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Abstract

To monitor the adverse drug reactions due to various antidepressants prescribed in patients coming to psychiatry OPD with depression at a tertiary care hospital in northern India. Methods: This was a prospective observational longitudinal study conducted for a period of 12 months in a tertiary care outpatient facility. Patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria and those who gave informed consent were recruited. The antidepressant prescribed to the patient was noted and the patient was followed for a period of 6 months for complaints of any adverse effects. Results: A total of 96 patients were monitored for adverse drug reactions. ADRs were only recorded in the SSRIs group of patients of which only escitalopram and sertraline were prescribed to patients. 20.8% of the patients developed adverse events of which the most common were nausea, followed by a headache. Other observed adverse events that were recorded were anxiety, dry mouth, vomiting, somnolence, fatigue and sexual dysfunction. Conclusions: Prevention of adverse drug reactions occurring due to antidepressants can be achieved by patient education, reassurance, constant follow-up and monitoring. INTRODUCTION: Depression is characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that a person normally enjoys and the inability to carry out daily activities, for at least two weeks. Depression may be accompanied by several of the following: loss of energy; change in appetite; sleeping more or less; anxiety; reduced concentration; indecisiveness; restlessness; feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.