Pharmacotherapy of Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder
Susan L McElroy
Lindner Center of HOPE, Mason, OH, United States

This talk reviews progress in pharmacological options for the treatment of individuals with bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED).  Only two drugs have regulatory approval for either condition at this time—fluoxetine for BN and lisdexamfetamine dimesylate for BED. The data for these regulatory approvals will be briefly reviewed. Then, available data for antidepressants, ADHD drugs, antiepileptics, and weight loss, many of which may have some efficacy in BN or BED, will be reviewed. Drugs presently under study (solriamfetol) and those probably without efficacy (naltrexone, samidorphan, and nivasorexant) will then be reviewed.  Future areas for research in the pharmacotherapy of BN and BED will be suggested. Importantly, until drugs are developed specifically for eating disorders, drugs developed for other conditions that are centrally acting and associated with beneficial psychotropic effects and/or reduced appetite or weight loss might be considered for repurposing in BN and BED.

Category
Treatment/Prevention