Insight on Antidepressants and Food

Hello All,
My husband Bob.Is in his 14th week of treatment.I just wanted to get some insight from the experts.He has tried starting Paxil.He has the worst stomach problems with these meds.He tried the paxil for 2 days only and can't take it.It really hurts his stomach with so much
nausea.I was wondering if others have this problem with their
meds as well as the antidepressants.He is using pegasys and copegasys.The copegasys is a real problem keeps him in knots in the stomach.I would also like to know what are some foods that you find easy to eat. He has lost 16lbs only in his 14th week and it worries me.I am his care taker and try almost everything.If ya'll can give me some insight on helping him I would be most grateful.Kindest Regards,Julie

[cao]

I have been on Zoloft, another SSRI since before treatment and it has actually helped with the stomach problems that I've had.  That said, since being on tx, the copeg has been killing my stomach.  I've had to eliminate overly fatty or spicy foods, or I spend the next day in extreme discomfort. My doctor did say that it was okay to take immodium, which has been a godsend.

[Tony-z]

Julie,

I also had Stomach and Bowel problems with Zoloft, Paxil and Lexapro. I found that Effexor XR did not bother my stomach, it also did not change my sexual drive. I would suggest that you talk to your Dr and ask him about possibly using Effexor SR.

The drug that causing the most problem with the stomach is the Ribaviran...Make sure he takes it with food and try some of the over the counter Prilosec for heartburn and acid indigestion. I would recommend taking to your Dr about this too....It is a common sx. If he is having constipation Milk Of Magnesia helps alot with stomach problems and the constipation.

         TonyZ

[BNR]

I didn't have really severe nausea or upset stomach, but a nurse did suggest ginger cookies and I found it did help to nibble on some when my stomach was upset during treatment.  It did help. Also sipping tea.

[desert woman]

My husband is taking PegIntron, Ribasphere (ribavarin), and 2 weeks into treatment Effexor.  The Effexor was prescribed for depression and nausea.  This has helped a lot.  He lost 10 pounds the first 2 weeks of treatment.  He's gained weight since starting Effexor and his moods have mellowed out.  He started treatment on Sept. 1.  As far as foods, he stills eats spicy foods, sweets, etc., just a little less.  He doesn't have trouble any more with nausea so I think the Effexor is doing a good job there.  I guess everyone who is on treatment has to do a little fine tuning to make life liveable.  Hope your husband finds relief.

[scruffy]

If your husband can eat yogurt-I highly recommend it.Get the kind that is not low fat as the fat helps in the absorption of riba.I liked vanilla flavored best and it is not overly sweet.It really seemed to help keep my stomach settled and digestion normal.It really helped mouth sores quite a bit-that's actually the best thing about it. Frank

[carolhab]

I am new, 5/48 into tx (slowly getting the slang down!) and also am now experiencing nausea..  I got some dried ginger to chew on (real spicy, but helps, and you can also make tea w/honey), and crystalized ginger candies.  Both are helping with nausea...  I am also eating smaller, simple meals (lentil soup at the moment!)
good luck!!!
Sammy

[julie44]

Thanks everyone for your insightful suggestions.I spoke with him this morning about trying another antidepressant and he refuses.So at this point he has his mind made up not to experiment it's to painful for him.But if he does change his mind I am going to ask about the effexor.My son took that and had great results.Thanks for all your feedback I most certainly will try these ideas..My best to all of you.Julie