Have you ever noticed how your appetite can be directly affected by medicine intake? When was the last time you took a prescribed pill? Did you notice a decline or an increase in your appetite? Have you experienced weight gain while regularly taking an anti allergy antibiotic? Or have you noticed a less frequent craving for food while taking your blood pressure medication?

Indeed, increased or decreased appetite is a common side effect of many drugs. Although it is almost never mentioned by doctors, this behavior is certainly not unknown to many drug users.

No, the doctors are not keeping these side effects a secret. It would be safe to assume that this increase or decrease in appetite is not considered as a major side effect that need to be brought to the drug-takers attention. First of all, it is not life-threatening. Second, these side effects will disappear as soon as the medicine is no longer ingested. So, don’t feel betrayed by your family doctor. It’s a harmless side effect that is well worth the overall healing effect of the drug.

So, now you may ask, which drug types increase and which medicines decrease appetites? Based on a list of some medicines from The Essential Guide to Prescription Drugs by James W. Long and James J. Rybacki, the following may decrease your appetite: diet pills, anticholesterol products, anticancer agents, antibiotics, antifungal agents. Anti-Parkinson drugs, antiseizure drugs and blood pressure medication.

Among those considered as appetite increasers are: tranquilizers or any calming drug, diuretics or chemicals that encourages increased kidney function causing more frequent urination, antihistamines or anti allergy pills and antidepressants or mood elevators.

Note, however, that the above list is only a general one. There may be some drugs categorized as an antidepressant, for example, but may still cause increased appetite. Some drugs fall outside of the general rules.

The consequential effects of certain medicines to appetite may be of some significance to certain individuals. However, it is encouraged that people look beyond these side effects, especially if the doctor properly prescribes the medicine. In all certainty, the drug is suggested to cure or prevent a physical or physiological state that is over and above the importance of appetite behavior.

It is, however, suggested that as the recipient of the drug, you must understand and be fully aware of ‘all’ side effects – including its impact on appetite. So, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor. By knowing what to expect, you are able to take the necessary actions and precautions set about by the drugs, enabling you to be in control of your appetite urges.