Therèse Kairuz1, Ilse Truter, Johan Hugo, Cheryl Foxcroft. 1. School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. t.kairuz@auckland.ac.nz
Abstract
PURPOSE: There are few studies that document antidepressant prescribing in young patients. Although tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are considered equal in efficacy to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the latter have an improved side effect profile. The aim of this study was to investigate the prescribing patterns of TCAs and SSRIs among adolescents and young adults, with reference to prescribing frequency, cost and dose. METHOD: A retrospective drug utilization study was conducted over a 14-month period, from January 2000 to February 2001. RESULTS: There were 166 antidepressants prescribed to 98 adolescents and young adults. TCAs were prescribed more frequently than SSRIs, with amitryptiline and fluoxetine being the two most frequently prescribed antidepressants. Fluoxetine accounted for a higher ratio of cost to prescribing frequency than amitryptiline. Amitryptiline was issued in small quantities of tablets, resulting in a low average calculated prescribed daily dose (PDD). Duration of treatment was not considered optimal for SSRIs or TCAs. CONCLUSION: This study elicits prescribing patterns that contribute to the relative scarcity of data on antidepressant drugs for young patients.
PURPOSE: There are few studies that document antidepressant prescribing in young patients. Although tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are considered equal in efficacy to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the latter have an improved side effect profile. The aim of this study was to investigate the prescribing patterns of TCAs and SSRIs among adolescents and young adults, with reference to prescribing frequency, cost and dose. METHOD: A retrospective drug utilization study was conducted over a 14-month period, from January 2000 to February 2001. RESULTS: There were 166 antidepressants prescribed to 98 adolescents and young adults. TCAs were prescribed more frequently than SSRIs, with amitryptiline and fluoxetine being the two most frequently prescribed antidepressants. Fluoxetine accounted for a higher ratio of cost to prescribing frequency than amitryptiline. Amitryptiline was issued in small quantities of tablets, resulting in a low average calculated prescribed daily dose (PDD). Duration of treatment was not considered optimal for SSRIs or TCAs. CONCLUSION: This study elicits prescribing patterns that contribute to the relative scarcity of data on antidepressant drugs for young patients.