OREANDA-NEWS In the first 11 months of 2024, sales of antidepressants in Russia increased by 16.8 percent, to 16.1 million packages, which is already higher than in 2023 (15.3 million). Kommersant writes about this with reference to data from the analytical company DSM Group.

The operator of the Fair Sign labeling system, CRPT, indicates that demand for antidepressants increased by 22 percent in 2024, and by 31.9 percent in monetary terms in January-November. In turn, RNC Pharma reports a 36 percent increase in sales during this period in monetary terms, to 12.9 billion rubles.

In general, the article says, the rapid growth in demand for antidepressants in Russia began in March 2022. That year, according to the DSM Group, Russians bought 13 million packages.

Against the background of increased demand and logistical problems, distributors periodically fail to deliver the most in-demand drugs. For example, in 2025 it became difficult to find Zofolt in Moscow. In the first 11 months of last year, its sales increased fourfold, to 1.7 million packages with a total value of 752.2 million rubles. It is the third best-selling antidepressant after Amitriptyline and Fluoxetine.

Market participants note that interruptions in supplies to pharmacies are associated with an increase in demand, they do not have time to deliver the drug. Nikolay Bespalov, Director of Development at RNC Pharma, explained that patients who are experiencing depressive states are gradually ceasing to turn to traditional medicine, which is driving demand.

Earlier it was reported that biologically active additives (dietary supplements) for stress in Russia from January to September fell to the lowest level in the last five years, although in monetary terms sales increased by 23 percent, to 5.6 billion rubles. The trend is attributed to the switch to antidepressants, although buyers who still prefer supplements without proven action are willing to pay more.