Bulimia Medications

In the treatment of bulimia nervosa, typically the primary form of treatment is a combination of psychotherapy and medication. It is common for individuals with bulimia to have a team of medical professionals including a dietician who specializes in eating disorders, physician, mental health care provider, and a case manger as well to coordinate all of these forms of treatment.

These treatment plans typically involve the family members as well to educate them in how they can help the individual follow their treatment plan as well as acting as part of their support network. At this time there is only one prescription medication which is approved by the "FDA" or "Food and Drug Administration" specifically for the treatment of bulimia, however, physicians may also prescribe other medications typically in the form of antidepressants to treat this disorder.

"SSRIs" or "Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors"

"SSRIs" or "Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors" are antidepressant medications which are commonly used in the treatment of eating disorders along with many other forms of mental illness."SSRIs" increase the neurotransmitter serotonin levels in the brain which are linked to moods and depression.

These medications include "Prozac", "Celexa", "Zoloft", "Paxil" and "Lexapro". These medications are most commonly used to relieve the symptoms of depression. "Sertraline" or "Zoloft" is an SSRI which can be used in the treatment of bulimia. Case studies have shown that individuals who were prescribed this medication experienced reduced symptoms of the binge eating and purging associated with bulimia.  

Fluoxetine - The only Drug Approved by the FDA Specifically for the Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa

Fluoxetine - also known as Prozac- is an SSRI and is the only medication which the FDA has approved specifically for treating bulimia nervosa. In scientific studies Fluoxetine given high dosages has been beneficial in the treatment of bulimics even with those who are not depressed.

However, only twenty five percent of the individuals studied, experienced a complete remission of bulimic symptoms therefore additional treatment is typically required. The results when Fluoxetine is successful are generally noticed within four weeks and are typically used as an initial approach by physicians for the treatment of bulimia.

The Potential Side Effects with SSRIs

The potential side effects with all SSRIs are typically the same; however, certain SSRIs do have different pharmacological characteristics which mean that an individual may experience unpleasant side effects with one but not with another. These potential side effects include insomnia, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, headache, diarrhea, nervousness, rash, agitation, restlessness, weight gain, increased sweating, and sexual dysfunction.

A rare side effect which can sometimes occur when taking SSRIs with "monoamine oxidase inhibitors" or "MAOIs" which are another form of antidepressant is "serotonin syndrome".  This side effect occurs when the levels of serotonin reach dangerously high levels in the brain.

This side effect can also occur with other medications or supplements as well including certain pain relief medication, migraine headache medicine and the supplement St. John's wort. It is essential that individuals who are taking SSRIs are aware of this potential side effect and do not take "MAOIs" or any other medications which can cause "serotonin syndrome" as this condition can be life-threatening.