Vyvanse is traditionally used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Now, that same drug could be utilized by patients challenged by binge-eating disorder (BED).
Binge eating can be diagnosed when people eat large quantities of food over a short period of time. This behavior is usually hidden away from family and friends, and can frequently go on for years before being diagnosed. The behavior usually happens about once a week, and lasts for three months. The condition is not usually associated with other behaviors, such as fasting, purging, or excessive exercise.
Cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotherapy are traditionally used to treat those suffering from binge-eating disorder.
"People with binge eating disorder are usually very upset by their binge eating and may experience stress, trouble sleeping, and depression. Binge eating disorder may lead to weight gain and to related health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes," the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases state on a Web page dedicated to the disorder.
Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, the active ingredient in Vyvanse, could become the first drug ever approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat BED.
Susan McElroy of the Lindner Center of HOPE Mental Health and Addiction Center led the clinical trial of 514 subjects to test lisdexamfetamine for the treatment of binge eating. The team found that days when the behavior occurred were lessened in groups receiving the drug, compared to a control group provided with a placebo. Subjects who were administered with low doses of the drug did not see their condition improve beyond that of the placebo group.
The Food and Drug Administration accepted a priority review of lisdexamfetamine in September 2014, and that evaluation is due for completion in February 2015.
"The decision from the FDA to accept our filing for priority review not only marks progress in the development of Vyvanse for adults with BED, but underscores this is an area of unmet medical need as there are currently no approved pharmacologic options for these patients," Phil Vickers, leader of research and development, at drug developer Shire, said.
Subjects who took part in clinical testing of the drug were primarily obese, female, and few were Latinos. These demographics in the makeup of the tests may have potentially influenced the results.
Lisdexamfetamine is classified as a schedule two drug by the federal government, so physicians would be unable to prescribe the medicine to patients facing problems with drug or alcohol.
Efficacy and Safety of Lisdexamfetamine for Treatment of Adults With Moderate to Severe Binge-Eating Disorder, an article detailing examination of the ADHD treatment for treatment of binge eating was published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.
