Compliance in psychiatry: results of a survey of depressed patients using orally disintegrating tablet

As many as 60% of the patients do not follow the therapy recommended by their physicians. An important factor that can influence patient’s compliance is the physician’s opinion about the tolerability and safety of prescribed medication. However, the efforts of both parties, not only physician but also patient, have benefits on the outcome of treatment. Patient’s opinion on choosing the form of medication is appropriate way ensuring better compliance. The aim of the survey was to ascertain the opinion of depressed patients towards a new formulation of antidepressant drug, mirtazapine – orally disintegrating tablet Remeron SolTab. The study was approved by Lithuanian State Medicines Control Agency and local Ethics Committee. A total of 453 depressed patients were included in the survey. Most of the patients used a 30-mg dose of Remeron SolTab (n=344, 75.88%). Most of the patients (n=189, 41.81%) had a positive opinion about the taste of medication (“very pleasant”). According to the results of the survey, 281 (61.95%) used Remeron SolTab regularly. However, 129 (28.54%) patients noted that the new drug formulation had no influence on the regularity of use. Statistically significantly more patients (81.86%) noted that they would choose Remeron SolTab compared to the patients who would prefer conventional form of the medication (2.21%). In 184 (40.71%) patients, a significant mood improvement was noted. Most of the patients (n=246, 54.20%) indicated that mood improved. Based on the results of the survey it can be concluded that patient will prefer the drug (or its new formulation) he/she liked and thus will follow physician’s instructions and cooperate with physician more closely..