Fluvoxamine: an open pilot study in moderately obese female patients suffering from atypical eating disorders and episodes of bingeing

Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 1993 May;17(5):301-5.

Abstract

The results of a small pilot study using Fluvoxamine (Faverin) in the treatment of non-vomiting bingeing female patients and women with bulimia nervosa is presented. Ten non-vomiting subjects and six with bulimia nervosa were treated on an open basis with Fluvoxamine 100-200 mg daily. Assessment was made using established questionnaires for severity of eating disorder and abnormality of mood. Five non-vomiting patients and three with bulimia nervosa completed the study. Non-vomiters showed a significant weight loss; a significant reduction in number of binges; a significant reduction in the scores on the BITE and the EAT; and a significant reduction in anxiety. Those with bulimia nervosa had a significant reduction in hunger and a reduction in depression which tended towards significance. Firm conclusions cannot be drawn from this study as it is an open pilot study of a small number of women. However, the results indicate that Fluvoxamine may have a role in the treatment of eating disorders where bingeing is a prominent symptom and that further research would be valuable. Comments are also made on the usefulness of various questionnaires designed to assess eating disorders.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bulimia / complications
  • Bulimia / drug therapy
  • Depression / drug therapy
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / complications
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Fluvoxamine / adverse effects
  • Fluvoxamine / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / drug therapy*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vomiting
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • Fluvoxamine