The incidence and reporting of adverse drug reactions in the Division of Psychiatry.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the incidence, severity and reporting of adverse drug reactions occurring to newly marketed drug (all drugs annotated with a black triangle symbol) in the Division of Psychiatry.


METHODS
All patient commenced on a black triangle drug in the previous month and satisfying all inclusion criteria were interviewed by a pre-registration pharmacist. The investigator collected details regarding drug prescribed, side effects reported and non-compliance. Reports sent to the CSM were noted.


RESULTS
Twenty-two patients received 25 black triangle drugs. Sixteen (60%) suffered an adverse drug reaction. Eight reported these to their doctor with 7 (28%) discontinuing treatment due to the severity of the side effects. Two adverse drugs reactions were classified as serious according to CSM criteria (jerking movements, rash), 3 further reactions led to a deterioration in the patients mental state. No yellow cards were completed.


CONCLUSIONS
Both patient and health care professionals underreport adverse drug reactions. All reactions to a black triangle drug should be reported. A medicines and healthy living group attended by patients and professionals involved in their case has allowed an increased awareness, monitoring and reporting of adverse drug reactions.
Brown
P
P
Department of Psychiatry, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13-9WL, UK. petra@psy.cmht.nwest.nhs.uk
Faloon
L
L
D016907:Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs