Table 1 Distribution of suicide deaths by type of antidepressants prescribed within the last year and by the time since the last prescription was redeemed for individuals aged 50 years and over in Denmark from 1996 to 2000
Men (%)Women (%)
Antidepressants during last year
No antidepressant925 (65)312 (44)
Antidepressants501 (35)398 (56)
    TCA*114 (8)114 (16)
    SSRI*384 (27)290 (41)
    Other*144 (10)123 (17)
Time since last prescription before suicide
    ⩽1 year501 (35)398 (56)
    ⩽6 month432 (30)359 (51)
    ⩽3 month384 (27)308 (43)
    ⩽1 month244 (17)199 (28)
    ⩽1 week77 (5)51 (7)

  • SSRI, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; TCA, tricyclic antidepressant.

  • *Drug types are not mutually exclusive.