NEDA TOOLKIT for Parents
approved by the FDA to treat bulimia nervosa, and
very few have been approved for weight management
in overweight individuals. Nevertheless, medications
are commonly tried in combination with psychosocial
interventions for patients with the range of eating
disorders. Medication names: Generic (Brand)
Frequently prescribed for eating disorder patients
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem) **This is
currently the only FDA-approved medication
to treat an eating disorder, and is approved
for the treatment of bulimia
Atypical Anti-psychotic Medications
• Aripiprazole (Abilify)
• Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
• Quetiapine (Seroquel)
• Risperidone (Risperdal)
• Ziprasidone (Geodon)
Less frequently prescribed for eating disorder patients
Tricyclics
• Amitriptyline (Elavil)
• Clomipramine (Anafranil)
• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Desipramine (Norpramin, Pertofrane)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil)
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• Nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
Serotonin and Noradepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• Venlafaxine (Effexor)
• Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
Aminoketone
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban): Now
contraindicated for treatment of eating
disorders because of several reports of
drug-related seizures among individuals with
bulimia nervosa.
Benzodiazepines
• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
Modified Cyclic Antidepressants
• Trazodone (Desyrel)
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
• Brofaromine (Consonar)
• Isocarboxazide (Benazide)
• Moclobemide (Manerix)
• Phenelzine (Nardil)
• Tranylcipromine (Parnate)
Tetracyclic Antidepressants
• Mianserin (Bolvidon)
• Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Mood Stabilizers (also used for anti-binge properties,
especially those at higher weights)
• Lithium carbonate (Carbolith, Cibalith-S,
Duralith, Eskalith, Lithane, Lithizine, Lithobid,
Lithonate, Lithotabs): Used for patients
who also have bipolar disorder, but may be
contraindicated for patients with substantial
purging. Page | 34