A small placebo-controlled trial produced evidence that the antidepressant bupropion may be useful for treating methamphetamine addiction. Drs. Thomas Newton and Richard De La Garza at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Dr. John Roach and colleagues, at the University of Texas, San Antonio, divided 20 methamphetamine-addicted individuals into two groups for 6 days of treatment: one group received bupropion (150 mg/d) throughout the trial and the other, placebo. At baseline and the end of the trial each participant received three infusions; one of an inert vehicle and two of methamphetamine (15mg and 30 mg), spaced over 2 hours. Before and at frequent intervals after each infusion, participants reported on their subjective reactions. Compared to baseline, those who received bupropion experienced reduced highs and slightly decreased cravings at the end of the trial, while those who received placebo experienced significantly more craving.
Newton, T., Roache, J., De La Garza, R. et al. Bupropion Reduces Methamphetamine-Induced Subjective Effects and Cue-Induced Craving. Neuropsychopharmacology 31(7):1537-1544, 2006. [Full Text]