Topiramate: Efficacious for Binge Eating?

Biological Psychiatry published a study evaluating the safety and efficacy of topiramate in controlling binge-eating and weight for binge eating or obese patients. The multi-site, placebo-controlled trial included 195 topiramate and 199 placebo subjects, aged 18–65 years with ³3 binge eating episodes/week and body mass index (BMI) between 30–50 kg/m2. Topiramate reduced binge eating days/week and episodes/week, weight, and BMI. 58% of topiramate patients entered remission (placebo 29%). Adverse effects accounted for the majority of topiramate discontinuations (16% vs. 8% placebo), and included paresthesia, upper respiratory tract infection, somnolence and nausea. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17258690

-LS