That grumbling sound in the stomach can be a signal not only of hunger, but of a healthy appetite, as well. Sometimes certain medications and underlying medical conditions can cause appetite changes. For example, chemotherapy medications can lower an individual's appetite. MedlinePlus states that depression in the elderly can often diminish the appetite and lead to weight loss. For people experiencing these and other problems, there are medications available to help increase appetite.
Dronabinol
Dronabinol is a medication used to increase appetite in people suffering with AIDS or HIV. According to Drugs.com, dronabinol can also be used to manage the nausea and vomiting that results from taking chemotherapy medications.
Dronabinol's common side effects include confusion, delusions, changes in mood, a fast heartbeat and memory problems. Other serious effects include dizziness, sweating, fainting, tiredness and weakness. Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and dizziness are other manifestations of dronabinol use.
Taking dronabinol while suffering from heart disease, bipolar disorder, high blood pressure, seizures or mental illness can affect dronabinol's effectiveness. Avoid combining this drug with alcohol and such medications as antihistamines, narcotics, tranquilizers and muscle relaxants as the combination can lead to lightheadedness, drowsiness and dizziness.
Dronabinol is given as a tablet and is should be taken as your doctor directs.
Megestrol
Megestrol, like dronabinol, is also utilized to increase appetite. Drugs.com says that megestrol is also used to treat breast and endometrial cancer. Its common side effects include a headache, weakness, trouble sleeping and a loss of sex drive. Megestrol also causes shortness of breath, dizziness, visual changes, sweating and numbness or tingling of the extremities.
Taking megestrol while having diabetes or blood clots may necessitate changes its dosage. Avoid this drug during pregnancy as it can cause birth defects in unborn children.
Drugs.com says that megestrol can be taken as a pill or liquid. Only take this drug as your physician says.
Somatotropin
Somatotropin is another medication used to increase appetite. According to Drugs.com, this medication is also used to treat chronic kidney failure and delayed-growth in children. Somatotropin's common side effects include nausea, vomiting, a headache, joint stiffness and joint swelling. This drug also causes breast swelling, vomiting, sweating, visual changes and pain in the upper part of the stomach. Somatotropin is a medication injected into the muscle as your doctor says.
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