We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Most Common Cyproheptadine Side Effects?

By Jillian O Keeffe
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,058
Share

The allergy medicine cyproheptadine does not carry a high risk of known serious side effects. Cyproheptadine side effects that are most common, though, produce a wide variety of medical issues. These range from sleepiness or restlessness to headaches and dry throat, but normally these are not serious and are merely temporary. Potentially serious effects include allergy, mental disturbances and seizures, but these occur only rarely.

Generally cyproheptadine is taken by mouth, either as a tablet or as a liquid. It is an antihistamine, which means that it reduces the effect of high histamine levels in the body, which normally produce inflammation, redness and irritation. Antihistamines in general are useful against medical conditions that involve an overactive immune system, such as hayfever or skin rashes. Although they cannot cure allergies, they can improve the symptoms and make the patient more comfortable.

Gastrointestinal issues are some of the most common cyproheptadine side effects, and include upset stomach and constipation. Patients may also develop a larger appetite, and can put on weight while using the drug. Alertness can also be adversely affected, with consumers developing an unusual sleepiness, and the list of common cyproheptadine side effects can also include a deterioration in coordination or muscle strength and dizziness. Unusual displays of excitement or of nervousness may also be due to the use of the drug.

Cyproheptadine can also affect the mucus production in the airways, which can be beneficial for people suffering from flu-like symptoms as a result of their allergies, but can also be detrimental when it produces undesirable effects. Normally, the interior membranes of the throat, mouth and nose have a protective damp quality and mucus, but one of the cyproheptadine side effects is to dry out these areas. Alternatively, people who take cyproheptadine may find that the mucus in the throat or nose becomes thicker and harder to clear than normal.

Rarer side effects of the drug can be serious enough to require emergency medical attention. These include allergies, which produce symptoms like facial swelling and problems breathing. Effects on the brain can alter the way the person acts or thinks, and can even produce confusion or hallucinations. Liver damage can produce a yellowing of the skin and eyes; if the kidneys are damaged by the drug, the person can experience a darkening of the urine. More possible dangerous side effects include blurring of the vision or severe vomiting, and these all require a doctor's examination.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-most-common-cyproheptadine-side-effects.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.