Methods and compositions for treating humans suffering from, or preventing a human from suffering, a physiological or psychiatric disease, disorder, or a condition where inhibiting reuptake of norepinephrine is a benefit are disclosed. The compositions comprise a compound having a pharmacological selectivity of serotonin (K_i)/norepinephrine (K_i) of at least about 5000. Examples of such compounds include reboxetine, and more preferably optically pure (S,S) enantiomer of reboxetine. The methods generally include administration of a therapeutic amount of such compositions. Also disclosed are preparations of a medicament from the composition, and uses of the composition in a manufacture of the medicament to treat a human suffering from, or preventing a human from suffering, a physiological or psychiatric disease, disorder, or condition.