Bupropion and amitriptyline were compared in a double-blind study of depressed inpatients. Treatment ranged from 2 to 4 weeks: early responders (Hamilton Depression Scale scores less than 10) were often removed from treatment after 2 or 3 weeks. Twenty-two patients completed treatment with bupropion and 18 with amitriptyline. Doses ranged from 450 to 750 mg/day for bupropion and 75 to 225 mg/day for amitriptyline. Overall, bupropion and amitriptyline were equally effective, as measured by the Hamilton Depression and Anxiety scales, Clinical Global Impressions, Zung Depression scale, and the SCL-90. Differences in the side effect profile and in weight change are described.