Drug-induced anorexia is an abnormal loss of appetite associated with the use of a medication or other drug. It may be associated with drug-induced nausea or vomiting. Many medications have been associated with drug-induced anorexia (see Drug Reaction Data below).

Possible mechanisms include inhibited reuptake of dopamine and serotonin, increase of hypothalamic neurotransmitters, disruption of the endogenous digoxin-like factor, and early satiety caused by abnormal serum leptin concentrations. Patients may complain of dysgeusia, dysphagia, weight loss, fatigue, and xerostomia. The elderly, patients with depression, and patients with dementia are at increased risk.

Drug-induced anorexia can subsequently lead to weight loss, malaise, nutritional deficiencies, and, in severe cases, dehydration with hypoperfusion and end-organ damage or electrolyte imbalances complicated by cardiac dysrhythmias.