Antidepressant sales in India: Sales of antidepressants and mood elevators have increased rapidly in recent years. Their demand has increased especially after Corona. During this period, the use of antidepressant medications in the country increased by 64 percent in just three to four years. In 2020, the market for these drugs across the country was worth Rs 1,540 crore, which will increase to Rs 2,536 crore by November 2024. This means it grew at 13% CAGR. This was revealed in data from 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 has also increased
Why has the demand for these drugs increased?
Psychiatrists believe these drugs are most commonly used as antidepressants in India, so their growing use is not surprising. According to experts, one in seven Indians suffer from mental illness, while one in eight people across the world struggle with mental health issues. Doctors prescribe them such medications for depression.
Is excessive medication use beneficial?
Times of India quoted Dr Neena Sawant, who practices at KEM Hospital and BMC’s Gleneagles Hospital, as saying that the increase in sales of these drugs also shows positive thinking that more people are now seeking treatment . He says it is good that most doctors prescribe such anti-depressant drugs, with their low doses also being prescribed. The benefits of which are visible in patients. It could also reduce the number of patients struggling with mental health issues.
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