Anorexia, an eating disorder characterized by self-starvation and obsession with weight loss, is often treated through psychological counseling, behavioral therapy, medical treatment and/or medications. Though there are no antidepressants specifically designed to treat anorexia, certain medications may help alleviate depression and associated symptoms involved with the disease. For best results, seek guidance from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SRI's), such as fluoxetine (Prozac) may support treatment for people with anorexia and depression. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), research findings regarding the effectiveness of medications, such as Prozac, are mixed. However, some people taking Prozac have been able to reach healthy weight levels and improved emotional wellness over the course of several months. Individuals taking SRI medications may find that their depression improves, while other aspects of their eating disorder do not. Keep in mind that medications, such as Prozac, have been known to cause suicidal thoughts and other side effects, particularly amongst youth.
Cyproheptadine
Cyproheptadine, an antihistamine that may stimulate appetite, may help relieve depression associated with appetite loss and improve appetite for people with anorexia. According to research published in, "Cancer," a journal of the American Cancer Society in June 2006, cancer patients with anorexia who took cyproheptadine as part of their treatment lost slightly less weight than cancer patients who did not take the drug. In addition, the UMMC suggests that taking cyproheptadine may decrease the number of days required to regain healthy amounts of body weight. Keep in mind that loss of appetite is only one aspect of anorexia and generally develops in an advanced stage of the disease. If you have advanced-stage anorexia and feel that loss of appetite is exacerbating your illness or preventing recovery, talk to your doctor or psychiatrist about the possibility of adding cyproheptadine to your treatment regime.
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
People with anorexia often experience intense anxiety and subsequent depression in regard to food, their body weight and eating. Since adapting healthier dietary habits is key toward managing and recovering from anorexia, medications that help alleviate anxiety may prove useful in treating emotional aspects of the disorder. In an article originally published in "Eating Disorders Today" by Diane Mickley, M.D., founder and director of the Wilkins Center for Eating Disorders in Greenwich, CT, olanzapine (Zyprexa), a medication formally used to treat schizophrenia, may improve treatment for low-weight anorexia patients. Olanzapine works by reducing anxiety, obsessive thinking and depression caused by these symptoms. People with anorexia who take the olanzapine may feel less controlled by the obsessive thoughts that prevent them from eating normally and resisting healthy weight gain. McKinley suggests that short-term use of olanzapine may help people with anorexia move from underweight to normal weight by speeding the initial steps toward recovery. Olanzapine may also help prevent the need for hospitalization.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Anorexia Nervosa Overview
- Cancer: A controlled trial of cyproheptadine in cancer patients with anorexia and/or cachexia, 29 Jun, 2006
- Gurze Books: Medication for Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, Diane McKinley, M.D. (Re-printed from Eating Disorders Today)
