A pilot controlled trial of bupropion XL versus escitalopram in generalized anxiety disorder.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and safety of bupropion XL (150 to 300 mg/day) with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor escitalopram (10 to 20 mg/day) in outpatients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).


METHODS
Twenty-four participants with GAD between 18 and 64 years enrolled in a 12-week, double-blind, randomized trial. The primary efficacy measures were the Clinical Global Impression of Improvement (CGI-I) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS).


RESULTS
Bupropion XL demonstrated comparable anxiolytic efficacy to escitalopram in outpatients with GAD. Both treatments were well-tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings from this pilot project suggest that bupropion XL may be useful in treating GAD. These preliminary results warrant further research to explore the use of bupropion XL in the treatment of GAD.
Bystritsky
Alexander
A
Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. abystritsky@mednet.ucla.edu
Kerwin
Lauren
L
Feusner
Jamie D
JD
Vapnik
Tanya
T
D000328:Adult; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016642:Bupropion / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015283:Citalopram / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D016642:Bupropion; D015283:Citalopram