Hello ma'am,
Periactin (or cyproheptadine) is a first-generation antihistamine with appetite-stimulating properties. Ultimately, because of this property, patients eat more often or larger meals and may gain weight.
Enhanced appetite is an official and recognized indication by Health Canada at the following dosage: 1 tablet (4 mg) 3 times daily before each meal. Although this medication does not require a physician's prescription, it is located behind the counter at the pharmacy, should be placed in your pharmacy record, and will be served to you following the pharmacist's assessment. This medication is not found on over-the-counter shelves like Tylenol or Advil, among other things because Periactin can interact with many frequently prescribed medications for depression and anxiety, for example (e.g. Citalopram/Celexa, escitalopram/Cipralex, venlafaxine/Effexor XR, etc.). So, to get it for you, your neighborhood pharmacist will assess whether or not there are any interactions in your file, based on the medications you are taking (if any), before serving it to you. In addition, this medication may be best avoided if you have certain medical conditions (e.g., glaucoma), hence the importance of the pharmacist's assessment.
As for "dangerousness", due to its also anticholinergic properties, it is associated with side effects that can be quite bothersome:
- Somnolence (most common side effect)--> avoid consuming alcohol or other medications with this kind of side effect while taking Periactin;
- Dry mouth and/or eyes;
- Dizziness;
- Agitation/nervousness;
- Abdominal pain, nausea.
Also, the use of Periactin to increase appetite should not exceed 6 months according to the product monograph. Thus, it is not a drug to be taken long-term for this indication. However, it does not appear to have any possible long-term consequences years after temporary use.
I hope this information helps you to see more clearly. In my opinion, the best way to "gain weight" is to eat varied, healthy and hungry.
The help of a nutritionist would be relevant in your case to establish a suitable nutritional plan: the
website of their professional order allows you to find a nutritionist near you. However, if hunger is really what's holding you back as far as weight gain is concerned, Periactin could be a temporary option, if you don't have any contraindications to receiving it (see details mentioned above).
Don't hesitate to contact us again with any other questions! 😊
Marc-Antoine Dufresne, pharmacy intern (Pharm.D), supervised by Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist.