Most children experience manageable sedation or appetite changes; serious neuropsychiatric or anticholinergic reactions are rare but warrant immediate evaluation.
Cyproheptadine’s first-generation antihistamine profile causes CNS depression and anticholinergic effects. Families should monitor for excessive sleepiness, behavioral changes, and urinary or vision complaints, especially during dose titration.
2 documented effects
Often improves after 3–7 days
Consolidate dosing at bedtime, titrate slowly, avoid other sedatives
Assess school performance and morning wakefulness
Not specified
Stop medication immediately and seek urgent care
Watch for sudden agitation, confusion, visual changes
1 documented effect
Persists while on therapy
Track weight and BMI percentile; plan nutrient-dense meals; consider drug holidays if excessive weight gain
Monitor growth chart every 4–8 weeks
2 documented effects
Not specified
Offer water, sugar-free gum, fiber-rich foods; consider stool softener if persistent
Assess bowel habits and dental hygiene
Not specified
Stop drug; urgent evaluation especially in adolescents with underlying bladder issues
Ask about decreased urine output or vision changes
1 documented effect
Not specified
Call emergency services; provide airway support and hospital observation
Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.
For babies taking Cyproheptadine, watch for signs of side effects. This medication is generally well-tolerated in infants when used as directed.
This medicine might make your child sleepy and more hungry.
It can make you feel drowsy and hungrier; let us know if you feel dizzy or see things that are not there.
Avoid driving or sports until you know how sleepy it makes you. Call if you feel confused, agitated, or have trouble peeing.
A: Adjust dosing schedule and consider slower titration; sedation usually lessens over time.
When to validate: Stop and contact the clinician if the child cannot stay awake or function safely.
A: Monitor calories, collaborate with nutrition, and reassess therapy benefit.
When to validate: Consider tapering or alternative therapy if BMI z-score rises quickly.
Framework for grading cyproheptadine adverse effects and guiding action steps.
Parent and clinician concerns about Cyproheptadine