try and feel better, but it's a real struggle.

[MissAnonymous]

Its probably a combination of both. Lack of food can cause all those symptoms and taking a new or upped dose of medications can irritate the stomach, cause side effects and all sorts.

I think you need to remember these medications are designed to work WITH your body and not eating and drinking means the medications wont work effectively. It has been told to me by psychiatrists that because of poor intake, some medications cannot be prescribed and those that I was on at the time would be less effective. Weight is only one small point when determining a persons nutritional status, if you have been restricting and purging your body is malnourished. To give the medications the best chance of helping, you'll need to keep hydrated and eat regularly. Unstable blood sugars alone can cause mood swings. Its a bit like drinking alcohol and taking an anti-depressant. One counter acts the effort of the other.

Keep trying to eat more. Do you have any mental health input? Can you go back to the Dr who prescribed the higher dose? Make an appointment today and discuss things if you haven't already got a review date.

If you are on an SSRI, then yes, I have had those side effects, for me they were mostly [bia the sweating] a temporary side effect of an increased dose and taped off as the medication stabilized [it took for me, a few days, a week max].

[purple is a fruit]

I agree with everything Miss Anon said - before you take the increased dose again you should give the doctor who perscribed the medication increase a call - there are some serious side effects of anti-depressants that they might want to rule out first. This would depend on what anti-depressant you're taking, the dosage of it and any other medications you are taking at the same time. It's better to be safe, especially when your body is already under stress from limited food intake.
Hugs xx