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.
Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland at Baltimore, P.O. Box 21247, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA. eweiner@mprc.umaryland.edu
E
E
Weiner
M P
MP
Ball
A
A
Summerfelt
J
J
Gold
R W
RW
Buchanan
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