Methodologic approach to adverse events applied to bupropion clinical trials

A strategy for identifying and classifying adverse events and for assessing their relationship to therapy and frequency of occurrence is presented. Data from clinical trials of bupropion (Wellbutrin), a novel antidepressant, are presented as an example. Bupropion was studied in four double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (N = 360) at dosages of 300-750 mg/day. The incidence and frequency of adverse events associated with bupropion were minimal, and correlated well with the known pharmacologic and clinical properties of this new antidepressant.