The eating disorders medicine cabinet revisited: a clinician's guide to appetite suppressants and diuretics.
OBJECTIVE
This article explores the frequencies of use of alternative medications, available products, and their potential toxicities.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Roerig
James L
JL
Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Fargo, North Dakota, USA. jroerig@nrifargo.com
Mitchell
James E
JE
de Zwaan
Martina
M
Wonderlich
Stephen A
SA
Kamran
Shehzad
S
Engbloom
Sara
S
Burgard
Melissa
M
Lancaster
Kathryn
K
D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D001067:Appetite Depressants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002032:Bulimia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004232:Diuretics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004363:Drug Utilization; D006801:Humans
D001067:Appetite Depressants; D004232:Diuretics