Adverse Drug Reaction due to Antidepressants among Patients with Depression in a Private Psychiatric Hospital of Nepal

Abstract

Background. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are the known cause of morbidity and mortality, resulting in increased hospitalization, healthcare costs, complications, and decreased adherence in patients with depression. This study is aimed at evaluating adverse drug reactions due to antidepressants among patients with depression in the psychiatric hospital of Nepal. Methods. A hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted among 47 patients using purposive sampling techniques among patients with depression visiting a private psychiatric hospital. The causality, severity, and preventability assessment of reported ADRs was performed using the Naranjo scale, modified Hartwig Siegel’s Severity Assessment Scale, and Schumock and Thornton scale, respectively. The data collected were entered into and analyzed using IBM-SPSS 20.0. Results. The incidence rate of ADR was found to be 4.54%, with females having a higher incidence rate of 5.56%. A total of 54 ADRs were reported. The majority of them were probable (30, 55.55%), moderate (36, 66.66%) and probably preventable (24, 44.44%). Most of the ADRs were managed either by stopping (19, 35.18%) or substituting (19, 35.18%) the suspected drug and 66.66% of the ADRs were recovered. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were associated with a higher number of ADRs i.e. 34. Conclusion. The findings highlight the need for regular intensive monitoring of ADRs in psychiatric outpatients by clinical pharmacists for early detection and reduction of risk caused by ADRs associated with antidepressants.