The retail market for antidepressants continues to show rapid growth. In the first two months of 2026, Russians purchased over 4.1 million packages of the analyzed drugs, amounting to more than RUB 3.6 billion (at retail prices, including VAT). With physical volume increasing by 21%, consumer spending rose by 33%. For several years, antidepressant sales volumes have been growing at double-digit rates. In 2025, pharmacies in our country sold 23.6 million packages of these drugs worth RUB 19.6 billion, with physical sales volume increasing by 24% compared to the previous year and spending growing by 36%.

According to the "Retail Audit of Drug Sales in Russia (total sell out)" from the analytical company RNC Pharma, demand for antidepressants (group N06A) increases in spring and autumn, with peak consumption typically observed toward the end of the year. The geography of demand for drugs treating depressive disorders is characterized by a high degree of centralization. In 2025, over 40% of the total monetary market volume in the segment came from three leading regions: Moscow, Moscow Oblast, and St. Petersburg. Notably, the capital region accounts for more than 22% of all national spending on these drugs. Fourth place is held by Krasnodar Krai with a 4.8% share. All four regions showed significant consumption growth last year. The most notable dynamics were recorded in St. Petersburg (+35% in rubles compared to 2024).

The national average per capita consumption of antidepressants in 2025 was 156 packages per 1,000 people. First place in per capita consumption is held by St. Petersburg, where an average of 311.8 packages per 1,000 people were purchased last year. Moscow ranks second (284.7 packages per 1,000 people). High demand is likely determined by a combination of factors: the pace of life in megacities, the climatic characteristics of the regions, and the high level of accessibility of specialized medical care. In Moscow Oblast (third place), the figure is significantly lower, but still substantially above the national average, at 225.8 packages per 1,000 people over the year. Next are regions where antidepressant consumption did not exceed 200 packages per 1,000 people annually. Interestingly, based on the results of January–February 2026, St. Petersburg also leads in this indicator, with 56 packages sold per 1,000 people over the two months, while in Moscow the figure did not exceed 50 packages per 1,000 people.

A key role in the group is played by escitalopram-based drugs, with the absolute leader being Cipralex from H. Lundbeck, holding an 11.2% market share. Second place is held by Trittico (INN trazodone) from Angelini, accounting for 10.2% of all value sales. Rounding out the top three is Velaxin (INN venlafaxine) from Servier with a 9.3% share in rubles.

It should be noted that the structure of preferences within the category also varies by region. While Cipralex remains the sales leader in Moscow and Moscow Oblast, Trittico took first place in St. Petersburg in 2025. All participants in the top ten brands during the analyzed period showed double-digit ruble growth dynamics. The absolute maximum was demonstrated by Duloxtina (INN duloxetine) from KRKA — over the year, sales of the drug increased by 92%, while physical consumption grew by 77%.