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Medications for Binge Eating Disorder

According to the Mayo Clinic, binge-eating disorder is the most frequently occurring eating disorder. The Mayo Clinic further reports some medications might help treat binge-eating disorder. However, as of 2009, no medications were specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of binge-eating disorder. Medications are one of four treatments for binge-eating disorder. The other three include psychotherapy, behavioral weight-loss programs and self-help strategies.

  1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) might help treat binge-eating disorder. On the U.S. market since 1987, SSRIs function by increasing brain levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Examples of SSRIs include Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft. Common side effects of SSRIs include nausea, diarrhea, headache, dry mouth, agitation, insomnia and sexual dysfunction.

    Tricyclic Antidepressants

    • The Mayo Clinic reports tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) also might help treat binge-eating disorder. TCAs increase the levels of two neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and serotonin. Examples of TCAs include Elavil, Pamelor, Tofranil, Sinequan and Anafranil. Common side effects of TCAs include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, rash, increased heart rate and low blood pressure upon standing from a seated or lying position.

    Topamax

    • The generic name for Topamax is topiramate. The Mayo Clinic reports some studies found this anticonvulsant medication useful in treating binge-eating disorder. Common side effects include blurred vision, double vision, clumsiness or unsteadiness, dizziness, drowsiness and difficulty thinking.

    Meridia

    • The generic name for Meridia is subutramine. Although not specifically approved by the FDA to treat binge-eating disorder, Meridia is approved for obesity treatment. It is another type of antidepressant called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which increases brain levels of neurotransmitters. Serious side effects include "dangerous changes" in blood pressure.

    Clinical Trials

    • As of 2009, ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, reported clinical trials were recently completed on several medications for the treatment of binge-eating disorder. These include sibutramine, topiramate, bupropion, lamotrigine, chromium picolinate, sodium oxybate, memantine, Zonegran, acamprosate, atomoxetine, Xenical and duloxetine. Although the clinical trials of many of these medications are complete, none were approved for the treatment of binge-eating disorder by the FDA as of 2009.

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