Brand name
:Edronax ( REBOXETINE )
What is REBOXXIN (Reboxetine, Edronax) ?
Reboxetine is a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (NRI) that is licensed
to treat depression. The brand name of Reboxetine is Edronax.
How does it work?
Reboxetine selectively inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitter
noradrenaline from its site of action at the synaptic cleft. In doing
so, reboxetine may prolong the actions of this neurotransmitters and
it is likely that this may be the mechanism that underlies the therapeutic
action. Reboxetine only has a weak effect on the reuptake of serotonin
and does not affect the uptake of dopamine.
How well does it work?
The goal of antidepressant therapy is to achieve complete remission
of symptoms. A response to treatment is often defined as at least a
50% reduction of depressive symptoms, and remission is a complete absence
of symptoms.
At present there is no convincing evidence to suggest that any one
antidepressant is more or less effective than any other antidepressant.
(ref 1, 2) Choice is usually governed by differences in side effect
profiles and by patient preference.
Not everyone who is prescribed an antidepressant will observe a benefit
- response is only seen in about two-thirds of people who are prescribed
antidepressants. Therefore most patients prescribed reboxetine will
respond but some patients will not. Reboxetine should be taken for
an adequate length of time (at least 4 weeks) before assessing whether
there has been a response.
Who should take REBOXXIN (Reboxetine, Edronax) ?
Reboxetine is a useful antidepressant treatment for many people, including
those with depression, dysthymia, depression plus a medical illness,
or recurrent episodes of depression requiring long-term preventive
treatment.
The cautions and contra-indications for using reboxetine, and its
side effect profile (see next page) differ from that of the other groups
of antidepressant, such as the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors
(MAOIs) and may therefore affect choice.
The SSRIs are generally preferred to the TCAs in patients who are
highly suicidal as they are safer in overdose. Reboxetine also appears
to be relatively safe in overdose.
What is the dose REBOXXIN (Reboxetine, Edronax) ?
Reboxetine should be started at 4mg twice a day. Depending on individual
response, the dose may be gradually increased to a maximum of 12 mg
daily in divided doses.
What should patients do if they miss a dose?
