Is there a pill you can take to increase appetite? Understanding medications, pharmacology, and alternatives

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Cancer Institute, up to 80% of advanced cancer patients experience appetite loss or anorexia-cachexia syndrome. While appetite loss affects many, the question is, 'Is there a pill you can take to increase appetite?' The answer is yes, though they are typically prescribed for specific, medically-supervised conditions rather than casual use.

Quick Summary

Prescription medications like megestrol and dronabinol are FDA-approved to stimulate appetite for specific medical conditions. Other drugs, such as mirtazapine, are used off-label. All carry risks and require professional medical consultation.

Key Points

Prescription options exist: Several prescription medications, including megestrol and dronabinol, are FDA-approved to treat significant appetite loss due to specific medical conditions like HIV/AIDS and cancer.
Off-label use is common: Many other medications, such as the antidepressant mirtazapine and the antipsychotic olanzapine, are used off-label by physicians for their appetite-stimulating side effects.
Significant side effects are possible: Appetite-increasing drugs can carry risks, including blood clots with megestrol and sedative or mood-altering effects with others, requiring careful medical supervision.
Mechanisms vary: Different medications influence appetite through diverse pharmacological pathways, including hormonal modulation (megestrol), cannabinoid receptor activation (dronabinol), and neurotransmitter system changes (mirtazapine).
Natural alternatives can be helpful: For less severe cases, lifestyle changes like regular exercise, eating smaller, more frequent meals, and supplementing for vitamin deficiencies can be effective.
Medical consultation is essential: Due to the serious nature of these medications and the potential underlying health issues causing appetite loss, a doctor's evaluation is necessary before starting any treatment.

A number of prescription medications, both FDA-approved for specific uses and used off-label, can help increase a person's appetite. These are typically reserved for individuals experiencing significant, unintended weight loss due to chronic illnesses like HIV/AIDS, advanced cancer, or for elderly patients struggling with diminished appetite. These medications work by targeting the complex physiological pathways in the brain and body that regulate hunger and fullness.

FDA-Approved Prescription Medications

Megestrol Acetate (Megace)

Megestrol acetate, a synthetic progesterone, is widely used and studied for appetite stimulation. It is FDA-approved for anorexia and weight loss in AIDS patients and used off-label for cancer-related appetite loss. While effective, it has serious side effects, including increased risk of blood clots and adrenal insufficiency. Its use requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

Dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros)

Dronabinol, a synthetic cannabinoid, is FDA-approved for AIDS-related anorexia and chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting. It stimulates appetite by acting on brain cannabinoid receptors. Common side effects include dizziness, confusion, and mood changes. Some studies suggest megestrol may be more effective for weight gain.

Oxandrolone (Oxandrin)

Oxandrolone, an anabolic steroid, was previously FDA-approved for weight regain but is no longer available in the U.S. for appetite stimulation.

Off-Label Medications Used for Appetite Stimulation

Some medications are used off-label for appetite stimulation due to this known side effect.

Mirtazapine (Remeron)

This antidepressant can increase appetite and weight, especially at lower doses. It's often used off-label for anorexia in elderly patients with depression. Side effects include sedation and constipation.

Olanzapine

This antipsychotic is linked to weight gain and increased appetite. Low doses are suggested for cancer cachexia and it also helps with nausea.

Cyproheptadine (Periactin)

This antihistamine and serotonin antagonist has been used off-label to stimulate appetite in adults and children. Drowsiness is a primary side effect.

Corticosteroids (e.g., Dexamethasone, Prednisone)

Corticosteroids can improve appetite and well-being but have serious long-term risks. Their use for appetite stimulation is usually short-term.

Comparison of Prescription and Off-Label Appetite Stimulants


Medication	Primary Use	Appetite Stimulating Effect	Common Side Effects
Megestrol Acetate	HIV/AIDS-related anorexia, cancer-related cachexia.	Strong, FDA-approved for specific conditions.	Weight gain, fluid retention, diabetes risk, blood clots (thromboembolic events), adrenal suppression.
Dronabinol (Synthetic Cannabinoid)	HIV/AIDS-related anorexia, chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting.	Moderate effect, potentially less potent than megestrol.	Dizziness, somnolence, confusion, mood changes, hallucinations.
Mirtazapine (Antidepressant)	Depression, particularly with weight loss in elderly.	Significant appetite increase is a common side effect, especially at lower doses.	Sedation, dry mouth, constipation, increased cholesterol.
Cyproheptadine (Antihistamine)	Seasonal allergies, off-label for poor appetite.	Safe and effective in some adults and children.	Drowsiness, dizziness.
Olanzapine (Antipsychotic)	Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, off-label for cancer cachexia.	Can promote weight gain, effective at low doses for cachexia.	Sedation, increased blood sugar/cholesterol, weight gain.

Natural Alternatives and Lifestyle Changes

Non-pharmacological approaches are often suggested for minor appetite concerns or used alongside medication.

Supplements

Supplements for deficiencies like zinc or Vitamin B1 can improve appetite if a deficiency is present.

Lifestyle Strategies

Exercise regularly: Increases calorie expenditure, stimulating appetite.
Eat small, frequent meals: Easier to consume than large portions, increasing overall intake.
Enhance food with flavor: Makes eating more appealing.
Manage stress: High stress can suppress appetite; techniques like mindfulness can help.

How Appetite-Stimulating Medications Work

Appetite is regulated by hormones like ghrelin (hunger) and leptin (satiety) and neurotransmitters. Medications intervene in these pathways. Megestrol may reduce inflammation and boost hunger signals. Mirtazapine and olanzapine block receptors influencing appetite. Dronabinol activates cannabinoid receptors involved in appetite and mood.

Conclusion

While pills exist to increase appetite, their use is a serious medical decision, primarily for conditions like AIDS-related anorexia and cancer cachexia. Medications like megestrol and dronabinol are FDA-approved, while others like mirtazapine are used off-label. These drugs have potential risks, such as blood clots with megestrol. Natural methods like exercise, dietary adjustments, and supplements for deficiencies can also help. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause of appetite loss and the appropriate treatment, as self-medication can be harmful. For more information on managing diet problems related to cancer, the Macmillan Cancer Support website offers resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, appetite stimulants are not safe for everyone and are typically reserved for patients with significant medical conditions causing appetite loss, like cancer or HIV/AIDS. Many carry significant side effects, and the risks must be weighed against the benefits by a healthcare professional.

These medications are primarily prescribed for conditions causing anorexia or cachexia (wasting syndrome), such as advanced cancer, HIV/AIDS, and sometimes for elderly patients with weight loss and depression. They are not for casual or cosmetic weight gain.

Most effective appetite stimulant pills, particularly those with strong pharmacological effects, require a prescription. Some vitamins and supplements like zinc and Vitamin B1 are available over the counter, but only work if you have a deficiency.

The onset of appetite change varies by medication. For some, like mirtazapine, effects may be noticed within a week. Others, like megestrol, may take several weeks to produce noticeable weight gain.

Common side effects of megestrol acetate include weight gain, fluid retention, and changes in sexual function. More serious risks include blood clots (thromboembolic events), adrenal insufficiency, and worsening of diabetes.

Yes, non-prescription methods include regular physical activity, eating smaller but more frequent meals, and incorporating flavorful herbs and spices into food. Addressing potential vitamin deficiencies with supplements like zinc can also help if needed.

Yes, many appetite stimulants are prescribed with the goal of promoting weight gain, particularly in patients suffering from wasting syndromes. The effectiveness and amount of weight gained vary depending on the specific drug and the patient's condition.

Medications like mirtazapine are sometimes used in older adults, especially when depression and weight loss coexist. However, older adults are often more susceptible to side effects, so treatment requires careful consideration and monitoring by a doctor.