One of the simplest, yet greatest joys of life is to indulge in food, and there is only one thing that makes it better: hunger. Unfortunately, there are times when our appetite is lacking and even the thought of food makes us uncomfortable. It is natural to feel this way at times, but when our medication starts to interfere with our appetite, it can be depressing. These medicines are known to cause appetite loss.
Acetazolamide
Acetazolamide is a multi-purpose medicine that is on the World Health Organization’s essential medicine list. It is used for a wide spectrum of diseases ranging from glaucoma and epilepsy to altitude sickness and heart failure. Interestingly, it is also used in the treatment of edema. It belongs to the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor category of medicines, and by inhibiting the carbonic anhydrase, it allows the body to retain adequate carbon dioxide levels. The amount of carbon dioxide drops because of excessive breathing. Moreover, the said process reduces the build-up of fluid in the body, providing relief in conditions like glaucoma and edema. Acetazolamide also comes with side effects such as numbness, nausea, fatigue, and a loss of appetite.
Brand Name: Diamox
Anagrelide
It belongs to a class of medicine known as platelet-reducing agents, and as the name suggests, it works by decreasing the platelets’ production. Anagrelide is used in the treatment of essential thrombocytosis and chronic myeloid leukemia. Some of the frequently experienced side effects of this medicine include headache, diarrhea, hair loss, and lack of appetite.
Brand Name: Agrylin/Xagrid
Biperiden
While this medicine was approved for medical use in 1959, it is presently considered an essential medicine by the World Health Organization. It was first synthesized in 1953 by a German chemist, W. Klavehn. Biperiden is prescribed to people with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. It works by restoring the balance in the brain by blocking the M1 receptors in the corpus striatum. As for the side effects, it is known to cause blurred vision, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and food aversion.
Brand Name: Akineton
Dacarbazine
Dacarbazine is a type of chemotherapy medicine that works by attaching itself to the DNA of cancer cells and damaging them. It is used in the treatment of specific types of cancer; melanoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It is only administered intravenously, and it is considered an essential medicine by the World Health Organization. Loss of appetite is commonly experienced with this medicine, along with vomiting, low platelets, and liver toxicity.
Brand Name: Celdaz
Dapsone
Interestingly, in its initial years, dapsone was studied as an antibiotic, and it was not until a decade later in 1945, that it was used in the treatment of leprosy. In addition to leprosy, it is also prescribed to people with acne and other skin conditions. It works by inhibiting the bacterial activity in the body, which in turn kills the bacteria. As for its frequent adverse effects, it can cause food aversion, dizziness, and blurred vision.
Brand Name: Aczone
Febuxostat
It was only introduced in the healthcare industry in 2008, and it belongs to the category of medicines known as xanthine oxidase inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of uric acid present in the body, therefore, it is prescribed to people that are suffering from elevated uric acid levels and gout. Febuxostat is known to cause gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and loss of appetite. Additionally, it can also cause rash and joint pain.
Brand Name: Adenuric
Hydroxychloroquine
It is an antimalaria medicine that is also used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and porphyria cutanea tarda. Interestingly, it was also heavily tested to be used against the Covid-19 virus; however, the clinical trials showed that it was ineffective against the virus. Hydroxychloroquine kills the parasites that carry malaria. As for the side effects, it includes muscle weakness, headache, loss of appetite, and cardiovascular issues.
Brand Name: Plaquenil
Methylphenidate
This medicine was approved for medical use in 1955, and in 2019, there were over 14 million prescriptions for methylphenidate. It is a central nervous system stimulant and it works by boosting activity in certain areas of the brain. It is prescribed to both adults and children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Moreover, it is also used recreationally, as it is known to have aphrodisiac and euphoric properties. Despite the euphoria, it can cause agitation, restlessness, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Brand Name: Ritalin
Pazopanib
Appetite loss is one of the most frequent adverse effects of pazopanib. It is an anti-cancer medicine and it works by restricting the blood supply to the cancer cell, resulting in cell death.
Brand Name: Votrient
Proguanil
It is an antimalarial medicine, and it works by inhibiting the reproduction of malaria-carrying parasites within the red blood cell. Proguanil is also considered an essential medicine by the World Health Organization. When it comes to side effects, losing appetite is quite common, in addition to skin rashes, constipation, and itchiness.
Brand Name: Mafamoz
Tacrine
The deficiency of acetylcholine is associated with memory impairment that results in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Tacrine stops the breakdown of acetylcholine, which helps in the management of dementia. As for the side effects, significant weight loss can occur with this medicine because of food aversion.
Brand Name: Cognex
Temozolomide
Administered both orally and intravenously, temozolomide is an anti-cancer medicine that is particularly used in the treatment of brain tumors such as glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma. It is known to cause vomiting, low platelet count, loss of appetite, and swelling.
Brand Name: Temodar