Antidepressant Sales in India: Sales of antidepressants and mood elevators have increased rapidly in the last few years. Their demand has increased especially after Corona. During this period, the use of antidepressant medicines in the country has increased by 64 percent in just three-four years. In 2020, the market of these medicines across the country was worth Rs 1,540 crore, which will increase to Rs 2,536 crore by November 2024. Meaning it has increased by 13% CAGR. This has been revealed in the data of Pharmarack, which monitors 17 major pharmaceutical companies.
Topping the list is the combination of escitalopram and clonazepam, whose sales have increased by 59.35% since 2020. Escitalopram is used in the treatment of depression and stress disorders. At the same time, Clonazepam manages stress, anxiety and seizures by calming the nervous system.
Demand for sertraline also increased
Why did the demand for these medicines increase?
Psychiatrists believe that these medicines are most commonly used as anti-depressants in India, so the increase in their use is not surprising. According to experts, one out of every seven Indians is mentally ill, while every eighth person across the world is struggling with mental health problems. Doctors are prescribing them such anti-depression medicines.
Is excessive use of medicines beneficial?
Times of India quoted Dr. Neena Sawant, who practices at BMC’s KEM Hospital and Gleneagles Hospital, as saying that the increase in sales of these medicines also shows positive thinking that more people are now demanding treatment. He says that it is good that most of the doctors are prescribing such anti-depression medicines, their low doses are also being prescribed. The benefits of which are being seen in the patients. This may also reduce the number of patients struggling with mental health.
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