Reboxetine maintenance treatment in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a long-term follow-up study.
OBJECTIVE
This open-label study assessed the long-term effectiveness and tolerability of reboxetine maintenance treatment in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).


METHODS
Six children aged 9-13 (mean +/- standard deviation, SD, 10.7 +/- 1.6) years, diagnosed with ADHD and successfully treated with reboxetine for 6 weeks were enrolled in a long-term (18-36 months) follow-up study. Assessments included rater-administered scales (ADHD Rating Scale; Clinical Global Impressions Scale) and a parent-administered scale (the Abbreviated Conners' Rating Scale). The safety and tolerability were evaluated by documenting spontaneous self-reported adverse effects as well as by vital signs, electrocardiogram, body weight, and routine blood screen. Reboxetine was maintained at a dose of 4 mg/day.


RESULTS
The children were followed up to 36 months (mean +/- SD, 24 +/- 6.6; range, 18-36). The significant decrease in ADHD symptoms achieved in the short-term phase (first 6 weeks) was maintained throughout the study. No new onset adverse effects was detected during this follow-up period. No suicidal attempt or ideation was noted.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest the long-term effectiveness and safety of reboxetine maintenance treatment in children with ADHD. Future large-scale, long-term, placebo/comparator-controlled studies should assess the benefit/risk ratio of reboxetine in ADHD children.
Toren
Paz
P
Tel-Aviv-Brũll Community Mental Health Center, Tel Aviv, Israel. ptoren@post.tau.ac.il
Ratner
Sharon
S
Weizman
Abraham
A
Lask
Michal
M
Ben-Amitay
Galit
G
Laor
Nathaniel
N
D000293:Adolescent; D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009025:Morpholines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010290:Parents; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D000077593:Reboxetine; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D009025:Morpholines; D000077593:Reboxetine