Periactin is an antihistamine given to help relieve cold - and allergy-related symptoms such as hay fever, nasal inflammation, stuffy nose, red and inflamed eyes, hives, and swelling. Periactin may also be given after epinephrine to help treat anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
A case of the carcinoid syndrome associated with a proximal myopathy is reported. Histology showed advanced atrophy of type II muscle fibres but no inflammation. Perinuclear acid phosphatase was increased. Electron microscopy revealed persistence of the Z-line until the muscle fibre had been severely disrupted. Similar lesions have been observed in the hereditary muscular dystrophy in mice, and also in these animals and in rats when injected with 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT).
Excess secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), the hormone that stimulates the adrenal gland to produce cortisone, is associated with increased serotonin levels in the brain. Cyproheptadine has been used in the treatment of Cushing's disease, where there is excess cortisone production but not with reliable success.
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