[Reboxetine versus methylphenidate in the treatment of children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]

ABSTRACT

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD] is a prevalent disorder among children and stimulant remedies are the drugs of choice for its treatment. A substantial minority of stimulant-treated patient do not respond adequately or cannot tolerate the associate adverse effects and these difficulties highlight the need for alternative effective medications. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of reboxetine compared to that of methylphenidate in treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD. Thirty three children [7-16 years of age] diagnosed with ADHD, participated in a 6-week double-blind clinical trial with reboxetine [4-6mg/d] and methylphenidate [25-50mg/d]. The principal measure of the outcome was the Teacher and Parent ADHD Rating Scale. Patients were assessed by a child psychiatrist at baseline of treatment and 2, 4 and 6 weeks of medication, respectively. No significant differences were observed between two protocols of the parent and teacher ADHD rating scale scores and in terms of the dropouts and both groups showed a significant improvement in ADHD symptoms over the 6 weeks of treatment. The most common adverse effects seen with reboxetine were sedation/drowsiness and mild to sever decrease in appetite. Our finding must be considered preliminary, however, they do suggest that reboxetine may be beneficial in the treatment of ADHD. Further research is needed to clarify the potential benefit for comorbid depression and anxiety with ADHD and profile of side effects