Open trial of bupropion SR in adolescent major depression.
OBJECTIVE
There are few studies of sustained-release bupropion in adolescents with major depression.


METHODS
Twenty-one adolescents with DSM-IV major depression were recruited through advertisement and self-referral; 11 began study medication and were rated weekly with an expanded Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (SIGH-SAD), as well as Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I).


RESULTS
Of 11 subjects enrolled, 8 completed an 8-week trial of bupropion SR. Mean baseline SIGH-SAD scores of 31.3 decreased significantly by 74% to mean endpoint score of 8.2. Improvement on CGI-I that agreed closely between raters and patients was found in 8 of 11 subjects (72.3%). The mean daily dose of bupropion SR was 362 mg +/- 52 mg and was well tolerated; insomnia and weight loss were experienced by 55%; other adverse effects of dry mouth, headache, agitation, light-headedness, diarrhea, or rash were noted in a minority of subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
In this preliminary, small open study, depressed adolescents showed a marked response to bupropion SR.
Glod
Carol A
CA
Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA. DrGlod@aol.com
Lynch
Arlene
A
Flynn
Elizabeth
E
Berkowitz
Cynthia
C
Baldessarini
Ross J
RJ
D000293:Adolescent; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016642:Bupropion / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D016642:Bupropion