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This research study analyzes consumer questions about antidepressants and compares them to overall utilization rates. It reveals that consumers have many unanswered questions about antidepressants, particularly regarding safety when experiencing symptoms. This information can help clinicians preemptively address potential concerns and improve adherence.
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Consumer questions about antidepressants The Research Question • What do consumers want to know about their antidepressants? • How do antidepressants of interest to consumers compare with overall utilization?
Consumer questions about antidepressants What the Researchers Did • We analyzed data (123,217 calls) from a consumer medicines call center in Australia (Jan 2006-June 2010) and compared questions about antidepressants and the rest of calls • We thematically analyzed the narratives of questions motivated by a ‘worrying symptom’ • We compared volume of calls per antidepressant to utilization (defined daily dose [DDD]/1000 pop/day)
Consumer questions about antidepressants What the Researchers Found • 15.2% of all calls are about an antidepressant • 1 in 4 antidepressant calls were triggered by a worrying symptom • Two in three antidepressant calls were about safety • Consumers experiencing a worrying symptom want information about side-effects, interactions with other medication and withdrawal • Despite their high use, consumers were relatively less concerned about SSRIs
Consumer questions about antidepressants What This Means for Clinical Practice • Consumers have many unanswered questions about antidepressants • Especially when experiencing symptoms consumers worry about the medication’s safety, which may reduce adherence • Clinicians should be aware of these often un-asked questions and preemptively address potential concerns
