24/07/2023
Medication for the treatment of bulimia during pregnancy
Bulimia, an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of uncontrolled binge-eating followed by behaviors like vomiting, laxative misuse, or excessive exercise, can be treated with psychotherapy and, in some cases, medication, even during pregnancy. The condition is often linked to distorted body image and intense emotional distress. When using medication to treat bulimia in pregnant women, careful consideration is crucial, as abrupt discontinuation of medication may lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Causes of Bulimia
The development of bulimia is typically the result of a combination of various factors that interact in complex ways. There is no single cause that applies to all affected individuals. Instead, genetic predisposition, biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors play a role.
Medications for treating bulimia during pregnancy
Bulimia can continue to be treated using medication during pregnancy. Bulimia can be treated using a range of different medications or active ingredients. You may have questions about how safe these medications are during pregnancy:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors e.g. moclobemid (Aurorix)
- Noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NaSSA) e.g. mirtazapin (Remergil SolTab)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) e.g. citalopram (Cipramil, Citalon), escitalopram (Cipralex, Escitalopram), paroxetin (Seroxat), sertralin (Zoloft)
- Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRI) e.g. duloxetin (Cymbalta, Yentreve, Duloxalta), venlafaxin (Trevilor), milnacipran (Milnaneurax)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA ) e.g. amitriptylin (Saroten, Syneudon), clomipramin (Anafranil), doxepin (Aponal, Mareen)
- Mood stabilizers e.g. lithium (Lithiofor, Quilonum), valproic acid (Ergenyl, Orfiril), lamotrigine (Lamictal, Lamotrigin Desitin)
- Atypical antipsychotics e.g. aripiprazol (Abilify), risperidon (Risperdal), sertindol (Serdolect), quetiapin (Seroquel), amisulprid (Solian), asenapin (Sycrest), ziprasidon (Zeldox), olanzapin (Zyprexa)
Risks of medication for treating bulimia during pregnancy
When taking medication for bulimia during pregnancy, various side effects may occur, such as dry mouth, headaches, circulatory issues, and inner restlessness. The proper selection of medication for treating bulimia during pregnancy is particularly important, as medications for treating bulimia may be harmful for the unborn child. While some medicines may have to be stopped, others can continue to be taken safely during pregnancy.
Find out whether your medication for treating your bulimia is safe during pregnancy
- Gain comprehensive information on the risks and safety of your medication for treating bulimia during pregnancy.
- Make decisions on the basis of trustworthy information on medication for treating bulimia.
- Receive a written report summarising your personal medicine consultation and share it with your doctor.
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