Concept encyclopediaDrugs & Compounds
Cyproheptadine
Periactin
Cyproheptadine, also known as Periactin, is a first-generation antihistamine with additional anticholinergic, antiserotonergic, and local anesthetic properties . It is one of the oldest synthetic antihistamines and antiserotonergics, and has been used for various purposes, including regulating serotonin levels, treating cancer, and preventing exercise-induced leaky brain .
Ray Peat has recommended cyproheptadine as a safe antiserotonin drug, and has suggested starting with a low dose of about half a milligram at bedtime to judge its effects . He has also noted that cyproheptadine has calcium-blocking action, aldosterone antagonism, and antagonizes serotonin's antidiuretic effect . Peat has also mentioned that vitamin B6 helps to direct tryptophan toward niacinamide, away from serotonin, and has suggested that cyproheptadine may be useful in regulating serotonin levels .
Georgi Dinkov has noted that cyproheptadine is known to cause urine retention in high doses due to its anticholinergic effects, and has suggested that this may be a concern for individuals with an enlarged prostate . However, Dinkov has also stated that there is no evidence to suggest that cyproheptadine is bad for the prostate, and that the warnings about peptic ulcers and bladder, stomach, or bowel blockage may be due to the drug manufacturers' list of low percentage side effects .
Dinkov has also discussed the potential interactions between cyproheptadine and other substances, including dopamine agonists and serotonin antagonists . He has suggested that cyproheptadine may inhibit prolactin release, and has noted that this may be beneficial for individuals with prolactin-related disorders.
In one case study, a subject who was taking cyproheptadine for inflammatory bowel disease reported experiencing abdominal pains when missing a dose, but noted that this symptom returned when using any dopaminergic substances, including lisuride . This suggests that cyproheptadine may have a complex interaction with dopamine and serotonin systems, and that its effects may be influenced by individual factors such as hormone levels and medication use.
People also ask
- What are cyproheptadine's main properties?Cyproheptadine is a first-generation antihistamine with anticholinergic, antiserotonergic, and local anesthetic properties. It is also known as Periactin.
- How did Ray Peat suggest using cyproheptadine?Ray Peat recommended cyproheptadine as a safe antiserotonin drug, suggesting a low dose of about half a milligram at bedtime to assess its effects. He also noted its calcium-blocking and aldosterone antagonism actions.
- Does cyproheptadine interact with other body systems?The corpus describes cyproheptadine's complex interaction with dopamine and serotonin systems, potentially inhibiting prolactin release. It also notes that high doses may cause urine retention due to anticholinergic effects.