For a patient treated for anorexia, which medication may be prescribed?

For a patient treated for anorexia, which medication may be prescribed?

• A. Paxil (paroxetine)
• B. Zoloft (sertraline)
• C. Periactin (cyproheptadine)
• D. Luvox (fluvoxamine)

Answer: (C)

The main idea is using an appetite-stimulating medication to help with weight gain in anorexia. Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine with appetite-enhancing (orexigenic) effects, and it has been used to promote weight gain in patients with anorexia, especially in children. That makes it the best choice among the options for addressing insufficient intake and weight restoration. The other meds listed are antidepressants (SSRIs) that target mood, anxiety, or obsessive features. They don’t reliably increase appetite or promote weight gain, though they may be used to treat comorbid depression or anxiety in someone with anorexia or in bulimia. Therefore, cyproheptadine stands out as the medication aligned with appetite stimulation in this context. Be mindful of cyproheptadine’s side effects, such as drowsiness and anticholinergic effects, and monitor weight and overall response.

The main idea is using an appetite-stimulating medication to help with weight gain in anorexia. Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine with appetite-enhancing (orexigenic) effects, and it has been used to promote weight gain in patients with anorexia, especially in children. That makes it the best choice among the options for addressing insufficient intake and weight restoration.

The other meds listed are antidepressants (SSRIs) that target mood, anxiety, or obsessive features. They don’t reliably increase appetite or promote weight gain, though they may be used to treat comorbid depression or anxiety in someone with anorexia or in bulimia. Therefore, cyproheptadine stands out as the medication aligned with appetite stimulation in this context.

Be mindful of cyproheptadine’s side effects, such as drowsiness and anticholinergic effects, and monitor weight and overall response.