The antidepressants that are most commonly used to reduce the binge-purge cycle associated with bulimia is Prozac (aka Fluoxetine). Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Prozac has proven to reduce binge-purge cycles in bulimia.
Which antidepressant is contraindicated in bulimia?
Bupropion is contraindicated because of the increased risk for seizures; patients should also be warned against its use for smoking cessation. Finally, drugs that can increase appetite or cause weight gain (e.g., olanzapine, mirtazapine, paroxetine) are not recommended.
How does serotonin affect bulimia?
Physiologic and pharmacologic evidence suggest that patients with normal weight bulimia have reduced serotonin activity when acutely ill. Such disturbances, even if secondary to dietary abnormalities, may still contribute to dysphoric mood and binging behavior.
Does zoloft help with bulimia?
This study confirms that sertraline is well tolerated and effective in reducing binge-eating crisis and purging in patients with bulimia nervosa.
What is the best medication for bulimia?
The only antidepressant specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat bulimia is fluoxetine (Prozac), a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which may help even if you’re not depressed.
Can antidepressants cause binge eating?
But sometimes antidepressants can have the opposite effect, increasing appetite and leading to weight gain, which can make them counterproductive for people with binge eating disorder. Other side effects of antidepressants include: dizziness. dry mouth.
Why is Prozac used for bulimia?
Prozac is currently the only antidepressant medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for bulimia treatment, as it has been shown to decrease the frequency of binge eating and vomiting.
Does Zoloft help with overeating?
May 25, 2005 (Atlanta) — Popular antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft can help binge eaters control the amount of food they eat, at least in the short-term, researchers report.
Why can’t people with bulimia take Wellbutrin?
You should not take Wellbutrin if you currently have, or formerly had, an eating disorder. For some reason, people with a history of anorexia nervosa or bulimia seem to be more likely to experience Wellbutrin-related seizures.
Does low serotonin cause eating disorders?
Alterations in brain serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) function are thought to contribute to diverse aspects of eating disorders, including binge eating, perfectionism, impulsivity and mood-regulation problems.
Is bulimia a chemical imbalance?
Research indicates that anorexia nervosa, bulimia and other eating disorders may be partially caused by differing balances of chemicals within the brain.
What is the serotonin hypothesis of bulimia?
The “serotonin hypothesis of BN” is, simply stated, the idea that bulimia nervosa is the behavioural expression of functional underactivity of serotonin (5-HT) in the central nervous system. Such a hypothesis cannot fully explain BN or provide a single model for its treatment.
Can your body heal from bulimia?
If treated swiftly and correctly, individuals are able to experience recovery and healing, along with the reversal of most, but not all, of the physical consequences. However, without professional treatment, bulimia nervosa may be life-threatening.
Can sertraline cause eating disorders?
In a 12-week placebo-controlled study in pediatric patients with OCD, anorexia was observed at an incidence of at least 5% and at a statistically significant increased level for sertraline (the active ingredient contained in Zoloft) compared with placebo in 13 to 17 year olds.
Can Zoloft cause weight loss?
Weight loss is a common side effect of Zoloft, affecting children and adolescents more frequently than adults, who need close monitoring when taking this drug. According to eMedTV, 7 percent of children taking Zoloft experienced weight loss of greater than 7 percent of their body weight.
What is bulimia face?
When a person has been engaging in self-induced vomiting regularly and they suddenly stop engaging in the behaviour, their salivary glands in front of their ears (cheeks) may begin to swell. This makes their cheeks look swollen.
Can a dentist tell if your bulimic?
Excessive tooth erosion is one way your dentist could tell if a patient may be bulimic. Frequent vomiting can lead to sensitive teeth, dry mouth and red, cracked lips. All signs that your dentist is trained to recognize as side effects of bulimia.
How many times do you have to throw up to be bulimic?
Similarly, Dr. Walsh said, “we have people who are obese and binge but don’t vomit,” so they don’t fit into the strict definition of bulimia nervosa, which requires both binging and purging. Or they might binge and vomit once a week, but to qualify as bulimic they would have to vomit at least twice a week.
Do SSRI make you crave carbs?
Abstract. The serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have clinically and ancedotally been associated with nausea and weight loss as a side effect of their action. The tricyclic antidepressants have been linked to carbohydrate (CHO) craving and weight gain in patients with major depressive disorders.
How do I stop eating so much on antidepressants?
Avoid eating protein at dinnertime if your medications make you snack all evening. By eating only a starchy carbohydrate, like pasta or a large baked potato along with vegetables for dinner, your brain will make enough serotonin to keep you satisfied and full until bedtime.
Do SSRIs cause carb cravings?
Other SSRIs and Weight Gain Other research has found that certain antidepressants, such as citalopram (sold as Lexapro), often cause cravings for carbohydrates and significant weight gain during treatment.
How long does Prozac take to work for bulimia?
But studies have found that people who respond well to Prozac may do so as early as 3 weeks. Talk to your healthcare provider if you don’t notice any improvement in bulimia symptoms after taking Prozac for a few weeks.
What drug is FDA approved for bulimia?
Article highlights. Medications for the maintenance of eating disorders, bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED), are limited. Fluoxetine for BN and lisdexamfetamine for BED are the only FDA-approved medications.
How does CBT work for bulimia?
In CBT, the therapist works collaboratively with the patient to disrupt the factors maintaining the binge-purge cycle with the goal to achieve abstinence from these behaviors. This treatment is typically administered individually, but it can be delivered in group format.
Can sertraline help you lose weight?
Weight gain is a common complaint of patients receiving antidepressant drug treatment. The antidepressant sertraline, a selective serotonin uptake inhibitor, has been reported to promote weight loss.