1. < Caregivers: Dementia

CBD Gummies to help appetite?

Posted by marley411 @marley411, Mar 22 10:56pm

Hello!

My mother has always struggled to maintain a healthy weight. For the past few years, her interest in food has continued to wane. I tried every supplemental shake or bar I could find, but she always found a way to dispose of them in some sneaky fashion. Her doctor finally prescribed Megestrol to increase her appetite. It worked, and she was able to obtain and maintain a barely healthy weight.

Megestrol—with its side effects—was only a short term answer. I slowly weaned her off the meds (with doctor’s approval), and she seemed to be at a stable wait for a few weeks. Then her appetite abruptly declined. Her doctor suggested we try CBD gummies to stimulate her appetite.

Anyone had any experience in this area? Any particular types or strengths of gummies?

Thanks!

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doubleprogressive | @doubleprogressive | Mar 24 9:39am

Hello,

I am a medical cannabis user in MN.
I drank a little over the years but never drugs.
This stuff works but you must use a dispensary so they can guide you in choosing the right product.
Also, in order for it to be effective, you need to take it consistently, not as needed.
My first initial thought is to use a product that is more balanced with CBD and THC.
I know for me, my body doesn’t absorb the meds quickly so I use the tinctures. Also, for it to work quicker, eat food that are high in fat (peanuts, avocados etc) to carry it quicker in the body.
Doctors are getting better about having an open mind about marijuana.
Also, when you use a dispensary you need to enter in all of your current prescriptions, and always will have a consultation when you try a new product.
The public and medical doctors need to keep an open mind, because every person’s/family’s situations are different and at least let us try it.
It’s not for everyone and it can be expensive but for me and my Multiple Sclerosis it’s a game changer compared to how prescription muscle relaxers make me feel.
My husband has been diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia (Bruce Willis has this) at the age of 50 and CBD has helped slow him down on the days when I need a break. Also, it helps keep myself calm and takes the edge off.
Good luck and don’t be afraid to explore for the sake of your loved one and yourself.

REPLY
coping123 | @coping123 | Mar 24 10:57am

@marley411 I have used the gummies to help with hubby’s lack of appetite & his anxiety. But they interfere with the absorption of meds (especially some antidepressants/anti-anxiety meds. (I found that out the hard way!) So I only use them occasionally. I found the oil (with a dropper) makes it much easier to control the dose than using gummies. The one I buy is a hybrid between indica & sativa. So it doesn’t cause excess drowsiness. (Hard to keep him hydrated when he’s sleeping so much.)

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juliesheff5 | @juliesheff5 | Mar 25 9:14am

Do you live in a state where THC is legal? A Medical Marijuana store would have a lot of CBD choices as well as micro doses of THC and CBD. I’ve gotten some that look like a vitamin E that have no taste or smell. The staff at the store could help you find just the right thing

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coping123 | @coping123 | Mar 25 9:19am
In reply to @teacher502 "We have had a little success with CBD oil for weight gain as well as relieving..." + (show)
@teacher502

We have had a little success with CBD oil for weight gain as well as relieving anxiety and paranoia in Lewy Body Demetia, however, he has only gained a few pounds. I know we were told not to use it because it interferes with other meds. However, my hubby only uses the excelon patch and takes protonix at night along with a 5 mg melatonin. We tried Buspar, seroquel, xanax (awful experience), klonopin (only when desperate) and nothing helped. Finally, against three doctor's opinions, I did my own research and decided to try the CBD oil. It has been a lifesaver. Hubby eats better, sleeps better, has much less anxiety - perhaps more hallucinations but they are not frightening. We were on the verge of having to go to a facility, and I was actively searching for one. This has been a total game changer. I do realize this might only be a temporary reprieve - but I am grateful for the moments of not being afraid, of getting to relax for a few minutes, of getting a little bit more sleep, plus he is kinder to everyone, has not had any uncontrollable rages, and a we both have a lot more smiles. The gummies might work better. The key is to get a good quality brand. I did try a Delta 8 with more THC and that seemed to cause him to be a bit more argumentative, so we are just sticking to the CBD oil. I just squirt it in his mouth a couple times a day and sometimes only once a day. Hope this helps someone. Let me know if I can help more with specifics. There's so many to try from - I was just lucky that an orthopedic doctor suggested a brand for arthritis in my hand, so I knew where to buy it for him. I don't use it for my hand because I have to be on constant alert for my hubby, but I would break the bank to keep this in stock here at home because it works so well for him. That doesn't mean that this journey is easy, it is still a heart shattering experience, but for now, it is a big improvement from where we were.

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I also find the oil to be best option as it’s easier to control dose.

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pb50 | @pb50 | Mar 27 2:24pm

I’m just going to throw this out there and I know you will feel free to discard anything you don’t have emotional room to even consider.

I began taking a new supplement a month ago - Magnesium L-Threonate 144mg - that had several benefits which appealed to me. It is associated with reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and fostering improved cognition. For some it can improve bowel mobility , which I could use because of constipation from Statins. I don’t have A lot of anxiety but if my sleep lasts 5 hours it’s a pretty good night. And I’m looking at mild cognitive issues. So it hit on a lot of cylinders for me.

Some of the cheerleaders for the supplement recommend the dose I take at night 3 times a day. I’m not ready to jump on that bandwagon. But I’m sleeping 6-7 hours a day, I’m less constipated, and I’m not anxious about what I believe I ought to be getting done on any given day. It’s taken about 30 days to accept there is an impact that’s positive.

Anyway - happy to answer any questions about my experience . Otherwise I’ll just leave that info there for you to do what you like with it.

I’m not affiliated with any provider - just want to say that ‘out loud’.

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1 reply
pb50 | @pb50 | Mar 28 10:36pm
In reply to @pb50 "I’m just going to throw this out there and I know you will feel free to..." + (show)
@pb50

I’m just going to throw this out there and I know you will feel free to discard anything you don’t have emotional room to even consider.

I began taking a new supplement a month ago - Magnesium L-Threonate 144mg - that had several benefits which appealed to me. It is associated with reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and fostering improved cognition. For some it can improve bowel mobility , which I could use because of constipation from Statins. I don’t have A lot of anxiety but if my sleep lasts 5 hours it’s a pretty good night. And I’m looking at mild cognitive issues. So it hit on a lot of cylinders for me.

Some of the cheerleaders for the supplement recommend the dose I take at night 3 times a day. I’m not ready to jump on that bandwagon. But I’m sleeping 6-7 hours a day, I’m less constipated, and I’m not anxious about what I believe I ought to be getting done on any given day. It’s taken about 30 days to accept there is an impact that’s positive.

Anyway - happy to answer any questions about my experience . Otherwise I’ll just leave that info there for you to do what you like with it.

I’m not affiliated with any provider - just want to say that ‘out loud’.

Jump to this post

I did find out today that the PhD who did my neuropsych testing also takes it - that was good validation to me.

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