Treatment of bulimia nervosa with ondansetron.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate ondansetron as a treatment for bulimia nervosa.

DATA SOURCE: Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966-November 2000). Key terms included ondansetron, bulimia nervosa, binge eating, and eating disorders.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Treatment of bulimia nervosa includes cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants. Fluoxetine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for binge eating and vomiting behaviors in moderate to severe bulimia nervosa. An evaluation of ondansetron for bulimia nervosa was conducted.

CONCLUSIONS

Ondansetron for bulimia nervosa was reported to be effective in three small trials by one group of investigators, and may be an option after failure of traditional therapies. Further studies will define the role of serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonists in the management of bulimia nervosa.