Appetite Loss: Is It Physical or Medication-Related? - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

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Understanding appetite loss can be quite complex, especially when considering the interplay between physical health and medication side effects. From your description, it appears that your appetite changes began after experiencing a cold, which could indicate that your initial symptoms were indeed related to the viral infection. However, the persistence of your appetite issues, particularly after starting anti-anxiety medications and gastrointestinal drugs, suggests that medication may also play a significant role.

Firstly, let's break down the potential causes of your appetite loss. Physical factors such as gastrointestinal disturbances can significantly impact appetite. Symptoms like bloating, belching, and nausea can create a feeling of fullness, leading to a decreased desire to eat. These symptoms can be exacerbated by anxiety, which is known to affect gastrointestinal function and can lead to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The fact that you have a history of anxiety and IBS suggests that your gastrointestinal symptoms could be a manifestation of your anxiety rather than a purely physical issue.

On the other hand, medications can also contribute to appetite changes. Anti-anxiety medications, particularly those in the benzodiazepine class or certain SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), can have side effects that include nausea, changes in appetite, and gastrointestinal discomfort. For example, medications like "復維樂" (which I assume refers to a type of antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication) and "腸必寧" (which is likely an antidiarrheal) can both influence how your body processes food and how you feel about eating.
Given that you mentioned a return to a more normal appetite after taking cold medication, it’s possible that the initial appetite loss was primarily due to the viral infection. However, the recurrence of appetite issues after starting new medications indicates that they may be contributing factors.
Your weight gain of three kilograms over the past month, despite feeling less hungry, is also noteworthy. This could suggest that while your appetite may be diminished, your body is still retaining or accumulating weight due to other factors, such as fluid retention, changes in metabolism, or even the effects of medication.
In terms of your bowel movements, the variability you describe—from diarrhea to normal stool—can also be indicative of IBS, which is often exacerbated by stress and anxiety. The fact that you experience both normal and abnormal stool shapes suggests that your gastrointestinal system is reacting to both your anxiety and possibly the medications you are taking.

To address your concerns, it would be advisable to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider. They can help determine whether your appetite loss is more related to your physical health, the medications you are taking, or a combination of both. They may consider adjusting your medication regimen or exploring other therapeutic options to manage your anxiety and gastrointestinal symptoms more effectively.

In conclusion, your appetite loss is likely multifactorial, involving both physical and medication-related issues. Monitoring your symptoms closely and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider will be key in managing your health and improving your appetite.