An underweight individual may use periactin to stimulate his appetite in order to gain weight. This usage of the drug in this way has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Periactin, or Cyproheptadine, is an antihistamine normally used to treat colds. Some uses of periactin have not been approved by the FDA. Periactin is known for certain side effects, so it is important to be aware of those before taking this drug. It should be taken only with a doctor's approval.
Cyproheptadine also competes with serotonin at receptor sites in smooth muscle in the intestines and other locations. Antagonism of serotonin on the appetite center of the hypothalamus may account for Cyproheptadine's ability to stimulate appetite. Cyproheptadine also has been used to counter vascular headaches, which many believe are caused by changes in serotonin activity, however it is unclear how Cyproheptadine exerts a beneficial effect on this condition. For treatment of perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods, mild uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema, amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma, cold urticaria, dermatographism, and as therapy for anaphylactic reactions adjunctive to epinephrine.
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