Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
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Losing Weight
Apr 7, 2003
I have been HIV+ for over five years. In the last 6 months, my appetite has been non-existent and I'm losing weight by the day. Can you help?
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Response from Mr. Vergel
There are many potential causes for lack of appetite. HIV infection, HIV medications, vitamin defficiencies, low testosterone in the blood, caffeine, some antidepressants like Wellbutrin, and many others can cause it. There are two appetite stimulants used in HIV. Megace (megestrol acetate) is very effective at increasing appetite and weight but it can decrease your testosterone (make you lose your sex drive),increase fat mass, and induce high blood sugar and clotting disorders. Marinol, a pill that contains THC (the main compound in marijuana that gives people the "munchies"), is also very effective at increasing appetite but some people may not like the slight "stoned" feeling they get. Increasing blood levels of testosterone in those with testosterone defficiency has also shown good results. Some doctors are also using the antidepressant Remerol to treat low appetite induced by depression. Exercise can also make people feel more hungry. Also, avoid caffeine!
Talk to your physician about your options to increase appetite since it is a key factor to maintaining your body weight and health.
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