Bulimia and medication?

Question

I have suffered from Bulimia for over 12 years. I have tried therapy, medication, yoga, meditation. I'm wondering if anyone has had luck with a specific medication? I have tried Cymbalta and Lxapro and no luck with either. thanks

Answer 1

I don't think there is a particular medication which targets bulimia. I was bulimic for many years. Once I got myself into treatment, I spent many more years on numerous antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds. Some were better than others, but they were more specifically to treat major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder. By treating those, the bulimia was also helped. I spent years in therapy, one-on-one, family, and group. Again, the bulimia was helped. Like you, I have at various times devoted time to yoga and meditation. Also journaling has been a wonderful tool. Through seeking these treatments out and giving sincere efforts to use all of these tools, I can now say I haven't had a bulimic episode in more than 10 years. Nor do I have the body image distortion or self esteem issues I once suffered. But through my own personal trip through "recovery" my answer would be that healing is a unique process for every one of us, as individual as we are. My experience helped me to see that it will always take a combination of these tools. The combination has changed and softened through the years, but EVERY step was worth it.
Currently I take an antidepressant (Effexor) and an anti-anxiety (Wellbutrin) meds. Over the years I've also had some success with Norpramin, Prozac, Zoloft (and a couple more I don't even remember). I've only been switched after long periods when, it seemed the meds lost some effectiveness. My depressive disorder is biological rather than psychological and I seem to lose my serotonin level after a year or so passes. So far my current combination has worked for about 3 years... a record!
I faithfully practice meditation, prayer, yoga, and some easygoing exercise (walking fits my personal lifestyle). I no longer go to therapy (insurance won't cover anymore), but I believe in support groups to keep motivation strong and to "pass on" the gift.
Today I desire being well and love being well. Had I continued the bulimia I wouldn't have the health I now enjoy. I lost almost 50% kidney function.
God bless, and I sincerely hope you will find a path for yourself. You are SO worth it (no matter what you may think just now)!!!
Peace,
ChinaCat

Answer 2

Hi there. They've done a lot of studies which show that Prozac often helps to reduce the frequency of bingeing and purging. Don't know if you've already tried it, but it's helped many people that I've worked with.

You said you've tried therapy, but was it with an eating disorders specialist? Was it a therapist that you liked, trusted and felt comfortable with? Perhaps it's worth a try to find a ED specialist and give it another shot?

Also, group therapy or a support group can be really helpful.

Here are some links just in case you decide you want to give it a try. Good luck! You deserve help and support!

http://www.something-fishy.org/treatmentfinder/
http://www.edreferral.com/

Answer 3

Try massage therapy, in conjuncion with wellness therapy and talk therapy. I am a Licensed Massage Therapist, and personal trainer with a degree in psychology. After a few sessions with me, you would look, feel, and think like new.

I'm sorry Lexapro didn't work. I promise that as you rely on medication alone to fix you, nothing will happen. You need to take a multi-disciplinary approach. I faced my problems with physical therapy, speech and occupational therapy, massage therapy, personal training, biofeedback, medication, and just the school of hard knocks (real life). Now I have improved so much I plan to help others do the same, become new again by different methods of therapy. I'm seeing people make great changes.

Answer 4

I had suffered with bouts of bulimia for over 10 years. My bouts would last continuously for 1-3 years, then somehow I would just stop. However the last bout almost killed me. I would miss days of work benging and purging until I passed out from exhaustion. For the time ever I went to counseling, realizing it wasn't going to "fix" itself. Though I did learn some things which were helpful, my therapist had about as much empathy as Atilla the Hunn, so I quit. I decided to see my regular dr. hoping for a good referal. He gave me a prescription for 150mg capsules of Effexor for compulsive addictive behaviors. Within one week my life was forever changed and I have not had a bout with bulimia since, that was 5 years ago. I can't express to you how beautiful life will be once this burden is finally lifted from you. I wouldn't wish this disease on ANYBODY! I'll pray for your success with this battle which nobody deserves. Please keep ne posted on your progress...I really do care...you matter!

Answer 5

Both Cymbalta and Lexapro are anti-depressants. Is this what is used for bulimia treatment? If anti-depressants are used, there are many, many types out there. Keep trying until you find one that helps.

Good luck to you and I hope you get some relief soon. It must be so hard on you.

Answer 6

Have you tried acupuncture? My PA certified therapist works with many people with addictions and medical problems.

I was at the end of my rope and tried acupuncture! It worked for me.

I was in a bad car accident, and it certainly gave me mobility, and the ability to walk again without pain meds.
Sometimes just 1 Tylenol helps.


She may ask the question..........works with........it's not what you eat,,,,,,,,,,,,but what's eating you.

So what's eating you? That's quite a question, maybe a good friend can help decipher...if you can trust them....only
My wish is that you can change the suffering by helping others.
I wish for you to have a life without pain & suffering.

Let's laugh about what is now in the past.....and try to start over.
My best wishes..............Me

Answer 7

I would try something with seratonin in it..and pray a lot...it is your temple,and you should take care of what God has blessed you with...I forget that myself...and it is easy to do..but it puts you on the right track...

Answer 8

See the link below for some clinical recommendations...

Answer 9

I tried prozac and it worked well, so did zoloft.

Answer 10

The only medicine that will help you is a therapist.