Antidepressants use in Chinese PLA General Hospital from 2012 to 2016

Objective To investigate the use of antidepressants in Chinese PLA General Hospital, so as to provide evidences for the rational drug use in clinical practice. Methods Defined daily dose (DDD) metric recommended by WHO was adopted, statistical analysis was conducted on the consumption sum, defined daily dose system (DDDs), defined daily cost (DDC) of antidepressants in Chinese PLA General Hospital from 2012 to 2016. Results From 2012 to 2016, 13 antidepressants were used. DDDs and consumption sum of antidepressants showed an increasing trend year by year in Chinese PLA General Hospital. DDC didn't change significantly. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) and norepinephrine reuptakeinhibitor (SNRIs) had been prescribed predominantly. The consumption sum of SSRIs and SNRIs accounted for over 55% - 75% and 20% - 30% in the total consumption sums of antidepressant drugs, respectively. DDDs and consumption sum of paroxetine, escitalopram and sertraline ranked in the top five. Conclusion Antidepressant drugs uses show an increasing trend in Chinese PLA General Hospital. SSRIs and SNRIs are the most commonly prescribed types of amtidepressants.