Cyproheptadine

Cyproheptadine (usually as cyproheptadine hydrochloride, trade name Periactin) is an antihistaminic and antiserotonergic agent. It acts as a 5-HT₂ receptor antagonist and also blocks calcium channels.

Uses

Cyproheptadine is used in the treatment of allergies (specifically hay fever) and is also used to stimulate appetite in underweight people (e.g. anorexia nervosa).

Cyproheptadine is used in serotonin syndrome, a complex of symptoms associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, especially when taken in excess dose and in the disease carcinoid in which serotonin is overproduced by tumor cells.

Cyproheptadine can also be used as a preventative measure against migraine in children and adolescents.

Side effects

While not specifically used as a sedative, cyproheptadine causes sedation, likely due to its anti-histamine effects.

Digestive system: epigastric distress (dysphagia), loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, (it is noted that these side effects are much more common in people with neuromuscular disorders)

Cyproheptadine can also cause over-sleeping (10 Hours) in children and adolescents.

Research

Cyproheptadine has been shown to improve quality of sleep in sleep-deprived rats.

References