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 d isorders, DATA SYNTHESIS: Treatment of bulimia nervosa includes cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants. Fluoxetine is approved by the Food and Drug Ad ministration for binge eating and vomiting behaviors in moderate to severe bulimia nervosa. An evaluation of ondansetron for bulimia nervosa was condu cted. CONCLUSIONS: Ondansetron for bulimia nervosa was reported to be effective i n three small trials by one group of investigators, and may be an option af ter failure of traditional therapies. Further studies will define the role of serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonists in the management of bulimia, ner vosa.