Which medications are commonly used to treat bulimia nervosa?

• A. Fluoxetine (SSRI) and Imipramine (Tricyclic).
• B. Fluoxetine and Bupropion.
• C. Sertraline and Clozapine.
• D. Citalopram and Carbamazepine.

Answer: (A)

Bulimia nervosa is often treated with antidepressants to help reduce bingeing and purging alongside psychotherapy. Fluoxetine, an SSRI, is the medication with the strongest and most consistent evidence for reducing binge-purge behaviors in bulimia and is the one most commonly used for this condition. Imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, has been used in the past and may be considered when SSRIs aren’t suitable, but it carries more side effects and is less favored today, which is why you’ll see it mentioned as a historical or alternative option rather than a first-line choice.

Other medications in the options aren’t appropriate for bulimia. Bupropion is avoided because it raises the risk of seizures in people with bulimia. Clozapine is an antipsychotic used for certain psychiatric conditions, not eating disorders. Citalopram with carbamazepine isn’t a standard, evidence-supported combination for bulimia.