Definition
Literally, "anorexia" means "lack of appetite", but this definition does not fully convey the psycho-pathological problem that lies behind this term. Anorexia nervosa is a complex eating disorder which, as opposed to obesity, essentially consists in the refusal of food.
Causes
Most of the time, pathological anorexia has its roots in psychological disorders, even if some patients become anorexic following pathologies and pharmacological treatments (eg chemotherapy for the treatment of tumors: in this case it is not a nervous form ). Anorexia nervosa is the result of a tangle of thoughts, fears and anxieties, which create a repulsion to food in the mind of the person: anorexics consider food as a dangerous element, responsible for the "psychological illness".
- Risk factors: anxiety, COPD, ulcerative colitis, depression, hepatitis, St. Anthony's fire, emphysema, viral gastroenteritis, mania, Crohn's disease, perfectionism, whooping cough, stress.
Symptoms
A person has anorexia nervosa when the BMI is below 17.5; symptoms associated with anorexia include: changes in the menstrual cycle, abuse of laxatives, anemia, low self-esteem, swollen ankles and feet, decreased concentration, weight loss> 15% of ideal body weight, dehydration, cold intolerance, obsession with food, excessive sport, fainting, brittle nails and hair, skin xerosis.
The information on Anorexia - Drugs for the Treatment of Anorexia is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Anorexia - Drugs for the Treatment of Anorexia.
Medicines
The psychological disturbance that accompanies the patient suffering from anorexia is generally difficult to treat, since the therapy involves the re-establishment of the patient's physical conditions and psychological support. For an anorexic, the term "body weight restoration" is synonymous with "gain weight", and the obsession of an anorexia sufferer is precisely to gain weight; this makes us understand the difficulty of making people accept a treatment similar to the anorexic; this is why the support of a psychotherapist can undoubtedly help the patient to come to the surface. Medicines are also a valid aid in helping the anorexic to increase his weight and, above all, to accept himself.
Drugs are also indicated to control and overcome all symptoms associated with anorexia, such as bone loss, depression, altered menstruation, dehydration, alteration of physiological blood values.
The following are the classes of drugs most used in the therapy against anorexia, and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment:
Antidepressants and anxiolytics: indicated to treat the psychological causes that trigger or foment anorexia nervosa; these drugs help the patient to relax. It is recommended to avoid the administration of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) in case of epilepsy in the context of anorexia and depression.
- Amitriptyline (eg. Laroxyl, Triptizol, Adepril): the drug belongs to the class of tricyclic antidepressants. It is also indicated for the treatment of pediatric anorexia nervosa (> 9 years): it seems that a dose of drug ranging from 1.25 to 2.5 mg per day has therapeutic benefits to counteract anxiety and obsessive attitude compulsive against food. A study was carried out in which the anorexic was administered a daily dose of 2.5 mg, up to a maximum of 5-10 mg: doses higher than 2.5 mg do not bring greater benefits than lower doses, at least in the case of anorexia nervosa.
- Risperidone (eg Risperdal, Risperidone ACV): atypical antipsychotic drug (neuroleptic). Do not take in conjunction with dementia: such behavior increases the risk of stroke. The administration of this drug seems to give good results, especially for the obsessive and anxious behavior towards food. The dosage must be carefully established by the doctor.
- Chlorpromazine (eg. Clorpr C FN, Largactil): antipsychotic and dopaminergic antagonist, used to treat schizophrenia in the context of anorexia nervosa. The drug was widely used in therapy in the past. The dose is highly variable from subject to subject; for example, in the case of anorexia nervosa associated with psychosis, the indicative dose is 25-50 mg, to be taken intramuscularly (the dose may gradually increase in subsequent injections); To treat anorexia in the context of manias, the recommended dose of this drug is 10 mg, to be taken orally, 3-4 times a day.
- Olanzapine (eg. Zyprexa, Zyprexa Velotab, Zypadhera, Zalasta, Olanzapine Mylan, Olanzapine Teva, Olanzapine Neopharma, Olanzapine apotex, Olanzapine Glenmark Europe, Olazax): atypical antipsychotic also used to treat anorexia nervosa species, 9 years. Indicatively, the optimal posology to treat anorexia disorders is between 1.25 mg and 2.5 mg, to be taken orally, once a day. Doses above 2.5 mg suggest no further improvement. Consult your doctor.
Corticosteroids:
- Prednisolone (eg. Solprene, Deltamhydrin): indicatively, the recommended dose as an adjunct to the treatment against anorexia is 15-30 mg / day. Consult your doctor before taking corticosteroids; do not stop the treatment on your own.
- Dexamethasone (eg Decadron, Soldesam): it is recommended to take a dose of the drug varying between 2 and 4 mg per day. Consult your doctor.
Hormone therapy:
- Megestrol (eg. Megace, Megexia, Gestroltex): for the treatment of anorexia, it is recommended to take the drug in the form of an oral suspension at the indicative dosage of 800 mg per day. Alternatively, it is possible to take 625 mg / 5 ml (formula concentrated) or 800 mg / 20 ml. The weight gain resulting from the administration of this active represents a side effect (curative, in this case), favored by the increase in appetite. The drug is also widely used for the treatment of some cancers (breast and endometrium).
Vitamin D and Calcium (eg Eurocal D3, Calinat, Folanemin): we have seen that the patient suffering from anorexia records bone decalcification, consequently, to cope with this problem, the administration of vitamin D and calcium is particularly suitable. The dose must be established by the doctor after an accurate diagnosis of the patient.
Antihistamines: some antihistamines work by stimulating the appetite, thus increasing the weight of those who take them.
- Cyprusheptadine (eg Periactin): antiserotonin agent, indicated for the treatment of anorexia nervosa. It is recommended to start therapy with an active dose of 2 mg, to be taken orally 4 times a day. For the maintenance dose. , it is recommended to gradually increase the dosage of 8 mg, every 3 weeks, always to be taken 4 times a day. In general, the therapeutic effect for treating anorexia nervosa is reached within 32 mg per day. Consult your doctor.
The support of friends and family is essential to help the patient with anorexia to overcome their fears and anxieties: in this way, the patient is stimulated to take in more calories (at least 1,500-1,800 Kcal per day), understanding that food is not an enemy.
The main problem is that patients with anorexia nervosa tend not to give weight to their problem, not realizing it: the lack of cooperation on the part of the patient is a heavy obstacle, which is not always possible to overcome.
People die of anorexia: drugs and psychological therapies are essential to ensure the patient's survival.
