Last six months saw a 17% surge in anxiety medication purchases by Russians compared to the same period last year
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, one area that has seen significant growth is the market for anxiolytics and antidepressants in Russia. This growth is driven by increasing mental health awareness, rising stress levels, and expanding availability of newer pharmacological and supplementary treatments.
According to a study by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) in 2023, approximately 10% of Russian citizens, or 15 million people, were in a deep depression. The main causes of this depression, as identified by the study, include family violence, long-term illness, death of a loved one, loneliness, and large loans. Two-thirds of those under psychiatric care have depression, anxiety disorders, and similar conditions.
The market for anxiolytics and antidepressants in Russia is diverse, encompassing traditional anxiolytics like pregabalin, modern antidepressants such as desvenlafaxine extended-release tablets, and emerging supplements like L-Tryptophan and Lion’s Mushroom.
Pregabalin remains a widely used anxiolytic in Russia, valued for its efficacy but monitored for abuse potential due to its sedative and euphoric effects. Desvenlafaxine succinate extended-release tablets represent a significant segment, with a global market expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2024 to 2031, indicating likely increased adoption in Russia as well.
Products containing L-Tryptophan and Lion’s Mushroom are gaining traction for their anxiolytic and mood-stabilizing effects, appealing to consumers seeking alternatives or adjuncts to traditional medication. Clinical and consumer interest in combined therapies involving pharmacotherapy and cognitive/behavioral treatments is also on the rise, although evidence for the superiority of combined approaches is mixed.
The expanding treatment centres and ongoing clinical studies in Russia and globally, such as phase 3 trials for depression treatments, indicate a dynamic therapeutic landscape that contributes to demand by improving access and options.
In 2024, 17.1 million packs worth 12.9 billion rubles of antidepressants were sold, representing a 36% increase compared to the previous year. In the first half of 2025, sales of anxiolytics increased by 17% compared to the same period in 2024, amounting to 4.6 billion rubles. Notably, the drug "Strezaм" from "Biodeks" experienced the highest growth in sales, with a year-on-year increase of 54%. The over-the-counter Russian drug "Afobazole" from "Otisifarma" accounts for almost 45% of the market for anti-anxiety drugs in 2025.
Sales of the drugs "Ataракс" from "USB Pharma" and "Grandaxin" from "Servier Group" also increased by 23% and 18% respectively in 2025. However, the article does not contain new sales figures or regional breakdowns for anti-anxiety or antidepressant drugs.
As of the end of 2024, about 4 million adults in Russia are under psychiatric care, according to the Ministry of Health's part-time psychiatrist, Svetlana Shport. Interestingly, after the start of a military operation (presumably SVO), pharmaceutical retailers recorded an anomalous surge in demand for drugs that help cope with anxiety and depression in Russia. The sale of tranquilizers in Russia reached almost 11 million packs, worth 9 billion rubles, in the first half of 2025.
The growth of the Russian anxiolytics and antidepressants market aligns with broader global trends emphasizing mental health care accessibility and novel, effective therapies. This multifaceted growth underscores the importance of continued investment in mental health research, treatment, and awareness in Russia and beyond.
- The diverse market for anxiolytics and antidepressants in Russia, driven by increasing mental health issues, includes traditional medications like pregabalin, modern antidepressants such as desvenlafaxine extended-release tablets, and emerging supplements like L-Tryptophan and Lion’s Mushroom, which are gaining traction for their anxiolytic and mood-stabilizing effects.
- With about 4 million adults under psychiatric care in Russia, as reported by Svetlana Shport, the country's Ministry of Health's part-time psychiatrist, and the sales of tranquilizers reaching nearly 11 million packs, worth 9 billion rubles, in the first half of 2025, it is clear that science, health-and-wellness, and mental-health are intertwined areas of significant importance in Russia's ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
