Hepa-R Syrup belongs to a group of medicines called 'appetite enhancers' used to stimulate the appetite and treat problems related to the alimentary tract and metabolism. Hepa-R Syrup is used in the treatment of anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder with loss of appetite and low body weight). Besides this, it is also prescribed for underweight children who have an inadequate dietary intake, loss of appetite, anaemia, liver/digestive disorder and as an adjunct to anti-tubercular (anti-TB drugs) and antiretroviral (anti-HIV drugs) treatment for weight gain.

Hepa-R Syrup is a combination of three drugs, namely: Cyproheptadine hydrochloride, Tricholine citrate, and Sorbitol. Cyproheptadine hydrochloride works by reducing the effect of a chemical messenger in the hypothalamus called serotonin, thereby helping stimulate the appetite. Tricholine citrate is a bile acid-binding agent that works by removing excess bile acid, which causes the liver to produce more bile acid utilizing cholesterol; this, in turn, lowers the fat content in the body. Sorbitol is a laxative with a diuretic (urine-producing) and cathartic (that stimulates defecation) properties.

Hepa-R Syrup should be taken in the doses as prescribed. You are advised to take Hepa-R Syrup for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you. This medicine has some common side effects like dry mouth, drowsiness, confusion, and ataxia (impaired balance or coordination). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and subside over time. However, if any of these side effects persist, please consult your doctor.
 
Inform your doctor if you have asthma, hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, intraocular (eye) pressure or heart problems before taking Hepa-R Syrup . Consult your doctor before taking Hepa-R Syrup if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Hepa-R Syrup may cause drowsiness, so caution should be taken while you are driving vehicles or operating machines. Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Hepa-R Syrup as it may cause increased drowsiness. Keep your doctor informed about all the medicines and your health condition to rule out any side effects.

Hepa-R Syrup belongs to a group of medicines called appetite enhancers used to stimulate the appetite and increase body metabolism. Hepa-R Syrup is indicated for the treatment of loss of appetite, weight loss, and anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder with loss of appetite and low body weight). Hepa-R Syrup is also prescribed for underweight children who have an inadequate dietary intake, lack of appetite, anaemia, liver or digestive disorder. Additionally, Hepa-R Syrup is also used as an adjunct to anti-tubercular (anti-TB) and antiretroviral treatment (anti-HIV) for weight gain. Hepa-R Syrup helps in the stimulation of appetite, ensures weight gain, provides effective hepatoprotective action, and enhances protein synthesis. It is also indicated in hepatobiliary disorder (liver disease) associated with anorexia. 

• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Ataxia (impaired balance or coordination) 

Do not take Hepa-R Syrup if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you have glaucoma, peptic ulcers, prostate gland enlargement, bladder neck obstruction, or pyloroduodenal obstruction. Inform your doctor if you have asthma, hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, intraocular (eye) pressure or heart problems. Hepa-R Syrup may show additive effects if taken along with alcohol and CNS depressants, and anti-anxiety drugs; therefore inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines. Consult your doctor before taking Hepa-R Syrup if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Hepa-R Syrup may cause drowsiness, so drive with caution. Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Hepa-R Syrup as it may cause increased drowsiness. 

Drug-Drug Interaction: Hepa-R Syrup may have interaction with an antihistamine (diphenhydramine, cetirizine), an antidepressant (duloxetine, sertraline), anti-convulsants (pregabalin, topiramate), and anti-psychotic agent (quetiapine).

Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found/established.

Drug-Disease Interaction: Hepa-R Syrup may have interactions with conditions such as asthma, heart, kidney, and liver problems.

• DIPHENHYDRAMINE
• CETIRIZINE
• DULOXETINE
• PREGABALIN
• TOPIRAMATE
• QUETIAPINE
• SERTRALINE

• Exercise regularly as it helps in increasing energy expenditure, thereby helping in increasing hunger.
• You may eat more if you are having a good time during your meal. So, try to make mealtimes enjoyable by eating with friends, family or watching a favourite show.
• Change your menu and eat food that you enjoy.
• Try not to skip meals. Make time for eating. 
• Include calorie-containing beverages in your diet, such as protein shakes, fruit juices, milk, etc.
• Proper management of basic hygiene and bowel regularity can positively affect appetite in adults.
• Setting the alarm for mealtime or posting a meal schedule on the wall could be helpful for adults to remind them to eat.
• Limit excessive snacking in between meal times.

Loss of appetite (anorexia): It is a condition in which an individual has no desire to eat food. Lack of appetite causes missing meals or less urge of hungriness which results in a deficiency of essential and non-essential nutrients required for the proper metabolism and growth of the body. The most common reasons for the decrease in appetite include psychological conditions like stress, anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal conditions (such as acidity, peptic ulcers, and ulcerative colitis), slow metabolism, age, lowered activity levels, disease conditions (like AIDS, cancer) and some medication side effects.