Efficacy of reboxetine in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Objective The main aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of reboxetine, a specific noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor, in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods In a double blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, the efficacy of 8 mg/day of reboxetine (twice daily) was compared with placebo in 40 adults diagnosed with ADHD during 6 weeks. The measures were Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale-Self-Report, Screening Version (CAARS-S, SV), Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Rating Scales, Clinical Global Impression - Severity Scale (CGI-S), and Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF). Results There was a main effect of time and significant time X treatment (reboxetine vs. placebo) interaction on CAARS subscales and CGI scores which decreased along the study (p < 0.01). There was also a main effect of time and time X treatment interaction on GAF score which increased at the end point of the study (p < 0.01). In terms of Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Rating Scales there was just a main effect of time on Hamilton Depression Scale (p < 0.01). Irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and dry mouth were the common side effects of reboxetine. Conclusion Reboxetine could be used and tolerated as an effective treatment for adults with ADHD. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.