Anti-anxiety: cyproheptadine, Periactin

Generic Name: cyproheptadine
Brand Name(s): Periactin
Common Use: Anti Anxiety

Periactin is an antihistamine given to help relieve cold and allergy-related symptoms such as hay fever, nasal inflammation, stuffy nose, red and inflamed eyes, hives, and swelling. Periactin may also be given after epinephrine to help treat anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Some doctors prescribe Periactin to treat cluster headache and to stimulate appetite in underweight people.

Like other antihistamines, Periactin may make you feel sleepy and sluggish. However, some people, particularly children, may have the opposite reaction and become excited.

Take Periactin exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Adverse Effects:

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Periactin.

Side effects may include:
Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction), anemia, appetite loss, chest congestion or tightness, chills, confusion, constipation, convulsions, diarrhea, difficulty urinating, dizziness, dry mouth, nose, or throat, earlier-than-expected menstrual period, exaggerated feeling of well-being, excessive perspiration, excitement, faintness, fatigue, fluttery or throbbing heartbeat, frequent urination, hallucinations, headache, hives, hysteria, inability to urinate, increased appetite and weight gain, insomnia, irritability, lack of coordination, light sensitivity, low blood pressure, nausea, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, rash and swelling, restlessness, ringing in the ears, sleepiness, stomach pain, stuffy nose, tingling or pins and needles, tremor, vertigo, vision problems (double vision, blurred vision), vomiting, weight gain, wheezing, yellow eyes and skin

Older people, in particular, are likely to become dizzy or drowsy, or develop low blood pressure in response to Periactin.

Do not take Periactin if you are sensitive to it, or have ever had an allergic reaction to it or to a similar antihistamine.

Do not take Periactin if you are taking an antidepressant drug known as an MAO inhibitor. Drugs in this category include Nardil and Parnate.

Do not take Periactin if you have the eye condition called angle-closure glaucoma, a peptic ulcer, an enlarged prostate, obstruction of the neck of the bladder, or obstruction of the outlet of the stomach.

Warnings:

Like other antihistamines, Periactin may make you drowsy or impair your coordination. Be very careful about driving, climbing, or operating machinery, or doing hazardous tasks until you know how you react to this medication.

Be cautious about taking Periactin if you have bronchial asthma, the eye condition called glaucoma, an overactive thyroid gland, high blood pressure, heart disease, or circulatory problems.

Food and drug interactions:

Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking Periactin.

If Periactin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Periactin with the following:
Antidepressant drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, including Nardil and Parnate
Sedatives such as Nembutal and Seconal
Tranquilizers such as Librium and Valium

Overdose

Any drug taken in excess may have serious consequences. An overdose of Periactin can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of Periactin overdose may include:
Dilated pupils, dry mouth, extreme excitement and agitation, fever, flushing, stomach or bowel distress, stupor or coma

Overdosage in children may produce hallucinations and convulsions.

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