Suprathreshold duloxetine for treatment-resistant depression, anorexia nervosa binge-purging type, and...

Duloxetine, a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) indicated for the treatment of depression, is used for off-label purposes such as treatment-resistant obsessive compulsive disorder, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Although establishing a dose-response relationship for antidepressants in the treatment of depression is difficult, it is possible that for certain patterns of comorbidity, suprathreshold doses may be important to achieve remission. There is currently a paucity of literature regarding the use of suprathreshold doses of duloxetine in treatment refractory cases. This case report describes a clinical situation in which suprathreshold duloxetine was used to treat a patient with severe depression as well as co-morbid anorexia nervosa binge-purging type and obsessive compulsive disorder. One year after the initial increase to 180mg, the patient's mood remains improved. Our clinical account appears to be only the second case report describing the efficacy of high dose 180mg duloxetine in the management of symptoms refractory to treatment at standard doses.