There are many different medications which have been used in addition to therapy to help treat those suffering from eating disorders, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), olanzapine (Zyprexa), and quetiapine (Seroquel). One form of medication commonly used in alcohol/drug addiction treatment, known as naltrexone (ReVia), has also shown promise in eating disorder treatment.
What is Naltrexone (ReVia)?
Commonly known by its brand name 'ReVia,' naltrexone is an opiate antagonist. Costin (2007) identifies that this medication is used by addicts to eliminate the euphoric effects (highs) associated with opioids and thus reduce cravings. Although naltrexone has not been approved by the FDA for eating disorder sufferers it is most likely to help those who also have addiction issues or problems with self-harming. Through reducing or eliminating the 'highs' connected to the addict's poison of choice, the reward associated with the addiction are removed, making it easier for the addict to stay clean.
Naltrexone Treatment for Anorexia
In Break Free From Addiction, Dr. Lefever (2008) highlights how naltrexone has been used at the PROMIS Recovery Centre, UK for the first four weeks of anorexia treatment, as part of a detoxification process. According to Dr. Lefever, Founding Director of PROMIS, naltrexone affects the mood altering aspect of starvation. This makes it easier for anorexia patients to begin nourishing both body and mind until therapy can be more effective. Research undertaken by Marazzi et al. in the late 1990s found that anorexia sufferers who were diagnosed with the bulimic subtype reported a decrease in binge/purge behaviours.
Treating Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder with Naltrexone
Marazzi et al. also identified bulimia patients to have success when treated with naltrexone. More recently, the opioid mechanism in eating disorders has been reviewed at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. The recognition of shared traits between eating disorders and substance dependence models has led Knoch et al. (2009) to re-examine the potential of naltrexone in eating disorder treatment. Due to the ability of naltrexone to reduce binge eating and purging behaviours, bulimia and binge eating disorder sufferers may find this form of medication particularly useful.
In Treatment of Eating Disorders, Maine et al. (2010) identify naltrexone as being a popular choice amongst those who view eating disorders in an auto-addiction model. However, despite the medication allowing sufferers to control addictive, disordered eating behaviours with very few side effects, the American Psychiatric Association has questioned the efficacy of using naltrexone to treat symptoms associated with bulimia.
As highlighted above, there is clearly limited research into the effectiveness of using naltrexone to treat eating disorders. It is also important to remember that eating disorders are very complicated health conditions, typically benefiting from a combination approach.
Sources:
Costin, C. (2007) The Eating Disorder Sourcebook New York: McGraw Hill
Kmoch et al. (2009) Two Patients with Eating Disorders Treated by Naltrexone Neuro Endocrinol 2009
Lefever, R. (2008) Break Free From Addiction London: Carlton
Maine et al. (2010) Treatment of Eating Disorders London: Elsevier Press
Marazzi et al. (1995) Naltrexone Use in the Treatment of Anorexia & Bulimia Intl Clin. Psych 10:163
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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