Is there a pill to give you an appetite? Understanding appetite stimulants

November 27, 2025 •

2 min read

According to a systematic review of over 1,000 studies, megestrol acetate, a prescription appetite stimulant, was found to increase appetite in approximately 25% of patients. For those facing unintentional weight loss or poor appetite, the question, 'Is there a pill to give you an appetite?' is a common and medically relevant concern.

Quick Summary

This article explores prescription appetite stimulants, including FDA-approved medications and off-label options, detailing their mechanisms, uses for conditions like cancer and HIV/AIDS, and the importance of consulting a healthcare provider regarding side effects and suitability.

Key Points

Prescription Medications Exist: Yes, certain prescription drugs like megestrol, dronabinol, and cyproheptadine can be prescribed to increase appetite, often for specific medical conditions.
FDA-Approved vs. Off-Label: The FDA has approved some appetite stimulants for specific uses (e.g., AIDS-related anorexia), while others, like certain antidepressants or antihistamines, are used off-label for their side effect of boosting appetite.
Serious Side Effects: Some appetite-boosting medications carry risks, including blood clots (megestrol) and psychoactive effects (dronabinol), so they require careful medical supervision.
Natural Alternatives: For less severe appetite loss, non-medication strategies such as eating small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals, light exercise, and using certain spices can be effective.
Underlying Cause is Key: It is crucial to see a doctor to determine the underlying reason for poor appetite before resorting to any medication, as appetite loss can be a symptom of a more serious health issue.
Lifestyle Changes Help: Modifying dietary habits by adding healthy fats and protein, scheduling meals, and drinking nutritious liquids can support weight and calorie intake without medication.

Medically-Approved Appetite Stimulants

Yes, there are several prescription medications designed or used to stimulate appetite, but they are typically reserved for patients with a significant medical need, such as those experiencing severe weight loss (cachexia) due to chronic illnesses like cancer, HIV/AIDS, or advanced kidney and liver disease. These medications are known as orexigenics. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of appetite loss before considering medication.

FDA-Approved Options

For specific medical contexts, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved medications as appetite stimulants. Megestrol Acetate (Megace), a synthetic progestin, is used for appetite promotion and weight gain, particularly in patients with AIDS-related anorexia and cachexia. Dronabinol (Marinol), a synthetic form of THC, is FDA-approved for treating AIDS-related anorexia and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Oxandrolone (Oxandrin), an anabolic steroid previously used for weight gain, is no longer available in the US for this purpose following FDA withdrawal due to significant side effects.

Off-Label Medications Used for Appetite Stimulation

Other medications with appetite increase as a side effect are sometimes used off-label. Mirtazapine (Remeron), an antidepressant, is used off-label for appetite stimulation, especially in patients with depression or cancer-related anorexia. Cyproheptadine (Periactin), an antihistamine, is often used off-label to increase appetite. High doses of corticosteroids can also increase appetite, but are not recommended long-term.

Comparison of Prescription Appetite Stimulants


Feature	Megestrol Acetate (Megace)	Dronabinol (Marinol)	Mirtazapine (Remeron)	Cyproheptadine (Periactin)
Mechanism	Synthetic progestin.	Synthetic cannabinoid.	Atypical antidepressant.	First-gen antihistamine.
Primary Use	Cancer, HIV/AIDS cachexia.	AIDS-related anorexia, chemotherapy nausea.	Depression, anxiety, off-label for appetite.	Allergies, off-label for appetite.
Efficacy	Effective for weight gain.	Mixed results, approved for AIDS anorexia.	Can increase appetite.	Clinically shown to increase appetite and weight.
Common Side Effects	Stomach upset, mood changes, fluid retention.	Drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, psychoactive effects.	Drowsiness, dizziness, increased appetite.	Drowsiness, dry mouth, headache.
Serious Risks	Blood clots, diabetes, adrenal suppression.	Worsening mental illness, mood changes.	Mood/behavioral changes, mania.	Varies by individual.

Important Considerations and Non-Medication Alternatives

Addressing reversible causes of appetite loss is essential before considering a prescription pill. Non-medication strategies can be effective for increasing appetite without prescription medication. These include eating small, frequent meals, focusing on nutrient-dense foods, incorporating light exercise, making mealtime enjoyable, and using herbs and spices.

Conclusion

While prescription appetite stimulants exist, they are generally for individuals with serious health conditions and involve potential side effects. Lifestyle and dietary changes offer safer alternatives for less severe appetite issues. A medical evaluation is always the first step to identify the cause of appetite loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prescription medications known as appetite stimulants or orexigenics can make you feel hungry. Examples include megestrol acetate (Megace), dronabinol (Marinol), and off-label drugs like the antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) and the antihistamine cyproheptadine (Periactin).

Yes, some natural supplements and nutrients can help stimulate appetite, particularly if you have a deficiency. These include zinc, vitamin B-1 (thiamine), and omega-3 fatty acids, often found in fish oil. Certain bitter herbs are also anecdotally used for this purpose.

Most effective and potent appetite-stimulating pills, such as megestrol and dronabinol, require a doctor's prescription. Using off-label or non-regulated products, like some advertised online, can be dangerous due to potential side effects.

The safest ways to increase appetite involve dietary and lifestyle adjustments. This includes eating smaller, more frequent meals, incorporating light exercise, managing stress, and choosing nutrient-dense foods. Always address any underlying medical conditions causing appetite loss with a healthcare professional first.

Side effects vary by medication but can include mood changes, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, stomach upset, and fluid retention. More serious risks can involve blood clots or worsening of mental health conditions.

Appetite stimulants are typically for individuals with medical conditions that cause significant loss of appetite and weight loss. This includes patients with cancer, HIV/AIDS, or advanced stages of kidney or liver disease.

Yes, some compounds derived from cannabis, like THC, are known to stimulate appetite. Dronabinol (Marinol), a synthetic cannabinoid, is a prescription medication approved for AIDS-related anorexia and is used off-label for other conditions.