Double-blind, randomized trial of bupropion SR for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bupropion sustained-release (SR) for the treatment of neuropathic pain.


METHODS
This single-center, outpatient, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study consisted of two phases. Forty-one nondepressed patients with neuropathic pain spent 6 weeks in each phase in random order and received identical tablets of 150 mg bupropion SR or placebo. Patients were instructed to take one tablet once daily for 1 week followed by one tablet twice daily for 5 weeks.


RESULTS
While the patients took bupropion SR, neuropathic pain relief was improved or much improved in 30 (73%) patients, and one of these patients became pain-free. The mean average pain score at baseline was 5.7, which remained unchanged at the end of week 6 with placebo, but decreased by 1.7 points to 4.0 (p < 0.001) during therapy with bupropion SR. Pain relief with bupropion SR was significant at week 2 (p < 0.05) and continued throughout weeks 3 through 6 (p < 0.001). A significant decrease in interference of pain on quality of life was observed while patients were receiving bupropion SR compared with placebo. Side effects experienced with bupropion SR were not dose-limiting and consisted primarily of dry mouth, insomnia, headache, gastrointestinal upset, tremor, constipation, and dizziness.


CONCLUSIONS
This placebo-controlled crossover trial showed that bupropion SR (150-300 mg daily) was effective and well tolerated for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Semenchuk
M R
MR
Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson 85743, USA. Marilyn.R.Semenchuk@gsk.com
Sherman
S
S
Davis
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016642:Bupropion / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors; D016642:Bupropion