Efficacy of bupropion for relapse prevention in smokers with and without a past history of major depression.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

This study evaluated the efficacy of bupropion for relapse prevention in smokers with and without a past history of major depressive disorder. Changes in depressive symptoms were also examined.

DESIGN:

Data were gathered prospectively from a randomized, double-blind relapse prevention trial of bupropion conducted at five study sites. A total of 784 smokers (54% female, 97% white) were enrolled. Using the Structured Clinical Interview for Depression, 17% of the subjects reported a past history of major depressive disorder at baseline. All subjects received open-label bupropion SR (300 mg/d) for 7 weeks. Subjects abstinent from smoking at the end of 7 weeks (N = 429) were randomized to bupropion SR (300 mg/d) or placebo for the remainder of the year and followed for 1 year off medication. The primary outcome measures were median time to relapse to smoking and the 7-day point-prevalence smoking abstinence rate. Self-reported abstinence from smoking was verified by expired air carbon monoxide. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to assess depressive symptoms at baseline and at weeks 8 and 12.

RESULTS:

Median time to relapse did not differ by past history of major depressive disorder. Bupropion was associated with higher point-prevalence smoking abstinence at the end of medication compared to placebo (P = .007), independent of a past history of major depressive disorder. Moreover, change in depressive symptoms during the double-blind phase did not differ for those with and without a past history of major depressive disorder.

CONCLUSIONS:

Extended use of bupropion for relapse prevention is effective for smokers with and without a history of major depression.

• Authors: Lisa Sanderson Cox, Christi A Patten, Raymond S Niaura, Paul A Decker, Nancy Rigotti, David P L Sachs, A Sonia Buist, Richard D Hurt
• Journal: Journal of general internal medicine (J Gen Intern Med) Vol. 19 Issue 8 Pg. 828-34 (Aug 2004) ISSN: 0884-8734 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15242467 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
• Bupropion

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation (therapeutic use)
• Bupropion (therapeutic use)
• Depressive Disorder, Major (psychology)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Secondary Prevention
• Smoking (psychology)
• Smoking Cessation (psychology)
• Smoking Prevention
• Treatment Outcome