Psychological and physiological effects of bupropion compared to methylphenidate after prolonged administration in healthy volunteers (NCT00285155).
OBJECTIVE
Bupropion is largely used as an antidepressant and smoking cessation therapy. The aim of this work was to compare pharmacodynamic properties of bupropion and the amphetamine-like methylphenidate after sustained administration in humans.


METHODS
Twelve male volunteers completed this randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over study. Bupropion and methylphenidate were administered separately for initial half-dose 6-day periods (150 and 10 mg respectively) followed by full-dose 8-day periods (300 and 20 mg respectively). Outcomes were subjective feelings, cognitive performances, autonomic and physiological parameters.


RESULTS
Data are expressed as mean(SEM). After repeated administration, bupropion, like methylphenidate, decreased asthenia-fatigue [44(3.2) and 42(3.7), respectively vs. 53(4.1) for placebo; p = 0.034], despite an impairment of sleep onset [-4.3(3.32) and -1.9(3.76), respectively vs. +7.5(3.69); p = 0.016]. Both drugs increased resting diastolic blood pressure [67.9(1.23) and 65.7(0.98), respectively vs. 62.5(1.42) mm Hg; p = 0.001], body temperature [36.5(0.12) and 36.5(0.14) vs. 36.3(0.10) °C; p = 0.037] and decreased body weight [-0.7(0.23) and -0.6(0.22), respectively vs. +0.2(0.27) kg; p = 0.038]. No significant change could be observed on cognitive functions, appetite and energy consumption.


CONCLUSIONS
Although it may not share all the properties of stimulant drugs, the effect profile of bupropion presents a number of similarities with that of methylphenidate over a 2-week treatment period.
CHRU Montpellier, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, Montpellier, France. h-chevassus@chu-montpellier.fr
Hugues
H
Chevassus
Anne
A
Farret
Jean-Pierre
JP
Gagnol
Claire-Anne
CA
Ponçon
Françoise
F
Costa
Clarisse
C
Roux
Florence
F
Galtier
Pierre
P
Petit
D000328:Adult; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects; D016642:Bupropion / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D016642:Bupropion; D008774:Methylphenidate