Appetite stimulants are recommended by doctors in conjunction with other treatments to ensure adequate nutritional intake during a course of therapy. Cancer and AIDS patients are frequently candidates for receiving appetite stimulants because treatments to alleviate these maladies often affect the desire to eat. Appetite stimulants may be prescribed by doctors in other cases where the patient may not desire to eat sufficient food, such as anorexia. Use appetite stimulants only under the supervision of a qualified health care professional.
THC
A drug called Marinol, generic name dronabinol, contains the compound delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), as its main ingredient. THC is one of the main active ingredients in marijuana, and dronabinol is a synthetic version produced in a laboratory rather than extracted from the plant. According to the Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, this medicine is often used to help AIDS patients and those undergoing chemotherapy, and its use is also being explored for other conditions such as multiple sclerosis, pain relief and glaucoma.
Progesterone
Megestrol acetate, or Megace, contains a steroid hormone called progesterone. The University of Florida Shands Cancer Center indicates that it is mainly used to stimulate the appetite and produce weight gain in cancer patients. One benefit of this drug is that it produces weight gain that is not just water retention, referred to as non-fluid weight gain. The medicine does present some side effects, including the suppression of certain endocrine functions and an increased risk for inflammation of the veins called thrombophlebitis.
Corticosteroids
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid used in appetite stimulation, also often prescribed for cancer patients like THC- and progesterone- containing medicines. Unlike the others, it is associated with far more serious side effects, including muscle weakness and changes in the muscle tissue, according to the University of Florida Shands Cancer Center. As such, it is recommended for short-term use. Corticosteroids are naturally produced in the body by the adrenal glands, and are involved in lessening inflammation and metabolic regulation.
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