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.