Open Trial of Bupropion SR in Adolescent Major Depression

PROBLEM There are few studies of sustained‐release bupropion in adolescents with major depression. METHODS Twenty‐one adolescents with DSM‐IV major depression were recruited through advertisement and self‐referral; 11 began study medication and were rated weekly with an expanded Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (SIGH‐SAD), as well as Clinical Global Impression‐Improvement (CGI‐I). RESULTS Of 11 subjects enrolled, 8 completed an8‐week trial of bupropion SR. Mean baseline SIGH‐SAD scores of 31–3 decreased significantly by 74% to mean endpoint score of 8–2. Improvement on CGI‐I that agreed closely between raters and patients was found in 8 of 11 subjects (72.3%). The mean daily dose of bupropion SR was 362 mg ± 52 mg and was well tolerated; insomnia and weight loss were experienced by 55%; other adverse effects of dry mouth, headache, agitation, light‐headedness, diarrhea, or rash were noted in a minority of subjects. CONCLUSIONS In this preliminary, small open study, depressed adolescents showed a marked response to bupropion SR.