A pilot controlled trial of bupropion XL versus escitalopram in generalized anxiety disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of bupropion XL (150 to 300 mg/day) with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor escitalopram (10 to 20 mg/day) in outpatients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). METHODS: Twenty-four participants with GAD between 18 and 64 years enrolled in a 12-week, double-blind, randomized trial. The primary efficacy measures were the Clinical Global Impression of Improvement (CGI-I) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). RESULTS: Bupropion XL demonstrated comparable anxiolytic efficacy to escitalopram in outpatients with GAD. Both treatments were well-tolerated. CONCLUSION: Findings from this pilot project suggest that bupropion XL may be useful in treating GAD. These preliminary results warrant further research to explore the use of bupropion XL in the treatment of GAD.