Which medication is often used to increase appetite in patients with anorexia?

Megestrol is a progestational agent that is commonly prescribed to stimulate appetite, particularly in patients dealing with conditions such as anorexia, cancer, or chronic illness. Its mechanism of action involves altering metabolic pathways and stimulating appetite, making it an effective choice for individuals who may not be ingesting enough nutrients due to a lack of appetite.

While other medications listed might have effects on mood or anxiety that could indirectly influence appetite, they are not primarily indicated for appetite stimulation. For instance, citalopram and sertraline are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used primarily for depression and anxiety, and they can sometimes suppress appetite. Mirtazapine, although it can also increase appetite and may be used off-label to help with eating disorders, is not as widely recognized for this purpose as megestrol. Thus, megestrol stands out as a clear option specifically aimed at increasing appetite in patients with anorexia.