The main aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of reboxetine, a specific noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor, in adults with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

In a double blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial, the efficacy of 8 mg/day of reboxetine (twice daily) was compared with placebo in 40 adults diagnosed with ADHD during 6 weeks. The measures were Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale‐Self‐Report, Screening Version (CAARS‐S, SV), Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Rating Scales, Clinical Global Impression – Severity Scale (CGI‐S), and Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF).

There was a main effect of time and significant time X treatment (reboxetine vs. placebo) interaction on CAARS subscales and CGI scores which decreased along the study (p < 0.01). There was also a main effect of time and time X treatment interaction on GAF score which increased at the end point of the study (p < 0.01). In terms of Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Rating Scales there was just a main effect of time on Hamilton Depression Scale (p < 0.01). Irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and dry mouth were the common side effects of reboxetine.

Reboxetine could be used and tolerated as an effective treatment for adults with ADHD. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.