Reboxetine tablets

What are reboxetine tablets?

Reboxetine (Vestra®) is an antidepressant that helps improve the symptoms of depression such as low mood, sleep disturbances, low energy levels, and poor concentration. Generic reboxetine tablets are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I take reboxetine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• constipation

• glaucoma

• high or low blood pressure

• irregular heartbeat

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• mania (bipolar disorder)

• prostate enlargement

• seizures

• suicidal thoughts

• trouble urinating

• an unusual or allergic reaction to reboxetine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take reboxetine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with reboxetine?

• bosentan

• certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, or troleandomycin

• certain drugs known as SSRI (used for depression) such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone, sertraline, and others

• certain heart medicines such as amiodarone, diltiazem, verapamil

• imatinib, STI-571

• medicines known as MAO inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), and selegiline (Carbex®, Eldepryl®)

• medicines used to treat fungal infections (examples: fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole or voriconazole)

• medicines used for treating seizures (examples: carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone)

• medicines used for treating HIV or AIDS infection (examples: nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, efavirenz, delavirdine, nevirapine, and others)

• rifampin or rifabutin

• St. John's wort

• zafirlukast

Tell your physician or health care provider about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking reboxetine?

It may take a few weeks before you start feeling better. This is why it is very important to continue taking the medication and not miss any doses. If you have suicidal thoughts, call your prescriber or health care professional at once. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking reboxetine.

Do not drink alcohol while take reboxetine. Alcohol slows down the central nervous system and can worsen the symptoms of depression and make your antidepressant less effective.

Reboxetine is not habit-forming. However, you should contact your doctor before you stop taking it. You may need to stop the medication gradually to give your body time to adjust.

If you experience dry mouth while taking reboxetine, make sure to drink plenty of water. It may also be helpful to suck on sugarless hard candy or crushed ice. If your dry mouth is severe, ask your doctor about a saliva substitute.

What side effects may I notice from taking reboxetine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber as soon as possible:

• irregular heart beat, throbbing or palpitations

• nausea/vomiting

• shortness of breath, wheezing

• skin rash, skin lumps, or hives

Stop using reboxetine and call your prescriber as soon as you can if you get any of these side effects.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• dizziness

• dry mouth

• headache

• sexual difficulties (decreased sexual ability or desire)

• sweating

• tremor (shaking)

• trouble sleeping (insomnia)

• trouble urinating

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.