Effects of Sustained-Release Bupropion and Supportive Group Therapy on Cigarette Consumption in Patients With Schizophrenia

Objective: The study examined the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of supportive group psychotherapy and adjunctive sustained-release bupropion for nicotine addiction in patients with schizophrenia. Method: Eight patients participated in a 14-week open-label trial. End expired breath carbon monoxide level, symptom levels, neuropsychological performance, and suppression of the P50 event-related potential were measured before and after the 14-week trial. Results: Patients showed a decrease in carbon monoxide levels that was not associated with any worsening in symptom, neuropsychological, or P50 suppression measures. Conclusions: Use of sustained-release bupropion in combination with supportive group therapy may help patients with schizophrenia decrease their cigarette consumption. (Am J Psychiatry 2001; 158:635-637)