Objective: To investigate the change in using antidepressants in Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province during recent three
years and to explore the characteristics and trend of use for more reasonable use of medicine. Methods: Statistical analyses of all the antidepressants used during the period of 2002 - 2004 in respect of medicine varieties, dosages, cost, frequency of drug use, annual average rate of growth(AARG) and daily drug expenses(DDE) were performed. Results: The AARG of antidepressants cost was 16.79% in this hospital during 3 years. The AARG of selective serotonin re - uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) was increased by 34.44% and the frequcency of drug use ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th were: clomipramine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline and venlafaxine. The curative position of new antidepressants increased continuously because of the low incidence of adverse reaction. Conclusion: It is still a problem that the use of antidepressants is too concentrated. The new antidepressants will have a broad perspect at therapy.