Definition
Bulimia nervosa (or more simply bulimia) is an eating disorder that leads individuals to consume large quantities of food; these binges are followed by the onset of a series of feelings of guilt that push subjects to adopt behaviors aimed at "canceling" the amount of calories ingested. Such behaviors usually consist of: self-induction of vomiting; improper intake of laxatives; adoption an extremely restrictive diet for the days following the binge; excessive exercise.
Causes
The causes that lead to the onset of bulimia nervosa are still the subject of debate. Certainly, at the base of this pathology there is an "altered perception of one's own image and body weight. This alteration of perception could be triggered by a series of factors that concur with each other in the development of the disease. More specifically, we talk about biological factors (genetic predisposition), psychological factors (anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, behavioral and personality disorders) and environmental factors.
Symptoms
The symptoms of bulimia are many and can be both psychological and physical. More specifically, individuals with bulimia nervosa manifest: incoercible desire for food, feelings of guilt after binging, distorted vision of their body and image, anxious and depressive states, tendency to isolate themselves, inflammation of the oropharyngeal cavity, alterations of the menstrual cycle, hair thinning, damage to dental enamel, skin changes, gastrointestinal disorders, electrolyte imbalances and heart problems.
Diet
The information on Bulimia - Drugs for the Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Bulimia - Bulimia Nervosa Medicines.
Medicines
In the treatment of bulimia nervosa, first of all, it is essential to undertake a correct and timely diagnosis of the disease, in order to immediately understand its state and severity. Later, different types of treatments can be intervened that involve different specialists, such as doctors specialized in eating disorders, psychologists, psychiatrists and dieticians.
Treatment of bulimia nervosa aims at restoring a healthy attitude towards food in patients. In this regard, the use of psychotherapy is fundamental, which can be accompanied by a pharmacological treatment based on antidepressant drugs.
The most commonly used antidepressants in this case are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (or SSRIs). The only SSRI available on the market to have obtained official approval for the treatment of bulimia nervosa is fluoxetine. Despite this, other types of SSRIs are also used as off-label drugs in the treatment of bulimia nervosa and related disorders.
Of course, the establishment of an adequate dietary regime is also fundamental, aimed at filling all the nutritional deficiencies that a bulimic subject may encounter.
If necessary, medical specialists can also prescribe the administration of medicines aimed at counteracting the symptoms of bulimia, such as, for example, alterations in the menstrual cycle.
Below are some of the antidepressant drugs most used in the therapy against bulimia nervosa and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the active ingredient and dosage most suitable for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment.
Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine (Prozac®), as mentioned, is the only selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant to have obtained official approval for the treatment of bulimia nervosa.
It is a drug available in pharmaceutical formulations suitable for oral administration, such as capsules, soluble tablets and oral drops.
When used in the treatment of bulimia nervosa, the usual dose of fluoxetine used in adult patients is 60 mg per day.
Fluoxetine, in addition to being useful for the treatment of depression that often occurs in bulimic patients, seems to be able to reduce food binges and behaviors implemented in order to cancel the ingested caloric intake; moreover, it seems to be effective also in prevent the risk of relapse.
Paroxetine
Paroxetine (Daparox®, Seroxat®) is another active ingredient belonging to the class of SSRIs that can be used as a support to psychotherapy in the treatment of bulimia nervosa. However, it is used as an off-label drug, as it has not received official approval for the treatment of this disorder.
Paroxetine is available for oral administration and can be used to treat depression, anxiety disorders and behavioral disorders related to bulimia nervosa. The dose of the drug used can range from 10 mg up to 60 mg per day and should be established by the physician on an individual basis for each patient.
Generally, therapy is started with low doses of paroxetine, which will then be gradually increased until the most appropriate dose for each individual patient is reached.
Sertraline
Sertraline (Sertraline - Generic Drug®) is also an SSRI that can be used as an off-label drug in the treatment of behavioral disorders, depression and anxiety disorders that are often associated with bulimia nervosa.
It is a drug available in the form of tablets, therefore, it is administered orally.
The administrable dose is 50-200 mg of active ingredient per day. Again, the doctor will start the treatment with a low dose and then gradually increase it until the expected results are obtained. However, the maximum daily dose of 200 mg of sertraline should never be exceeded.
Citalopram
Citalopram (Citalopram®) is an additional selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant that can be used as an off-label drug in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders accompanying bulimia nervosa.
Citalopram is administered orally in the form of tablets, or in the form of oral drops. The dose usually used for the treatment of depression is 20-40 mg of active ingredient per day, while for the treatment of anxiety disorders the dose usually used is 10-20 mg per day. case, the doctor will determine the exact dosage of the medicine on an individual basis for each patient.
