Escitalopram Treatment of Night Eating Syndrome

Escitalopram Treatment of Night Eating Syndrome: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Night-Eating Syndrome (NES) is an eating disorder characterised by excessive eating at night, sleep disturbance and morning anorexia. This 12-week study examines the effect of escitalopram on symptoms of NES.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-70 years
• Presence of NES
• BMI 25-50

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of schizophrenia or other psychoses
• History of bipolar disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating disorder
• Current major depressive disorder
• Suicidal ideation
• Psychotropic drugs in the past month
• Drugs or herbal remedies that significantly affect body weight, current participation in a weight loss program, currently following a specialized diet (e.g., Atkins, Zone, etc)
• Lack of benefit with SSRI treatment for NES
• Serious or unstable medical illness
• Allergy or hypersensitivity to escitalopram
• Pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning pregnancy in the next six months.