A Note on Medical Safety
Before considering any medication or supplement for weight gain, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. Self-medicating can lead to dangerous side effects and may mask underlying health issues. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Deciphering the 'Clicks Pill to Gain Weight'
The phrase 'Clicks pill to gain weight' is not a single, specific product but a colloquial term that can refer to several categories of products available through pharmacies like Clicks, a major retail pharmacy chain in South Africa [1.3.1]. Research suggests users are often looking for one of three things: over-the-counter (OTC) supplements, prescription medications, or illegally imported and dangerous substances.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Supplements at Clicks
When people refer to a 'Clicks pill', they may be thinking of the various weight and mass gainer supplements sold in their stores. These are not pills but high-calorie powders.
- Clicks Pro-Mass Gainer: This is a Clicks-branded product designed for individuals looking to gain weight and build muscle [1.2.1]. It is a high-protein, high-carbohydrate formula that includes creatine, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to help restore glycogen and support muscle recovery [1.3.3, 1.3.4, 1.3.5].
- Other Mass Gainers: Clicks also stocks other brands like NutriTech Mass Builder, which are similarly formulated to be calorie-dense and high in protein [1.3.7].
These products work by providing a surplus of calories and protein. However, they can have side effects, including digestive issues like bloating and gas, unhealthy fat storage if not paired with exercise, and potential kidney strain from high protein intake [1.6.2].
Prescription Medications for Weight Gain
Certain prescription drugs are known to cause weight gain as a side effect by stimulating appetite or altering metabolism [1.4.2]. A doctor might prescribe these 'off-label' for individuals with a clinical need to gain weight, such as those with conditions causing appetite loss [1.4.6].
- Cyproheptadine (Periactin): This is a first-generation antihistamine available only by prescription [1.8.1]. It is known to be an effective appetite stimulant and can lead to significant weight gain [1.8.3, 1.8.4]. Its most common side effect is drowsiness [1.8.2]. Long-term use without medical supervision can be dangerous [1.8.6].
- Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants, such as Mirtazapine (Remeron) and some tricyclic antidepressants like Amitriptyline, are strongly associated with weight gain by increasing appetite [1.4.1, 1.4.4].
- Antipsychotics: Medications like Olanzapine and Clozapine are known to cause significant weight gain through appetite stimulation and metabolic changes [1.4.5].
- Corticosteroids: Drugs like Prednisone can increase appetite and alter how the body stores fat, often leading to weight gain with long-term use [1.4.1].
The Dangers of Unregulated Products: Apetamin
A significant concern in the search for weight gain pills is the rise of illegally imported and unregulated products like Apetamin, often promoted on social media [1.9.1].
Apetamin is not approved by the FDA and is illegal to sell in many countries [1.6.3]. Its main active ingredient is cyproheptadine, the same prescription-only drug mentioned above [1.9.5]. Because it is unregulated, the dosage is unmonitored, and users are at high risk of overdose and severe side effects [1.9.3].
The FDA has issued warnings about Apetamin, linking it to serious adverse events including [1.6.4, 1.9.6]:
- Liver injury and autoimmune hepatitis [1.9.3]
- Nervous system disorders (dizziness, confusion, tremors)
- Cardiac disorders (irregular heartbeat)
- Extreme drowsiness that can impair motor coordination
- In cases of overdose, convulsions, coma, and even death [1.6.4]
Comparison of Weight Gain Options
| Feature | OTC Mass Gainers (e.g., Clicks Pro-Mass) | Prescription Meds (e.g., Cyproheptadine) | Unregulated Products (e.g., Apetamin) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Mechanism | High-calorie, high-protein supplementation [1.2.1] | Appetite stimulation or metabolic changes [1.8.4, 1.4.1] | Contains unmonitored dose of cyproheptadine [1.9.5] |
| Accessibility | Available over-the-counter in stores like Clicks [1.3.6] | Requires a doctor's prescription [1.8.1] | Illegally imported, sold online/social media [1.9.2] |
| Key Risks | Digestive issues, fat gain, kidney strain [1.6.2] | Drowsiness, dizziness, potential worsening of other health conditions [1.8.1] | Liver damage, cardiac and nervous system disorders, overdose, death [1.6.4, 1.9.3] |
| Medical Oversight | None required, but recommended | Required | None, extremely dangerous |
Conclusion
While the 'Clicks pill to gain weight' is not one specific item, the term encompasses a range of products from relatively safe OTC nutritional supplements to potent prescription medications and dangerously unregulated substances. High-calorie mass gainer powders are the most likely product found directly at Clicks for this purpose. However, the allure of quick results has led to the dangerous popularity of illegal products like Apetamin, which contains a prescription-only antihistamine at unknown and unsafe levels. Anyone struggling with being underweight or experiencing appetite loss should seek a medical diagnosis to address the root cause and discuss safe, effective strategies for achieving a healthy weight, which may or may not include medically supervised use of medication.
For more information on the risks of unregulated supplements, you can visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consumer page on Apetamin [1.6.4].
