LONG-TERM EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF BUPROPION

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 44  (5) , 153-156
Abstract
Bupropion is a novel, structurally unique (single ring) compound, radically different from tricyclic antidepressants in its pharmacologic profile. In a random assignment, double-blind, long-term follow-up study of 60 depressed in- and outpatients (DSM-III [Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-III] criteria) in 8 centers, the antidepressant actions of bupropion and amitriptyline were compared. Bupropion was as effective as amitriptyline in reducing depressive symptoms over a 6-mo. period, as measured by Hamilton depression and anxiety scales and Clinical Global Impression scores. Unlike amitriptyline, bupropion did not increase uric acid or cholesterol levels, and was not associated with weight gain. Bupropion was better tolerated than amitriptyline, the most commonly prescribed antidepressant.