Fluoxetine, topiramate, and combination of both to stabilize eating behavior before bariatric surgery

Abstract

Introduction. Pharmacotherapy for the management of obesity is primarily aimed at weight loss, weight loss maintenance and risk reduction (reduction in body fat, risk factors for cardiovascular disease and the incidence of diabetes mellitus). Among drugs that have been evaluated for weight loss include antidepressants (fluoxetine) and antiepileptic (topiramate).

Material and Methods. We analyzed eating behavior and weight loss in a sample of morbid obesity patients before bariatric surgery. The patients suffering eating disturbances symptoms were grouped into three groups: one group received 40 mg of flouxetine/day (Group A); another group received topiramate 200 mg/day (Group B); and the third group of patients were treated with fluoxetine 40 mg and 200 mg of topiramate/day (Group C).

Results. Patients treated with fluoxetine plus topiramate lost more weight at 3 and 6 months before surgery.

Conclusions. The use of the psychopharmaceutical drug (fluoxetine and topiramate) in morbid obese patients with eating disorders could represent a new approach to the management of eating behavior before bariatric surgery.