EFFICACY OF BUPROPION IN TRICYCLIC-RESISTANT OR INTOLERANT PATIENTS

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 44  (5) , 148-152
Abstract
Available evidence is reviewed concerning the antidepressant efficacy of bupropion in patients who had failed to respond to or been unable to tolerate tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) during prior episodes of depression. Inpatients classified as TCA nonresponders were randomly assigned to double-blind treatment with bupropion (n = 19) or placebo (n = 11). Patients receiving bupropion showed an excellent antidepressant response; those receiving placebo showed minimal improvement (P < 0.001). Inpatients who were classified as TCA responders responded well to double-blind treatment with bupropion, but also had a substantial, although significantly smaller (P < 0.05), response to placebo. Outpatients (n = 33) with a history of nonresponse or nonresponse plus intolerance to TCA showed marked improvement during open treatment with bupropion. Apparently, bupropion offers a promising alternative therapy for patients with a history of poor response to TCA.