Which antidepressant is avoided in eating disorders due to increased seizure risk?

Which antidepressant is avoided in eating disorders due to increased seizure risk?

• A. Fluoxetine
• B. Sertraline
• C. Citalopram
• D. Bupropion

Answer: (D)

Bupropion should be avoided in eating disorders because it lowers the seizure threshold, and electrolyte disturbances common in these conditions (such as from purging or malnutrition) further increase the risk of seizures. Its mechanism as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor doesn’t protect against this risk, and the combination with the metabolic disturbances seen in anorexia or bulimia makes seizures more likely. Other antidepressants like fluoxetine, sertraline, and citalopram do not carry this same seizure risk profile and are generally safer choices in patients with eating disorders.

Bupropion should be avoided in eating disorders because it lowers the seizure threshold, and electrolyte disturbances common in these conditions (such as from purging or malnutrition) further increase the risk of seizures. Its mechanism as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor doesn’t protect against this risk, and the combination with the metabolic disturbances seen in anorexia or bulimia makes seizures more likely. Other antidepressants like fluoxetine, sertraline, and citalopram do not carry this same seizure risk profile and are generally safer choices in patients with eating disorders.