Bupropion treatment of olanzapine-associated weight gain: an open-label, prospective trial

To examine the effectiveness of bupropion in reducing bodyweight gained during treatment with olanzapine.

Eight subjects, who received olanzapine for an average duration of 26 months and had gained an average of 13.3 kg bodyweight, participated in a 24-week study in which they received open-label bupropion 150-300 mg/d while continuing olanzapine. The subjects were also provided low-key nutritional counseling. Change in bodyweight was the primary outcome of interest. Changes in fasting blood glucose and lipids were also examined in addition to changes in body composition and bone mineral density.

Seven subjects completed the full 24-week study treatment. In the intent-to-treat sample, mean [SE] bodyweight decreased significantly over time (99.6 [5.9] kg to 96.2 [5.8] kg; F = 4.0; P < 0.001); average weight change for the eight subjects was -3.4 kg. Four of eight subjects lost > or =3% bodyweight. There was a significant reduction in total cholesterol. Weight loss did not have a negative effect on bone mineral density. Side effects were generally mild.

Bupropion combined with a low-key dietary intervention appeared to be beneficial in reducing olanzapine-associated weight gain in some subjects in this open-label study.