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Medication Management during the Holiday Season
Contributor: Courtney Howard, BA, writer for Eating Disorder Hope
Prescription medications are often recommended in tandem with psychotherapy for the treatment of eating disorders. During the holidays, refills might lapse or individuals might feel like they can skip a day or two of medication. This is dangerous, as mental health professionals encourage consistent medication management throughout the holiday season.
Prescription Drugs for Eating Disorder Treatment
While there is no medication effective in treating anorexia nervosa without concurrent psychotherapy, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and other prescription drugs can manage symptoms of co-occurring disorders. Emily T. Troscianko, Ph.D., of the University of Oxford, explains, “If clinical depression is diagnosed, there may be significant benefits to be gained from treating it with antidepressants, because this can make the eating disorder easier to overcome.”
According to a 2005 publication[1] authored by researchers from The MetroHealth System, multiple studies have proven fluoxetine, or Prozac, is effective in reducing binge eating and vomiting in patients with bulimia nervosa.
In January 2015, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, or Vyvanse, became the first medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with binge eating disorder (BED). A statement released by the FDA confirmed that a review of two clinical studies on the drug found that individuals experienced fewer binge days per week when taking Vyvanse, in addition to fewer obsessive-compulsive binge-related food behaviors.
Anti-seizure drugs, mood stabilizers, and other medications can also help with symptom management for different eating disorders.
Importance of Medication Management
Since medication can play a vital role in eating disorder recovery for many, it is essential that medication management not be disregarded, especially during the holiday season. The holidays present many potential triggers that can be challenging for individuals with eating disorders, including changes to daily routine, interactions with potentially triggering loved ones, and food-related activities that might force them to stray from meal plans.
Individuals currently seeing a psychiatrist for prescription medication related to eating disorder recovery and/or co-occurring disorders are encouraged to continue with regular appointments throughout the holiday season.
This remains flexible, as appointments might shift per the doctor’s holiday schedule. However, most psychiatrists are aware that patients need to have consistency with medication and check-ins throughout the year, including during the holidays.
Those taking prescription drugs are encouraged to have a full supply of medication to last through the holidays to ensure it does not run out. If insurance will not cover a refill until closer to the holidays, it is important that the individual or a loved one refills the prescription at that time, before it is completely empty.
Handling “as needed” Meds During Triggering Times
Many times, benzodiazepines are prescribed to those with eating disorders to be taken on an “as needed” basis. These anti-anxiety medications include Valium, Klonopin, and Ativan, among others.
Due to the previously mentioned triggers, some individuals might find that these pills are “needed” more often during the holiday season. Benzodiazepines are highly habit-forming, making them dangerous to take in excess. It can be helpful to have a support person, either a family member or friend, hold onto medication if there is a fear that the drugs will be abused.
Having to ask someone for the pill each time it is needed will hold the individual accountable and make sure a loved one is aware in case substance abuse is occurring.
Benzodiazepines, as with many prescription pills, are not recommended to be taken with alcohol, which often flows freely at holiday parties. Those taking “as needed” medications need to consider this before consuming alcohol in situations that might trigger anxiety and the subsequent need for benzodiazepines.
Asking for Help
If a higher dosage of medication is needed, or if an individual is experiencing side effects of a drug, he or she can consult with a psychiatrist to work on changing the prescription. Though many doctors have different schedules than normal during the holidays, they are often available to speak on the phone or call prescriptions in to pharmacies even on days off.
Those in recovery from eating disorders are encouraged to speak to their treatment team and support people to ensure that any concerns regarding medication are addressed immediately.
Though the holidays can be difficult for those with eating disorders and their loved ones, there are measures that can be taken to mitigate medication-related issues. Continuing with any current medications plans, not abusing prescription drugs, and seeking help when medication is not working can help individuals in recovery enjoy a peaceful holiday season.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
What has been your experience with medication management during the holidays? What tips do you have to share?
References
[1]: Gorla, K., & Mathews, M. (2005). Pharmacological Treatment of Eating Disorders. Psychiatry (Edgmont), 2(6), 43–48.
About the Author: Courtney Howard is a Certified Life Coach specializing in eating disorders through Lionheart Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching. As a content writer at The Sovereign Health Group while writing freelance through Eating Disorder Hope, Courtney is a passionate advocate for recovery and works to fight the stigma surrounding all mental health disorders. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from San Diego State University, holds a paralegal certificate in Family Law, and is a Certified Domestic Violence Advocate.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on December 20, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
