Medication for Binge Eating Found in ADHD Drug

Researchers have found that the only drug approved for treating Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) can be effective against binge eating disorder (BED).

Until recently, binge eating was not considered a disorder. It is described as a compulsive urge to eat, accompanied by loss of control and an associated psychological stress. Weight control is one of the main concerns in people suffering from BED. According to US News and World Report, epilepsy drugs are now being prescribed to treat binge eating but are not preferred as they show side-effects.

The study conducted by researchers at Linder Center of Hope found Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, commonly sold as Vyvanse, which is currently used to treat ADHD, can also be used to treat BED at higher daily doses.

CBS News reported that the study's participants comprised of adults aged between 18 and 55 years. They were divided into four groups. While one of the groups was given a dose of 30 mg of the drug another was given a placebo. Two other groups began with 30 mg dose which was increased to 50 mg and 70 mg within three weeks.

"In the primary analysis of this study of adults with moderate to severe BED, treatment with 50 and 70 mg/d, but not 30 mg/d, demonstrated a significant decrease (compared with placebo) in weekly BE days per week at week 11. Similarly, BE episodes decreased in the 50- and 70-mg/d treatment groups. The one-week BE episode response status was improved in the 50- and 70-mg/d treatment groups, and a greater proportion of participants achieved four-week cessation of BE episodes and global improvement of symptom severity with all lisdexamfetamine dosages," researchers wrote.