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FDA: Vyvanse approved to treat binge-eating disorder in adults

Vyvanse has been approved by the FDA to treat binge-eating disorder in adults, making it the first FDA-approved medication for the disorder, according to a press release.

In 2007, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse, Shire) was approved by the FDA for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder for patients aged 6 years and older.

“Binge eating can cause serious health problems and difficulties with work, home and social life,” Mitchell Mathis, MD, director of the Division of Psychiatry Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a press release. “The approval of Vyvanse provides physicians and patients with an effective option to help curb episodes of binge eating.”

Vyvanse was reviewed under the FDA’s priority review program, which allows an expedited review of drugs used to treat a serious disease or condition that could significantly improve the patient more than available therapy.

Two clinical studies including 724 adults with moderate-to-severe binge-eating disorder demonstrated that patients administered the medication exhibited a decrease in the number of binge eating days per week and fewer obsessive-compulsive binge eating behaviors compared with placebo.

The most common adverse events patients treated with lisdexamfetamine reported include: dry mouth, insomnia, increased heart rate, jittery feelings, constipation and anxiety.

The drug is not approved or recommended for weight loss, according to the press release. – by Samantha Costa