Comparison of Glucose Control Profile in Patients With Depression and Type 2 Diabetes Receiving Bupropion or Venlafaxine: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background and Objective This study aims to compare the effects of bupropion and venlafaxine on glucose control of patients with depression and type 2 diabetes (T2D). 
Materials & Methods TThis randomized controlled trial was carried out in endocrinology clinic affiliated to Babol University of Medical Sciences on adult patients with comorbid T2D and depression in two groups. The first group (n=19) received venlafaxine 37.5-150 mg daily, while the second group (n=16) was treated with bupropion 75-300 mg per day. The primary outcomes were the severity of depressive symptoms and the glucose control profile. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Beck depression inventory (BDI). Data was analyzed in SPSS software, version 17 package. P<0.05 was considered as statically significant.
Results A significant decrease in depressive symptoms for both groups was reported, but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.342). Venlafaxine caused a significant increase in HbA1c from 7.64 to 8.03 (P=0.04), while bupropion caused a decrease in HbA1c from 7.35 to 7.23 (P=0.06). These changes were significantly different between the two groups (P=0.028).
Conclusion Venlafaxine can reduce depression, but it is not suggested as a proper drug for treating depression in people with T2D. However, bupropion seems to be a good choice due to its positive effect on depressive symptoms and glycemic control in patients with comorbid T2D and depression.