The eating disorders medicine cabinet revisited: A clinician's guide to appetite suppressants and diuretics

✍ Scribed by Roerig, James L. ;Mitchell, James E. ;de Zwaan, Martina ;Wonderlich, Stephen A. ;Kamran, Shehzad ;Engbloom, Sara ;Burgard, Melissa ;Lancaster, Kathryn

• Publisher: Wiley (John Wiley & Sons)
• Year: 2003
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 120 KB
• Volume: 33
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0276-3478
• DOI: 10.1002/eat.10159

✦ Synopsis

Objective:

This article explores the frequencies of use of alternative medications, available products, and their potential toxicities.

Method:

Survey data were gathered from 39 consecutive patients diagnosed with bulimia nervosa who were seeking treatment. a survey of area outlets (health food stores, pharmacies, grocery stores) was conducted to establish a database of available agents. putative active ingredients were identified. medline literature searches, as well as reviews of specialized texts, were performed to identify the potential toxicities of the ingredients.

Results:

Diet pill use was found in 64% of patients; 18 % reported use in the past month. the survey identified 167 products. diuretic use was found in 31% of patients; 21% reported use in the past month. twenty-five diuretic products were identified.

Discussion:

Alternative medicines are frequently used in the population of patients seeking treatment for bulimia nervosa. an abundance of products are available with potentially significant toxicities.