Epilepsy Drug Useful for Binge-Eating Disorder

The results of a small study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry suggest that the epilepsy drug topiramate may provide long-term benefits for people with binge-eating disorder and obesity.

Dr. Susan L. McElroy, of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio, and colleagues studied 61 such subjects, who were randomly selected to take topiramate or an inactive “placebo.” A total of 44 patients received at least one dose of topiramate, according to the report, and results were available for 43 who reached the final dose of 250 milligrams daily. All 43 participants not only experienced a significant decline in the number of weekly binge episodes, but also saw a significant reduction in body weight. Further studies of “topiramate in the long-term treatment of binge-eating disorder appear warranted,” the research team concludes. (Source: Journal of Clinical Psychiatry: Reuters Health: December 2004.)