Pharmacologic treatment of binge eating disorder.

Objective: To review the findings from pharmacologic trials of binge eating disorder (BED) and to provide guidelines for pharmacologic treatment.
Methods: The literature was searched for studies of pharmacologic treatment of BED and related conditions, such as nonpurging bulimia nervosa.
Results: Placebo-controlled studies of desipramine, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, dexfenfluramine, sibutramine, and topiramate have demonstrated the efficacy of these agents in the treatment of BED. An open trial of venlafaxine has offered preliminary evidence for the efficacy of this medication. Guidelines for pharmacologic management of BED are provided.
Conclusions: The literature offers support for the use of agents from three categories of medication (antidepressants, appetite suppressants, and anticonvulsants) in the treatment of BED.
(Copyright 2003 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)