With the introduction of newer, more expensive psychotropic medication
s, pharmacists must consider the cost-effectiveness issues related to
the use of these drugs. In general, the newer agents are more effectiv
e than conventional drugs, have improved side-effect profiles, and are
associated with a lower rate of recidivism. However, because of cost
constraints, not every patient who needs a newer psychotropic drug has
the opportunity to receive it. To provide these patients with the med
ication they need, we must look beyond the acquisition cost.of the dru
g and focus on the global impact of the medication on the total mental
health budget at a facility. Data from this point of view can justify
the greater expense of the medication, and more importantly, the pati
ent can be better served. Cost-effectiveness data from one's own insti
tution may be more convincing to formulary committee members than data
from academic centers and can help make newer, more expensive agents
available to the patients who need them. Designing and implementing a
retrospective study is one means of obtaining these cost-effectiveness
data.