title: The effect of bupropion XL and escitalopram on memory and functional outcomes in adults with major depressive disorder: results from a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: Decrements in cognitive function are a common feature of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and whether distinct classes of antidepressants differentially affect memory in these individuals has not been sufficiently evaluated. In this study we sought to determine the effect of escitalopram and bupropion XL on memory and psychosocial function. Forty-one individuals (18-50 years) with MDD were enrolled in an 8-week, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized controlled comparative trial of bupropion XL and escitalopram. Thirty-six participants completed pre and post memory assessments. Verbal, non-verbal and working memory were evaluated with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Psychosocial function was assessed with the Sheehan Disability Scale and Endicott Work Productivity Scale. Escitalopram and bupropion XL significantly improved immediate as well as delayed verbal and nonverbal memory, global function (all p≤0.001), and work productivity (p=0.045), with no significant between-group differences. Improvement in immediate verbal memory exerted a direct influence on improvement in global function (p=0.006). Treatment with either escitalopram or bupropion XL was associated with improvement in memory and psychosocial function in adults with MDD.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Joanna K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Soczynska
authors.affiliation: Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Lakshmi N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Ravindran
authors.affiliation: Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Rima
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Styra
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Roger S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: McIntyre
authors.affiliation: Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cyriac
authors.affiliation: Human Biology Department, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Marena S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Manierka
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: sidney.kennedy@uhn.ca.
authors.forename: Sidney H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Kennedy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016642:Bupropion / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015283:Citalopram / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D016642:Bupropion; D015283:Citalopram
keywords: Bupropion XL; Clinical trial; Cognition; Escitalopram; Functional outcomes; Major depressive disorder; Memory