Mirtazapine for Anorexia
Mirtazapine is in a class of medications called antidepressants. It also has been used as an antianxiety medication, antiemetic, and appetite stiumulant. It works by enhancing adrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Mirtazapine is also an antagonist of 5-HT3 and histamine receptors. Mirtazapine is available as a tablet and an oral disintegrating tablet.
Cannabis/Cannabinoids for Anorexia
Cannabinoids are compounds present in the Cannabis plant that bind to cannabinoid receptors and exert pharmacologic effects that stimulate appetite, act as antiemetics, and have analgesic effects. Cannabinoids approved for use in the United States include dronabinol and nabilone. Cannabis compounds studied for symptom management in patients with cancer have been in oral forms, oral spray, or ingested through smoking. It should be noted that not all Cannabis formulations or methods of ingestion necessarily provide the same effects and results.
-
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Anorexia
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Anorexia
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) aims to restore balance in "Qi" or vital life energy thought to flow through channels in the body. TCM can include acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, massage, herbal remedies, and movement exercises and has been studies for effects on cancer and cancer-treatment related symptoms. Acustimulation, moxibustion, and some herbal medicine are considered as separate interventions.
-
Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Anorexia
Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Anorexia
Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a technique of alternately tensing and relaxing muscles groups in sequence throughout the body. When going through muscle groups, individuals can start with the head and neck and progress to the feet, or vice versa. Similarly, individuals may do one side of the body at a time or both sides at the same time. Listening to a prerecorded script may be used to guide individuals through the process.
-
Olanzapine for Anorexia
Olanzapine for Anorexia
Olanzapine is an antipsychotic used in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It also has been evaluated as an adjunctive medication for the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and anorexia in patients with cancer.
-
Megestrol and Celecoxib
Megestrol and Celecoxib
Progestins are synthetic hormones that stimulate progesterone. Progestin is a type of steroid structure and is the main component of contraceptive medications. Progestins have been evaluated alone and in combination with other medications for their effect in patients with cancer for anorexia, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, hot flashes, and fatigue.