Abstract
Purpose
Bupropion is largely used as an antidepressant and smoking cessation therapy. The aim of this work was to compare pharmacodynamic properties of bupropion and the amphetamine-like methylphenidate after sustained administration in humans.
Methods
Twelve male volunteers completed this randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over study. Bupropion and methylphenidate were administered separately for initial half-dose 6-day periods (150 and 10 mg respectively) followed by full-dose 8-day periods (300 and 20 mg respectively). Outcomes were subjective feelings, cognitive performances, autonomic and physiological parameters.
Results
Data are expressed as mean(SEM). After repeated administration, bupropion, like methylphenidate, decreased asthenia-fatigue [44(3.2) and 42(3.7), respectively vs. 53(4.1) for placebo; p = 0.034], despite an impairment of sleep onset [-4.3(3.32) and -1.9(3.76), respectively vs. +7.5(3.69); p = 0.016]. Both drugs increased resting diastolic blood pressure [67.9(1.23) and 65.7(0.98), respectively vs. 62.5(1.42) mm Hg; p = 0.001], body temperature [36.5(0.12) and 36.5(0.14) vs. 36.3(0.10) °C; p = 0.037] and decreased body weight [-0.7(0.23) and -0.6(0.22), respectively vs. +0.2(0.27) kg; p = 0.038]. No significant change could be observed on cognitive functions, appetite and energy consumption.
Conclusion
Although it may not share all the properties of stimulant drugs, the effect profile of bupropion presents a number of similarities with that of methylphenidate over a 2-week treatment period.
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Acknowledgments
This study was successfully carried out thanks to the expert scientific, medical, pharmaceutical and logistic assistance of JL Allaz, AM Barbanel, F Barnay, R Blanc, B Bories-Azeau, A Cadène, F Collado, P Dumas, J Foppolo, I Gabillaud, A Massebiau, P Rambourg, D Robert and I Roch-Torreilles.
Funding
This work was supported by the French Ministry of Health [PHRC régional 2003].
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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This study was sponsored by the University Hospital of Montpellier (UF7759). This work was supported by the French Ministry of Health [PHRC régional 2003].
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Chevassus, H., Farret, A., Gagnol, JP. et al. Psychological and physiological effects of bupropion compared to methylphenidate after prolonged administration in healthy volunteers (NCT00285155). Eur J Clin Pharmacol 69, 779–787 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00228-012-1418-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00228-012-1418-z