A controlled trial of d-fenfluramine in bulimia nervosa

Abstract

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of d-fenfluramine in bulimia nervosa was undertaken in order to assess its efficacy in controlling bulimic behavior and relieving more general symptoms. A high proportion of the patients evaluated were reluctant to enter the drug trial in spite of the offer of additional supportive psychotherapy and counselling on dietary control. Moreover, 17 out of the 42 enrolled patients withdrew halfway through the 12 week trial. Were it not for this high rate of defaulting, there might be clearer support for the efficacy of d-fenfluramine in reducing the frequency of overeating and self-induced vomiting in these bulimic patients. An unexpected finding was that among the noncompleters, those on d-fenfluramine had experienced relief of their bulimic symptoms. The persistence of depressive symptoms and features of the eating disorder probably contributed to the noncompleters leaving the trial. Reassuring findings were the absence of weight loss and serious unwanted effects from d-fenfluramine. By itself, d-fenfluramine did not benefit some of the patients with severe bulimia nervosa, but it may yet prove a useful adjunct to psychological treatments.