Fluoxetine in family practice patients.
BACKGROUND
Many patients with depression are seen only by family physicians, yet it is unknown how their physicians prescribe newer antidepressants.


METHODS
Charts of family practice patients receiving fluoxetine were reviewed using a standardized format. Information reviewed included patient demographics, diagnosis, prescriptions, and course of treatment.


RESULTS
Depression was documented in 92.5% of the 40 patients studied. There were significantly more female patients in the fluoxetine sample than in the base sample of depressed patients (P < .04). Fluoxetine patients weighed significantly more than the base sample, with a mean difference of 20.8 pounds (P < .03). Side effects were documented in the charts of 12 (30%) patients. Prescription practice was considered optimal in 43% of patients who were told to take fluoxetine in the morning. No differences in improvement or side effects were found based on optimal prescribing behavior. Improvement was documented in 68% of patients. Fluoxetine was discontinued in 6 (15%) cases because of adverse side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
An improvement rate of 68% among patients taking 20 to 40 mg of fluoxetine per day indicates that an adequate response can be achieved without the risk of side effects that typically accompany higher doses. In this study, fluoxetine was prescribed more often to obese patients. This prescribing pattern may indicate that primary care physicians perceive overweight patients as good candidates for fluoxetine regardless of inconclusive evidence about the effectiveness of this drug for weight loss.
Taylor
A T
AT
Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens.
Wagner
P J
PJ
Pritchard
D C
DC
Tollison
J W
JW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001835:Body Weight; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005845:Georgia; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D005473:Fluoxetine