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What Causes Appetite Loss And Abdominal Bloating After Taking Losartan?

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Posted on Tue, 24 Jun 2014
Question: I am taking losartan which is controlling my BP but I have no appetite and am bloated and have gas pains. I also feel weakness in the ankles and wrist. I drink a ton of water. I am 41 years old and just had blood work done which everything came back fine . During the day I feel week and sometime sick to my stomach but I have tried to take things like gas x and other antacids to relieve the pressure. During the day I also seem to get almost flu like symptoms
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vasudha (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
you need evaluation...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand you concern. It's good that your blood is normal.

Loss of appetite & bloating abdomen are interlinked. Less digestion due to constipation, infections of bowels (viral, amoebic, worms, bacterial), hyperacidity and side effect of losartan causes less absorption of food, more gas formation & bloating. This decreases B complex vitamins (destruction of lactobasilli in intestines) and minerals including calcium & lac of appetite. I would want to investigate the different causes of reduced digestion. You can consult a gastroenterologist who will order blood tests, ultrasound abdomen and endoscopy to find the causes. These need to be investigated & treated under gastroenterologist's care,

Low calcium level may be the cause of joint weakness.

Besides that, certain endocrinal conditions (parathyroid, thyroid deficiencies, diabetes ) also cause similar symptoms. So consultation of an endocrinologist & hormone estimations is worthwhile if gastroenterologist clear all the aforementioned conditions. .

In my opinion you should consult a physician for investigating cause of Digestive deficiency & also get specific treatment for the same. In the meanwhile, I would suggest you reduce the dietary fibres and use antacids for few weeks.

I hope, the answer is useful & informative to you. Any further query is welcome.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vasudha (15 hours later)
She gave me dexilant to see if it would help this is my first day taking it . You mentioned vitamin b should I be taking any supplements or eat anything to restore what the medicines might be taking away
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vasudha (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Natural lactobacilli - curds/yogurt/buttermilk.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for the follow up query,I welcome your enthusiasm.
* Dilixant blocks & reduces acid production in stomach,thus relieves symptoms of acidity& acid reflux . Your doctor has prescribed it ,so give it a fair trial.
* It's a good idea to replace B complex while treatment is taken To get rid of basic cause(to improve digestion)
B complex is found in plenty in food world . It is present in Fortified cerels,sprouts,beans,legumes,green leafy vegetables, soya bean, milk,Non veg. food like-chicken,fish,eggs,liver,BUT these need good digestion to be useful to us.
- You need natural & easy to digest form of vitamin B complex supplement ( in form of natural Lactobacilli, who synthesize B Complex in intestines), which can be derived from- YOGURT, CURD,BUTTER MILK, YEAST .
_ Supplementation of digestive enzymes can be helpful .
-Adopting healthy lifestyle ( regular & adequate food in multiple servings, daily exercises/walk, limited( 8 hours)/sound sleep , positive psychology help.
* If you are relieved with it,well & good, otherwise your doctor will advise for investigations to pin point cause of indigestion & advise you the specific treatment.Please follow it.
I hope the answer is informative & helpful to you.
Any further query is welcome.
Thanks.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Vasudha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1970

Answered : 10395 Questions

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What Causes Appetite Loss And Abdominal Bloating After Taking Losartan?

Brief Answer: you need evaluation... Detailed Answer: Hi, I understand you concern. It's good that your blood is normal. Loss of appetite & bloating abdomen are interlinked. Less digestion due to constipation, infections of bowels (viral, amoebic, worms, bacterial), hyperacidity and side effect of losartan causes less absorption of food, more gas formation & bloating. This decreases B complex vitamins (destruction of lactobasilli in intestines) and minerals including calcium & lac of appetite. I would want to investigate the different causes of reduced digestion. You can consult a gastroenterologist who will order blood tests, ultrasound abdomen and endoscopy to find the causes. These need to be investigated & treated under gastroenterologist's care, Low calcium level may be the cause of joint weakness. Besides that, certain endocrinal conditions (parathyroid, thyroid deficiencies, diabetes ) also cause similar symptoms. So consultation of an endocrinologist & hormone estimations is worthwhile if gastroenterologist clear all the aforementioned conditions. . In my opinion you should consult a physician for investigating cause of Digestive deficiency & also get specific treatment for the same. In the meanwhile, I would suggest you reduce the dietary fibres and use antacids for few weeks. I hope, the answer is useful & informative to you. Any further query is welcome. Thanks.