IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Some form of legalized gambling now exists in every state except Hawaii and Utah. Most adults gamble responsibly but with this proliferation, more people are developing pathological gambling ñ gambling that is out of control and leads to personal distress and/or marital, legal and financial difficulties.
Individuals with this problem are invited to participate in a University of Iowa Health Care treatment study. The study will examine the effectiveness of the drug bupropion in treating pathological gambling. Some participants may receive a placebo (inactive medication).
Participants must be age 18 or older and cannot be depressed or abusing alcohol or drugs. Participants must be able to read and write English. Women must not be pregnant or planning to get pregnant during the study period.
Study participation involves a total of nine visits to the UI over three months. The first visit includes a physical examination. The follow-up visits involve assessment of the participant's gambling and other problems as well as a discussion of the medication and its side effects. Compensation will be provided.
