In an effort to provide help to those needing a boost in eating disorder treatment, researchers are always trying out new medications. In the case of binge-eating disorder, results of a number of drug studies appear to be promising. But in some cases, the success of these drugs seems temporary.
Anticonvulsants for Binge-Eating Disorder
Topamax (Topiramate) is a drug that was originally created for seizure control in epilepsy patients. But in clinical trials of the drug, it became clear that weight loss is a common side effect. One 14-week study sought to capitalize on this finding. The study suggested that Topamax can have a positive effect not only on binge eating, weight, and body mass index, but also obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Topamax is used as an adjunct treatment (with other drugs) for OCD and a variety of other psychiatric conditions.
Researchers returned to look at the drug in a longer study (42 weeks). Results continued to be promising, but over 40% of the participants left the study before it ended. This suggests that the side effects of Topamax may be too difficult for some.
SSRI Medications for Binge-Eating Disorder
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) also show promise in the treatment of binge-eating disorder. These medications are most often described as antidepressants. Drugs of this type showing the potential to improve body mass index, weight, and/or frequency of binge eating include the following:
But SSRIs do not seem to keep weight down after the course of treatment ends, and they are not recommended for weight control. Further, researchers are unsure how SSRIs work to create the effects they do.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Norpramin (Desipramine), a tricyclic antidepressant, seems to reduce binge-eating episodes and hunger. It also seems to help in making behavioral weight loss treatment more effective. But data on this and similar drugs remains scarce, and no long-term studies exist.
Appetite Suppressants
Meridia (Sibutramine) has been tested in a few studies as recently as 2002. These studies linked the drug to reduced number of binge days per week, reduced frequency of total binges, and weight loss. As with other drugs investigated, no long-term data on Meridia's effectiveness exists.
Conclusion
There is hope in the medical world for slowing down binge eating. But keep in mind that it is rare that medications alone are enough to control eating disorders. In addition, there is no long-term data to support the usefulness of any drug for the treatment of binge-eating disorder. Stay in contact with your doctor, and ask whether counseling or other treatment would be helpful. In many cases, counseling and medications can work well together, providing better results than either kind of treatment can provide on its own.
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