Review of placebo-controlled trials with bupropion

Results of four multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled studies of the antidepressant efficacy and safety of bupropion are reviewed. Bupropion was superior to placebo on the Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Rating Scales, Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement, and patient self-rating scales (Zung) for depression and anxiety. Overall, the proportion of patients responding to bupropion was typically 60%-70%, compared to approximately 30% for placebo. Drug-placebo differences became apparent at 5 days to 3 weeks after treatment initiation. With respect to subjective side effects, bupropion exhibited a profile very similar to that of placebo. Further, no clinically significant cardiovascular or clinical laboratory changes were noted. Bupropion appears to be an effective broad-spectrum antidepressant with an excellent side effect profile.