The effectiveness of cyproheptadine hydrochloride in treatment resistant chronic schizophrenic patients, 13 male patients (ages 35 to 66 yr), in open, unblinded trial, received cyproheptadine hydrochloride 8 mg/day po, with adjustments to 8 and 12 mg/day monthly intervals over 3 to 6 mo. Seven (54%) of the 13 patients had improvements on cyproheptadine hydrochloride, with 4 these patients remaining on cyproheptadine hydrochloride for over a yr with continued improvement. Seven (54%) also noted calming effects and improvements in sleep. It was concluded that cyproheptadine hydrochloride can be beneficial with regard to improved calmness and sleep, to mood and energy levels and to e negative and even positive psychotic symptoms in a subgroup chronic schizophrenics nonresponsive to other therapies.
[Bacher NM, et al; J Clin Psychopharmacol 14 (6): 424-25 (1994)] PEER REVIEWED PubMed Abstract
For those whose loved ones that are unmedicated, Cyproheptadine could be helpful since it is a serotonin antagonist similar to clozapine. Cyproheptadine is otc in some countries and is sometimes used for anorexia in children. It can help with sleep but also can be used during the day. Ketotifen has similar properties. My son doesn’t willingly take either but I have given both of these to him in smoothies. A few years ago (prior to dx), he tried Cyproheptadine and said that he thought it was helping his brain. At this time he won’t try it again, unfortunately.
“Clozapine is a serotonin antagonist, with strong binding to 5-HT 2A/2C receptor subtype”
“Cyproheptadine is a very potent antihistamine or antagonist of the H1 receptor. At higher concentrations, it also has anticholinergic, antiserotonergic, and antidopaminergic activities. Of the serotonin receptors, it is an especially potent antagonist of the 5-HT2 receptors, and this underlies its effectiveness in the treatment of serotonin syndrome.”