Baclofen reduces binge eating in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study

Abstract

Baclofen has shown promise in treating substance use disorders and also reduced binge frequency in an open-label trial. This placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study further assessed the effects of baclofen on binge eating. Twelve individuals who self-reported binge eating completed the study. Data were collected during a run-in period (no drug or placebo), placebo phase (48 days), and baclofen phase (titrated up to 60 mg daily or the maximum tolerated dose, 48 days). All the participants were exposed to all conditions. Participants completed a binge diary daily, and the Binge Eating Scale (BES), Food Craving Inventory-II (FCI-II), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at regular intervals throughout the study. Baclofen significantly reduced binge frequency relative to placebo and run-in (P<0.05). This confirms results from the previous open-label trial. Baclofen also produced slight, but significant, increases in depression symptomatology as assessed by the HADS. Binge severity (BES scores) and craving (FCI-II scores) were significantly reduced during placebo and baclofen phases, that is both measures exhibited significant placebo effects. Tiredness, fatigue, and upset stomach were the most commonly reported side-effects. These results indicate that baclofen may be a useful treatment for binge eating in some patients.

The next generation of obesity treatments: beyond suppressing appetite

“…In light of the similarities between binge intake of highly palatable foods and drug addiction, our laboratory and others have been interested in studying the effects of medications that have been used to treat substance use disorders on overeating. For example, the GABA-B agonist, baclofen, which has been found to be effective in treating several aspects of alcohol dependence in many (Addolorato et al, 2000, 2007, 2011) but not all studies (Garbutt et al, 2010), has also been shown to aid in the reduction of binge eating behavior in both preclinical and clinical studies (Buda-Levin et al, 2005; Broft et al, 2007; Berner et al, 2009; Corwin et al, 2012). Additionally, baclofen has shown some success in inhibiting weight gain in animals and promoting weight loss in clinical samples (Sato et al, 2007; Arima and Oiso, 2010; Patel and Ebenezer, 2010).…”

Alterations of EEG functional connectivity in resting state obese and overweight patients with binge eating disorder: A preliminary report

“…Psychotropic drugs such as topiramate, which modulate GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, have been shown to be effective in the treatment BED symptomatology, including impulsivity and lack of control with regards to over eating [49]. Moreover, baclofen, which has specific effect on GABAergic transmission, is effective in reducing binge frequency relative to placebo in individuals exhibiting binge eating symptoms [50].…”

Factors affecting the ability of baclofen to reduce fat intake in rats

“…Therefore, one goal of experiment 1 was to determine whether or not lard would function as an optional fat source in this binge protocol by including both daily and intermittent groups. In addition, baclofen has previously been reported to reduce binge-type consumption of shortening in this model (Buda-Levin et al, 2005;Berner et al, 2009;Corwin and Wojnicki, 2009) and to reduce binge frequency in human clinical trials (Broft et al, 2007;Corwin et al, 2012). As lard, like shortening, is used in the preparation and production of food consumed by humans, another goal of experiment 1 was to assess the ability of baclofen to reduce consumption of lard under 'binge-type' and non-'binge-type' conditions.…”

“…Baclofen is a GABA-B agonist that has been shown to reduce binge frequency in human clinical trials (Broft et al, 2007;Corwin et al, 2012) as well as binge size in animal studies. Although initial clinical and preclinical trials showed promising results, they reported variability in the effectiveness of baclofen.…”