Cyproheptadine Side Effects

Brand Names: Periactin

Please note - some side effects for Cyproheptadine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

Side Effects of Cyproheptadine - for the Consumer

Cyproheptadine

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Cyproheptadine:

Blurred vision; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, throat, or nose; excitability; nausea; nervousness; restlessness.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; dark urine; decreased coordination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hallucinations; mental or mood changes; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness, tiredness, or weakness; severe or persistent loss of appetite; severe or persistent trouble sleeping; tremor; trouble urinating; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual back or stomach pain; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Cyproheptadine Syrup

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Cyproheptadine Syrup:

Blurred vision; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, throat, or nose; excitability; nausea; nervousness; restlessness.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; dark urine; decreased coordination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hallucinations; mental or mood changes; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness, tiredness, or weakness; severe or persistent loss of appetite; severe or persistent trouble sleeping; tremor; trouble urinating; unusual back or stomach pain; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing eyes or skin.

Side Effects by Body System

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have commonly included central nervous system (CNS) depression, typically resulting in drowsiness and sedation. These effects have often been transient and often ceased with continued use. Motor skills have been be impaired. Infrequently, confusion, restlessness, nervousness, tremor, convulsions, and hallucinations have occurred.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.

Other

The effect of cyproheptadine on weight gain has been studied in patients in whom weight gain would be beneficial, such as those suffering from anorexia nervosa. In healthy, thin individuals, weight gain of 4 kg in 56 days has been reported with a dosage of 12 mg orally per day.

Other side effects have included weight gain. The mechanism of action is not known but appears to be related to appetite stimulation, although a decrease in physical activity resulting from the sedative effect of the drug may contribute to a small degree.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included hypotension, tachycardia, and palpitations.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included dry nose and throat, thickening of bronchial secretions, chest tightness, and wheezing.

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included blurred vision, diplopia, and dry eyes, due to the anticholinergic activity of the drug.

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included urinary retention, urinary frequency and dysuria probably resulting from cyproheptadine's anticholinergic activity.

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects have included hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and agranulocytosis, but these have been uncommon.

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included rare reports of cholestatic jaundice.

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