THE EFFECTS OF ANTIDEPRESSANTS ON PSYCHOMOTOR FUNCTION WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO REBOXETINE

This review assesses the relative efficacy and side-effect profile of the currently available treatment options for major depression and the new selective noradrenergic agent, reboxetine. The effects of these t reatments on psychomotor function are reviewed using: choice reaction time (CRT) and critical flicker fusion threshold (CFFT) measurements t o compare and contrast the various antidepressants. Tricyclic antidepr essant (TCA) agents are associated with an increased risk of accidents , especially in the elderly (primarily accidents related to driving or falls/fractures due to postural hypotension). In comparison, the newe r noradrenergic agents such as reboxetine have demonstrated significan t improvements in the incidence and severity of effects on psychomotor function. Such a lack of side-effects makes agents like reboxetine mo st useful for the treatment of depression in ambulant patients perform ing their usual activities of daily living. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.