This letter comments on the paper by Milane et al, which studies the effect of fluoxetine prescriptions on the suicide rate in the United States. The authors note that only the test results from 1988 were used & assert the study should have included data from 1950-1987. If these data were used, Milane et al would have seen that other risk factors contributed to the suicide rate. The authors conclude factors such as those connected with sustained economic recovery of the 1990s were responsible for the suicide rate. A reply to this letter is included. (9 refs.)