A double-blind, randomized comparison of efficacy and side effects of bupropion versus methylphenidate in children with ADHD

ADHD is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders in children. Methylphenidate is the most frequent medication prescribed for this disorder, while bupropion is suggested as an alternative for treatment. This research aims to compare the efficacy and safety of bupropion and methylphenidate (Ritalin) in children with ADHD. Forty children with ADHD, aged 6 to 12 years, from consecutive referrals to child psychiatric clinic of Ibn-e-Sina hospital were selected and randomly divided into two categories (treatment with methylphenidate or bupropion). Evaluations were carried out based on ADHD Rating Scale (by teacher and parent) and Global Clinical Scale (by clinician) at the beginning of the study and again after 4 and 8 weeks of the study. Adverse effects were also checked at 4 and 8 weeks. Data was analyzed using SPSS software, version 11.5. Data was normally distributed in the two categories in terms of demographic and quantitative variables. Therapeutic response, in parents’ views, was better in Ritalin group and was significantly different at the end of the 8th week (p=0.014). Ritalin was also more efficacious in teachers’ views, but had no significant advantage (p=0.092). Global clinical scale showed a significant advantage in both categories regarding response to therapy (p=0.014). Therapy was seen efficacious by parents, teachers, and clinician (p<0.001). Results showed that bupropion was an effective agent in ADHD treatment, but its effect was less than methylphenidate based on the parents’ report.