Reboxetine, a New Noradrenaline Selective Antidepressant, Is at Least as Effective as Fluoxetine in the Treatment of Depression

Abstract

The clinical profile of reboxetine, a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, was compared with that of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine and placebo in a double-blind, multicenter, parallel-group clinical trial of patients with major depression. Among the 381 patients treated with reboxetine 8 to 10 mg/day, fluoxetine 20 to 40 mg/day, or placebo for up to 8 weeks, a statistically significant greater reduction in the mean Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (21-item HAM-D) total score (the primary efficacy variable) was seen for both active treatment groups compared with placebo (p < 0.024). A significantly greater proportion of patients treated with either reboxetine or fluoxetine also achieved a response (≥50% reduction in HAM-D) or remission (HAM-D ≤10 points) than those who received placebo (p < 0.01 for both analyses). Similar findings were recorded in a subpopulation of severely ill patients, with statistically significantly greater decreases in the mean HAM-D total score between both active treatment groups compared with placebo (p < 0.024). Additional efficacy assessments (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, Clinical Global Impression) reflected the primary efficacy analysis, with both active treatments offering comparable efficacy that was superior to that of placebo.

Reboxetine and fluoxetine are more effective than placebo in the treatment of major depression. Futhermore, both antidepressants are well tolerated but possess different adverse event profiles.