Bupropion Tested for Fatigue in Adults on Hemodialysis
Tests bupropion to see whether it may lessen fatigue in adults on hemodialysis.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Bupropion for Fatigue in End-stage Kidney Disease Patients on Hemodialysis
Key facts
- Where
- San Antonio, United StatesSee the site
- Phase
- Phase 1/2
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 25 and 74 years old?
Source: NCT06609343, who can take part
Where in United States
- University Hospital Dialysis Medical Center (DMC)San Antonio, United StatesNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Trial code
- NCT06609343
- Record updated
- 2 November 2026
- Original description
Fatigue is the most common symptom reported by end-stage kidney disease patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Unfortunately, there currently is no medical management for this overwhelming feeling of tiredness. As a result, patients continue to suffer with poor quality of life and impaired daily activities. The purpose of this pilot trial is to find out if bupropion (a medicine commonly prescribed for stopping smoking, seasonal mood disorder, and depression) may help lessen fatigue in hemodialysis patients.Read full original descriptionShow less
Bupropion for Fatigue in End-stage Kidney Disease Patients on Hemodialysis (BRISK)
Fatigue is the most common symptom reported by end-stage kidney disease patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Unfortunately, there currently is no medical management for this overwhelming feeling of tiredness. As a result, patients continue to suffer with poor quality of life and impaired daily activities. The purpose of this pilot trial is to find out if bupropion (a medicine commonly prescribed for stopping smoking, seasonal mood disorder, and depression) may help lessen fatigue in hemodialysis patients.
In this study, hemodialysis participants will receive bupropion tablet orally three times a week during routine dialysis procedure for consecutive 8 weeks. Study participants will complete a battery of questionnaires to self-report fatigue, cognition, and quality of life. The study team will collect biological specimens. All these procedures will be performed at the dialysis clinic during routine dialysis procedure.
Inclusion: Male and female ESKD patients between aged 25-74 yrs on maintenance in-center hemodialysis procedure 3 times/week for ≥3 months with an arteriovenous fistula or graft; Blood hemoglobin of ≥10.0 g/dL based on most recent routine laboratory profile; Dialysis adequacy measured with Kt/V of ≥1.2; Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
Exclusion: Currently on bupropion or hypersensitivity/ intolerance to bupropion by history and monoamine oxidase inhibitors; Scheduled for kidney transplantation in next 6 months; Diagnosis or history of eating disorders (bulimia or anorexia nervosa) and seizure; History of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome; Diagnosis of depression and/or on antidepressants and bipolar affective disorder; Diagnosis of cognitive impairment including dementia; Current or history of substance abuse or dependency; Pregnant, lactating, childbearing women; Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 score of ≥10; Current participation in another interventional trial; Life expectancy <6 months as judged by the attending nephrologist/primary care physician.