Definition
Bulimia nervosa (or more simply bulimia) is a eating behavior disorder that leads individuals to take large amounts of food; such binge eating follows the onset of a series of feelings of guilt that push the subjects to adopt behaviors aimed at "nullifying" the quantity of calories ingested. Such behaviors usually consist of: self-induction of vomiting; improper use of laxatives; adoption of 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 a matter of debate. Certainly, at the base of this pathology there is an altered perception of one's own image and body weight. This perception alteration could be triggered by a series of factors that contribute to each other's disease development. 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 either psychological or physical. More specifically, individuals suffering from bulimia nervosa manifest: irrepressible desire for food, feelings of guilt after being bitten, distorted vision of their own body and image, anxious and depressive states, tendency to isolate, inflammation of the oropharyngeal cavity, alterations of the menstrual cycle, thinning of hair, damage to dental enamel, skin changes, gastrointestinal disorders, electrolyte imbalances and heart problems.
Diet
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 - Drugs for the treatment of Bulimia Nervosa.
drugs
In the treatment of bulimia nervosa, first of all, it is essential to undertake a correct and timely diagnosis of the disease, in such a way as to immediately understand its state and gravity. Later, you can intervene with different types of treatments that involve different specialists, such as doctors specialized in eating disorders, psychologists, psychiatrists and dieticians.
The treatment of bulimia nervosa aims to restore a healthy attitude towards food in patients. In this regard, it is essential to resort to psychotherapy, which can be combined with a pharmacological treatment based on antidepressant drugs.
The most widely used antidepressants in this case are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (or SSRIs). The only SSRI available on the market that has received official approval for the treatment of bulimia nervosa is fluoxetine . Nevertheless, other types of SSRIs are also used as off-label drugs in the treatment of bulimia nervosa and related disorders.
Of course, it is also essential to establish an adequate diet, aimed at filling all the nutritional deficiencies that a bulimic subject can face.
If necessary, medical specialists can also prescribe the administration of medicines aimed at countering the symptoms of bulimia, such as, for example, changes in the menstrual cycle.
Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine (Prozac®), as mentioned, is the only selective antidepressant serotonin reuptake inhibitor that has received 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 dose of fluoxetine usually used in adult patients is 60 mg a day.
Fluoxetine, besides being useful for the treatment of depression that often occurs in bulimic patients, seems to be able to reduce food binges and behaviors carried out in order to cancel the ingested caloric intake; moreover, it seems to be effective also in preventing the risk of relapse.
Paroxetine
Paroxetine (Daparox®, Seroxat®) is another active ingredient belonging to the SSRI class that can be used to support 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 drug used can vary from 10 mg to 60 mg a day and must be established by the doctor 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 adequate dose is reached for each individual patient.
Sertraline
Sertraline (Sertraline - Generic Medication®) 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 dose that can be administered is 50-200 mg of active ingredient per day. Also in this case, 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 a further antidepressant selective inhibitor of serotonin reuptake that can be used as an off-label drug in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders that accompany 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 a day, while for the treatment of anxiety disorders the dose normally used is 10-20 mg a day. However, even in this case, the doctor will determine the exact dosage of medicine on an individual basis for each patient.
