This drug will now only be available on prescription to prevent abuse.

© Malorny

– This medication, an antihistamine, will now only be sold by prescription from July 10.

It is well known that antihistamines have the ability to quickly make you fall into the arms of Morpheus. And this power, there are many who have understood it well and who abuse them. This is the case for medicine Périactine, which has largely been diverted from its use in recent years. Initially sold as an antiallergic, some people mainly purchased it to help them fall asleep better and for aesthetic purposes.

Indeed, beyond its power to induce sleep, Periactin also has orexigenic effects. As indicated in the Journal des Femmes on June 28, the molecule cyproheptadine, present in antihistamines, also greatly increases appetite. Thus, some did not hesitate to ingest this medication in the goal of gaining weight. This effect of Periactin has also been widely praised on social networks, sometimes by influencers.

“There is still significant promotion of cosmetic use”

However, cyproheptadine may cause serious side effects if it is taken improperly. The ANSM has already been calling for vigilance from health professionals since 2022 regarding these abuses. This Thursday, June 27, the national agency therefore ended free sale of this treatment. “Despite the information measures put in place since 2022, these misuses persist, as do the risks associated with them. The change in the conditions of prescription and delivery aims to limit this misused use.explains the Medicines Safety Agency in a press release.

Speaking to AFP, Isabelle Yoldjian, the agency’s medical director, said the decision had been taken “based on what we see on social networks where there is always significant promotion of cosmetic use“. Starting the July 10thyou will therefore need to make an appointment with your doctor to have this antihistamine prescribed.