Drug Database - Reboxetine

Generic Name: Reboxetine (re-BOX-e-teen)

Brand Names: Edronax®, Vestra®

Classification: Antidepressant - SNRI
(selective noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitor)

Issue Date: 1999

Reboxetine is indicated for the treatment of depressive illness and for maintaining the clinical improvement in patients initially responding to treatment. It is also used in the treatment of FM and CFS/ME.

Reboxetine works by preventing this re-absorption of noradrenaline back into the nerve cells. Therefore, it helps prolong the mood-lightening effect of any released noradrenaline. This helps relieve depression.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Reboxetine or any other drugs. Combined usage of MAO inhibitors and Reboxetine should be avoided.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• glaucoma
• enlarged prostate
• difficulty urinating
• seizures
• brain tumors
• head injuries
• an overactive thyroid gland
• liver, kidney, or heart disease

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Reboxetine, call your doctor immediately.

If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Reboxetine.

Since rare cases of seizures have been reported in clinical studies, reboxetine should be given under close supervision to subjects with a history of convulsive disorders and it should be discontinued if the patient develops seizures.

Remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

Tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

Take this medicine as directed. It can be taken with or without food. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without consulting with your doctor.

Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

• skin rash or hives
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Insomnia
• Increased sweating
• Tachycardia
• Vertigo
• Urinary hesitance/retention
• Drowsiness
• Weakness or tiredness

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Because of its reliance on CYP3A4, reboxetine O-desethylation is markedly inhibited by papaverine and ketoconazole.

Potential to interact with:

• ciclosporin
• tacrolimus
• paroxetine
• sertraline
• quinidine
• fluoxetine
• fluvoxamine

The potency and duration of the effects of benzodiazepines can be increased because reboxetine interferes with their excretion.

There are many other drugs that can affect reboxetine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.