According to the latest published data, the consumption of tranquilizers and antidepressants in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is on the rise.
Data for the past year is still unavailable, but according to figures for 2023, compared to two years earlier, the consumption of antidepressants, anxiolytics, as well as hypnotics, and sedatives has increased.
In 2023, a total of 10.883.995.94 BAM was spent on antidepressants in BiH, 13.051.675.65 BAM on anxiolytics, and 2.176.882.28 BAM on hypnotics and sedatives.
Data from the Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices of BiH show that in 2023, among antidepressants, the highest financial share was attributed to escitalopram, sertraline, and paroxetine.
Among anxiolytics, bromazepam had the highest sales, while among hypnotics and sedatives, zolpidem was the most sold.
The Agency explained that antidepressants are effective medications for treating moderate and severe depression, organic depressive disorder, and dysthymia (chronic moderate depression).
Anxiolytics are medications primarily used in the treatment of anxiety disorders within various psychiatric conditions.
The largest group of anxiolytics consists of benzodiazepines, which, in addition to their anxiolytic effects, also exhibit sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties.
Hypnotics and sedatives have sedative and hypnotic effects, and some formulations, to a lesser extent, also show anxiolytic effects. The primary use of hypnotics and sedatives is in the treatment of insomnia.
