ADHD drug first to treat binge eating

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently completed a priority review for Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), a medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and approved it as a therapy to treat binge-eating disorder in adults. It is the first medication to treat the condition.

According to FDA, once-daily Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance because it has high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to dependence. Central nervous system stimulants, like Vyvanse, may also cause psychotic or manic symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusional thinking or mania, even in individuals without a prior history of psychotic illness.

In binge-eating disorder, patients have recurrent episodes of compulsive overeating during which they consume larger amounts of food than normal and experience the sense that they lack control. Patients with this condition eat when they are not hungry and may feel ashamed and embarrassed by how much they are eating. Binge-eating disorder may lead to weight gain and to health problems related to obesity, according to FDA.

The disorder affects an estimated 2.8 million U.S. adults, according to Shire Pharmaceuticals, makers of the drug.

Full prescribing information can be found here.