An open-label trial of reboxetine in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

OBJECTIVE

The main aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of reboxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

METHOD

Twenty children and adolescents, aged 6-16 (mean, 10.29; standard deviation, SD = 2.72) years, diagnosed with ADHD were enrolled in a 6-week open-label trial. Assessments included the ADHD Rating Scale (home version) and Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised, Short Version [CPRS-R (S)]. The dose of reboxetine was between 3 and 6 mg/day (mean, 4.41).

RESULTS

A significant reduction in ADHD symptoms, as measured by CPRS-R (S), was observed. This reduction was significant after 2 weeks of treatment (p < 0.001). The oppositional symptoms were also reduced significantly (p < 0.05). Reboxetine was relatively well tolerated. The most common adverse effects were decreased appetite, constipation, sleep problems, and dry mouth.

CONCLUSION

This open-label study suggests the efficacy of reboxetine in the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents. Controlled studies in larger samples are needed to test the effectiveness of reboxetine in ADHD.