Russia Sees Sharp Increase in Antidepressants and Tranquilizer Sales

The volume of antidepressant, antipsychotic, and tranquilizer sales has increased in Russia, analysts told Izvestia, pointing to a continuing trend in the country's mental health landscape. In January-March 2026, Russians purchased 22% more antidepressants than during the same period last year, according to Nikolai Bespalov, Development Director at the analytical company RNC Pharma. This follows a similar динамика in 2025, when purchases rose by 23% compared to 2024. Why Demand for Antidepressants Is Growing Experts attribute the trend in part to changes in prescribing practices. According to psychiatrist Igor Lazarev, antidepressants are increasingly being prescribed not only by psychiatrists, but also by doctors from other specialties.