Effects of sustained-release bupropion and supportive group therapy on cigarette consumption in patients with schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
The study examined the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of supportive group psychotherapy and adjunctive sustained-release bupropion for nicotine addiction in patients with schizophrenia.


METHODS
Eight patients participated in a 14-week open-label trial. End expired breath carbon monoxide level, symptom levels, neuropsychological performance, and suppression of the P50 event-related potential were measured before and after the 14-week trial.


RESULTS
Patients showed a decrease in carbon monoxide levels that was not associated with any worsening in symptom, neuropsychological, or P50 suppression measures.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of sustained-release bupropion in combination with supportive group therapy may help patients with schizophrenia decrease their cigarette consumption.
Weiner
E
E
Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland at Baltimore, P.O. Box 21247, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA. eweiner@mprc.umaryland.edu
Ball
M P
MP
Summerfelt
A
A
Gold
J
J
Buchanan
R W
RW
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016642:Bupropion / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology; D000074606:Smoking Prevention
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D016642:Bupropion