What is Reboxetine?

Reboxetine is an antidepressant that has been in use since the late 1990s. It is not very similar to the well known selected serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac® and Zoloft®. Instead of inhibiting reuptake of serotonin, reboxetine acts on the neurotransmitter, noradrenalin, and may be called an NaRI. For some people, prohibiting reuptake of noradrenalin may be more effective, and the drug has also been prescribed for conditions like attentional deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In some countries, like the US, it has not been approved for use.

The prescription of antidepressants is a highly nuanced science, and not all people with the same conditions respond to the same drugs. If SSRIs or other antidepressants are tried without effect, doctors might consider an NaRI instead. All patients should understand that it could be difficult to find the right drug initially. One medication may improve depression, but have many side effects, or another may not work at all.

When starting reboxetine, or any other antidepressant, people need to communicate with doctors to report any symptoms of worsening depression or feelings of suicidality right away. As with other antidepressants, it’s believed that reboxetine may occasionally cause increased suicidality, particularly in children, teens and young adults. Additionally, in case of any symptoms of drug allergy, such as hives, swollen face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing, people should seek immediate medical assistance.

There are other side effects associated with reboxetine and some of these occur fairly frequently. The most common are dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, and low blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness, especially when changing positions. Some people also have hand tremors or a feeling of shakiness when taking this medicine. Additional noradrenalin in the body may increase panic for some people, but has also been suggested as potentially beneficial to panic and obsessive compulsive disorders. Other reported side effects occurring in more than 1% of users include constipation, difficulty urinating, more perspiration, blurred vision, and headaches.

It’s important to note that some people don’t encounter any side effects. Alternately, they may notice side effects at first and then have these effects gradually subside with consistent use. Some people who take reboxetine could instead have no problems with the medication at first and then develop side effects later on. It’s usually difficult to predict side effects without actually trying the drug.

Many drugs have interactions with other medications and this is also true for reboxetine. It is not advised for people to take this medicine in combination with any other forms of antidepressants like SSRIs, tricyclics or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Occasionally, doctors combine two antidepressants for greater effect, but this needs to be done carefully. To avoid potential drug interactions, people are advised to discuss with their physicians any drugs they take, including any over the counter medicines, herbs or supplements. It is also advisable to disclose all medical conditions so a doctor can determine if reboxetine or another drug is the best choice.