Reboxetine

  • It may take a week or two after starting these tablets before you start to feel the benefit. Do not stop taking reboxetine, thinking it is not helping.
  • Tell your doctor if you feel that you are getting worse or if you experience any troublesome side-effects.
  • Reboxetine may slow your reactions. If this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines.
Type of medicine Antidepressant
Used for Depression
Also called Edronax®
Available as Tablets

Anyone can develop depression. It can develop for no apparent reason or it may be triggered by a life event such as a relationship problem, bereavement, or illness.

Reboxetine works by increasing the amount of circulating noradrenaline available in the brain. This may help depression symptoms in some people.

Before taking reboxetine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have heart or blood vessel problems.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have epilepsy.
  • If you have glaucoma (increased pressure in your eye).
  • If you have bipolar disorder.
  • If you have been experiencing difficulty passing urine or have prostate problems.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
  • Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
  • Take reboxetine exactly as your doctor has told you. It is usually taken twice a day.
  • You can take the tablets before, during or after meals.
  • Try to take reboxetine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you do forget to take a dose, do not worry, just take the next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
  • You may feel that reboxetine is not working for you straightaway. It can take a week or two after starting this treatment before the effect builds up, and up to four weeks before you feel the full benefit. Do not stop taking it after a week or so, thinking it is not helping.
  • Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with reboxetine.
  • There are several types of antidepressants and they differ in their possible side-effects. If you find that reboxetine does not suit you then let your doctor know, as another may be found that will.
  • Do not stop taking reboxetine unless your doctor tells you to do so. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems and your doctor may want you to reduce your dose gradually if this is necessary.
  • While you feel depressed or are taking reboxetine, you may have thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life. It is very important that you tell your doctor about this if it happens.
  • You should expect that a normal course of treatment with reboxetine will last for around six months after your symptoms have eased.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common reboxetine side-effects What can I do if I experience this?
Dry mouth Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets
Constipation Try to eat a well-balanced diet containing fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of water
Feeling light-headed or dizzy, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position Getting up more slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, sit down for a few minutes so that you do not faint
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
Sweating Take care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather
Feeling sick Stick to simple foods. Try eating smaller meals but more regularly
Difficulty sleeping, feeling of a fast heartbeat or heart pounding, difficulty focusing, lack of appetite, difficulties passing urine, difficulties with sexual function, chills, feeling agitated If any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to these tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that someone has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Further reading & references

  • British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Edronax® 4 mg Tablets; Manufacturer's PIL, Edronax® 4 mg Tablets, Pharmacia Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated September 2011.
Original Author: Helen Allen Current Version: Peer Reviewer: Dr Helen Huins
Last Checked: 15/12/2011 Document ID: 3701  Version: 23 © EMIS

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.

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