Drug InfoNet - Periactin

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Doctors' Answers to "Frequently Asked Questions" - Periactin

These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An indi vidual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.

[posted 04/22/2000]
Question: Dr. I would like to know more info on the current drug Cyproheptadine that I have been taking as a appetite stimulant which has been working. What is it usually used for? How long would be the recommended time useage? What damages could be done to what organ? How does this medicine help increase my appetite? I am concern about it's internal damage to organ's such as the liver.

Answer: Cyproheptadine is sold under the brand name periactin. This is a H1 blocker as well as a 5HT blocker. It's usual use is for treatment of skin allergies, especially cold reactions. It has been used to treat sexual dysfunction on the SSRI antidepressants. It is also used in migraine prophylaxis and treatment of hypermotility syndromes of the gi tract. One of the side effects of chronic use(migraines and the like) was observed to be weight gain. So, some patients gain weight. The mechanism of this is not clear, but may be through blockage of growth hormone sites. There is no severe long term problems reported to date. You can get more specific action from the company Merck 800-672-2568.

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