Appetite stimulant
Appetite Stimulant
An Appetite Stimulant (pronounced: ap-uh-tahyt stim-yuh-luhnt) is a type of medication or substance that is used to increase appetite. These substances are often used to treat conditions such as anorexia, cachexia, or other diseases that cause significant weight loss or lack of appetite.
Etymology
The term "Appetite Stimulant" is derived from the Latin word 'appetitus' meaning 'desire for', and the Latin word 'stimulare' meaning 'to goad or rouse'.
Types of Appetite Stimulants
There are several types of appetite stimulants, including:
- Megestrol Acetate: This is a synthetic derivative of the hormone progesterone. It is often used to treat weight loss and appetite loss in patients with AIDS or cancer.
- Dronabinol: This is a synthetic form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in cannabis. It is used to treat weight loss and appetite loss in patients with AIDS and other conditions.
- Cyproheptadine: This is an antihistamine that is sometimes used off-label as an appetite stimulant.
Side Effects
Like all medications, appetite stimulants can have side effects. These may include:
It's important to discuss these potential side effects with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Appetite stimulant
- Wikipedia's article - Appetite stimulant
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