Why are researchers considering Zyprexa (olanzapine) for treatment of anorexia nervosa? Anorexia isn't what the drug was originally designed to treat, but it has some effects that are potentially very beneficial for those with this eating disorder.
If Not Anorexia, What's Zyprexa's Purpose?
Zyprexa is a potent medication. It's used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, two very serious disorders. Technically speaking, Zyprexa is an atypical antipsychotic drug, a medication that in general has fewer side effects related to movement than older, "typical" antipsychotics. Atypical antipsychotics were introduced in the 1990s (they still have side effects of their own).
Potential Positive Effects of Zyprexa on Anorexia Symptoms
Zyprexa brings two major benefits to a person with anorexia. First, weight gain is a side effect, which is obviously a beneficial side effect for this population. Second, it tends to reduce the obsessive symptoms which are often present in anorexia.
That's what a small, preliminary study, a double-blind placebo-controlled trial with a relatively small sample size, suggests. Those who were given Zyprexa gained weight faster and saw an improvement in obsessive symptoms than members of a control group.
Prior to this study, researchers conducted a number of studies that were open-label (research subjects knew they were taking the drug and not a placebo), and thus less reliable. But the findings in these early studies suggested that in addition to weight gain, those who took Zyprexa also saw improvements in thinking, body image, anxiety level before meals, and the ability to stay in treatment.
Note that in general, we have less data about using medications for children and adolescents with eating disorders than we have for adults. More research can help to determine where Zyprexa may fit in a younger person's recovery program.
Side Effects of Zyprexa
Most drugs seem to carry long lists of side effects, and Zyprexa is no different. Side effects can range from dry mouth, dizziness, and restlessness to much more serious problems. A more complete list of side effects exists courtesy of the About.com Guides to Bipolar Disorder. For another list, get the FDA's medication guide on Zyprexa.
Some Already Prescribe Zyprexa for Anorexia
While anorexia isn't the drug's original target and isn't yet approved for this use by the Food and Drug Administration, some practitioners prescribe Zyprexa "off-label" (a common practice) for anorexia. You may want to check with your doctor or psychiatrist to see if Zyprexa has potential for your situation or that of a loved one.
Sources:
Bissada H, Tasca GA, Barber AM, Bradwejn J. Olanzapine in the treatment of low body weight and obsessive thinking in women with anorexia nervosa: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. American Journal of Psychiatry 165 (2008): 1281-1288.
Couturier J, Lock J. A review of medication use for children and adolescents with eating disorders. Journal of the Canadian Academy for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 16 (2007): 173-176.
Dunican KC, DelDotto D. The role of olanzapine in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. Annals of Pharmacotherapy 41 (2007): 111-115.
Eli Lilly and Company. Official Zyprexa website. 2008. Accessed 7 November 2008.
National Institute of Mental Health. Medications. At www.nimh.nig.gov. Reviewed 26 June 2008. Accessed 10 November 2008.
