Open AccessEfficacy of Bupropion for Relapse Prevention in Smokers With and Without a Past History of Major Depression
Author(s) -
Cox Lisa Sanderson,
Patten Christi A.,
Niaura Raymond S.,
Decker Paul A.,
Rigotti Nancy,
Sachs David P. L.,
Buist A. Sonia,
Hurt Richard D.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of general internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.746
H-Index - 180
eISSN - 1525-1497
pISSN - 0884-8734
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1497.2004.30423.x
Subject(s) - bupropion , medicine , major depressive disorder , abstinence , smoking cessation , relapse prevention , history of depression , psychiatry , depression (economics) , placebo , beck depression inventory , randomized controlled trial , sertraline , antidepressant , mood , anxiety , alternative medicine , pathology , economics , macroeconomics
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.