Bupropion XL in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Data remain limited on treatment strategies for adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of an extended-release, once-daily formulation of bupropion (XL) in the treatment of adults with ADHD.

METHODS:

This multisite, placebo-controlled, 8-week prospective trial evaluated 162 adult patients diagnosed with ADHD (combined and inattentive types). Subjects were treated with up to 450 mg/day of bupropion XL. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of ADHD responders (defined as at least a 30% reduction in the investigator-rated ADHD Rating Scale score) at week 8 (last observation carried forward [LOCF]).

RESULTS:

Bupropion XL responders (53%) exceeded placebo responders (31%) (p =.004 at week 8) with a significantly greater proportion of bupropion XL responders as early as week 2 (p = .01). Treatment effect size calculated for the ADHD Rating Scale total score was .6. Bupropion XL appeared to provide sustained benefit throughout the day compared with placebo (morning p =.033, afternoon p =.004, evening p = .024). Bupropion XL was safe and well tolerated, with no serious or unexpected adverse events and a low rate of drug-related study discontinuation (5%).

CONCLUSIONS:

The results from this multisite study indicate that bupropion XL is an effective and well-tolerated nonstimulant treatment for adult ADHD.

• Authors: Timothy E Wilens, Barbara R Haight, Joseph P Horrigan, James J Hudziak, Norman E Rosenthal, Daniel F Connor, Kenneth D Hampton, Nathalie E Richard, Jack G Modell
• Journal: Biological psychiatry (Biol Psychiatry) Vol. 57 Issue 7 Pg. 793-801 (Apr 01 2005) ISSN: 0006-3223 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15820237 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
• Placebos
• Bupropion

Topics

• Analysis of Variance
• Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation (therapeutic use)
• Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (drug therapy)
• Bupropion (therapeutic use)
• Demography
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Evaluation
• Humans
• Placebos
• Prospective Studies
• Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome