FDA approves Wellbutrin XL for prevention of seasonal major depressive episodes

By Lisa Kerner

Charlotte, N.C., June 12 - The Food and Drug Administration approved GlaxoSmithKline's Wellbutrin XL for the prevention of seasonal major depressive episodes in patients diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which affects about 6% of American adults.

Symptoms of SAD may include depressed mood, overeating (with carbohydrate cravings), weight gain, lethargy and increased sleep.

In a combined analysis of three clinical trials, Wellbutrin XL reduced the chance of developing a seasonal major depressive episode by 44%, according to a company news release

In the three studies, patients who enrolled suffered an average of 13 previous seasonal major depressive episodes. Of the 41% previously for this condition, 23% were treated with light therapy and 76% with antidepressants.

For all three studies combined, the depression-free rate at the end-of-treatment was 84.3% in the Wellbutrin XL group, and 72% in the placebo group.

GlaxoSmithKline is a research-based pharmaceutical and health care company headquartered in London.

© 2015 Prospect News.
All content on this website is protected by copyright law in the U.S. and elsewhere. For the use of the person downloading only.
Redistribution and copying are prohibited by law without written permission in advance from Prospect News.
Redistribution or copying includes e-mailing, printing multiple copies or any other form of reproduction.