Evaluation of amitriptyline use for depression when prescribed by internists and psychiatrists

The efforts involved in structuring and implementing a drug utilization review (DUR) program that was designed to assess the use of amitriptyline for depression when prescribed by internists and psychiatrists is described. In-depth audit criteria were used to identify deviations from the criteria for each group. An immediate goal of this amitriptyline DUR program is to apply the results of the study toward the implementation of a targeted, multifaceted educational program. The design of the DUR program should emphasize the individual needs of each of the two study groups.