ADHD Drug Might Help Binge Eaters

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Individuals suffering from binge eating disorder might benefit from taking lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse), according to new research from Shire, the drug’s manufacturer.

Two identical phase III trials showed that Vyvanse helped reduce the number of weekly binge episodes that a patient normally experiences. A total of 773 patients who met the DSM-IV criteria for binge eating disorder were a part of the study.

“In both studies Vyvanse was found to be statistically superior to placebo on the primary efficacy analysis (P < 0.001) of the change from baseline at weeks 11 to 12 in terms of number of binge days per week,” Shire said in a statement.

Other results

Lisdexamfetamine is currently used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It appeared to not only help binge eaters reduce binge episodes, but also bring about changes from baseline body weight and change from baseline scores on a binge eating form of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale.

“Vyvanse was statistically superior to placebo on the key secondary efficacy endpoints analyzed to date for both studies,” said Shire.

Four patients in the study experienced serious adverse effects that were unspecified, Shire noted.

Side effects

Similar to what has been seen in ADHD patients taking the drug, side effects like dry mouth, increased blood pressure, headaches, insomnia and gastrointestinal complaints were observed in some patients.

Shire said it will be working to submit an application to the FDA for permission to recommend Vyvanse as a treatment for binge eating disorder. Full data on the study will be presented at a scientific meeting next year, the company noted.

Source: MedPage