Is Apetamin Syrup Good for Weight Gain?

Apetamin is an appetite-stimulating supplement that is primarily used to help people gain weight.

Apetamin syrup contains a combination of lysine (an amino acid), vitamins, and cyproheptadine hydrochloride. It is available in both pill and liquid forms. The primary difference between the two is that Apetamin syrup contains a blend of vitamins and amino acids, whereas tablets or caplets only contain cyproheptadine hydrochloride.

Cyproheptadine hydrochloride, the active ingredient, is an antihistamine (a medicine that alleviates allergy symptoms) and a hepatotoxin that has several effects on the body, including:

• Increasing appetite
• Slowing down metabolism
• Inducing fatigue and drowsiness

Cyproheptadine, the active ingredient in Apetamin, is a first-generation antihistamine drug whose primary side effects include increased appetite and weight gain.

The exact mechanism of cyproheptadine hydrochloride in aiding weight gain is unclear, although speculative theories claim that it may work by:

• Blocking the serotonin receptors at the appetite center of the hypothalamus (a part of the brain), thus stimulating appetite
• Increasing the levels of insulin-like growth factor 1, a type of hormone linked to weight gain
• Presence of L-lysine, an amino acid that has been linked to increased appetite in animal studies

Cyproheptadine is approved by the FDA to help treat the following conditions:

• Seasonal allergies
• Non-allergic runny nose
• Allergic inflammation of the conjunctiva due to inhalation of allergens 
• Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin reactions
• Hives, itching
• Anaphylactic reactions
• Allergic reactions caused by blood or plasma transfusion

Apetamin has not been approved by the U.S. FDA or the U.K. Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. 

Because it is illegal to sell Apetamin in most countries, including the U.S., it is often purchased from potentially unsafe websites on the internet and social media outlets.

Apetamin contains the prescription drug cyproheptadine, and manufacturers can include ingredients not found on the product label or add them in inappropriate doses. Therefore, it is illegal for a person to use it without a doctor’s prescription.

Misusing Apetamin may lead to negative side effects that include:

• Low blood pressure
• Anemia
• Headache
• Extreme fatigue
• Dizziness
• Tremors
• Irritability
• Blurred vision
• Nausea 
• Liver failure
• Coma

In addition, Apetamin can interact with alcohol, grapefruit juice, and certain drugs such as antidepressants, medications for Parkinson’s disease, and other antihistamines.

Considering its illegal status, you should always speak with a health care provider or dietitian before trying this supplement.

Apetamin is contraindicated in people with the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity
• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Bladder neck obstruction
• Currently taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Other doctor-recommended appetite stimulants for people with low body weight include:

• Corticosteroids
• Synthetic progesterone
• Cannabinoids
• Mirtazapine
• Olanzapine