Vagus Stimulation for Bulimia
Ondansetron
The rationale for the possible role of the vagus nerve in the perpetuation of bulimia has led researchers to use ondansetron as a possible treatment. Ondansetron is a selective antagonist of a specific serotonin receptor (5HT3). 5-HT3 antagonists work by blocking the activation of particular receptors on the afferent vagal fibers (gastric mucosa). The blocking of these receptors (5-HT3) leads to the inhibition of the vagus nerve, which in turn has an antiemetic effect (Faris et al., 2000).
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Research
Faris et al. (2000) wanted to find out if ondansetron would have any effect in retraining the vagus nerve in patients with bulimia nervosa. The researchers looked at three variables to see if ondansetron was successful in retraining the vagus nerve to work properly by allowing the patient to regain normal satiety. The primary variable that was measured was the number of binge/vomit episodes per week and the secondary variables were related to meal ending and satiety (primarily the number of meals and snacks per week and amount of time engaging in these activities).Next Subsection:
Other Subsections:
Stimulation of the Vagus Nerve in the Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa
Rationale Behind Research Involving the Vagus Nerve in the Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa
Ondansetron (top of this page)