Trends in the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in nine Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient facilities.

The average daily dose and need for dose escalations for the drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has frequently been a point of controversy. This study reports on the information gathered from nine Veterans Affairs hospitals over a two six-month periods. Average daily doses of fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline started at 30.9 mg, 24.2 mg, and 87.8 mg and ended at 28.4 mg, 24.2 mg, and 89.8 mg, respectively. Cost, number of prescriptions, and dosage strength data is also presented.