POSTMARKETING SURVEILLANCE BY PATIENT SELF-MONITORING - TRAZODONE VERSUS FLUOXETINE

This article presents incidence estimates and relative risks for a num ber of adverse clinical events reported by outpatients being treated w ith either trazodone or fluoxetine. Data were collected via an innovat ive method of patient self-monitoring. Many of the suggested differenc es between the two drugs are quite consistent with expected adverse dr ug reactions documented in both the package insert data for outpatient s and with reports in the literature. Findings not so readily anticipa ted for trazodone, however, include higher relative frequencies for mu scle weakness or soreness, skin swelling, and urinary complaints compa red with fluoxetine; for fluoxetine, data are presented indicating a h igher incidence of various psychologic/psychiatric adverse clinical ev ents, including delusions and hallucinations, aggression, and suicidal ideation. Other possible interpretations of the results are discussed .