ArticlePloS one2025
Utilization of psychotropic drugs in Serbia from 2006 to 2021: Patterns before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Article in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Rational Use of Benzodiazepines in Modern Healthcare: Evidence-Based Strategies.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Review
- Z-Drugs in the Environment: A Review.Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Review
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Authors and funding
19 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundThe increasing global prevalence of mental disorders as well as a persistent stigma make mental disorders a public health priority. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of psychotropic drugs utilization from 2006 to 2021 in the Republic of Serbia, examining both pre pandemic and pandemic-related changes.
methodsTo conduct this descriptive study, publicly available data on psychotropic drugs were retrieved from the official website of the Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices of Serbia (ALIMS). The linear and joinpoint regression were used in data analysis.
resultsA total of 54 psychotropic drugs use was analyzed from 2006 to 2021. There was an increase in the consumption of antidepressants, atypical antipsychotics, anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, anti-dementia drugs and gabapentinoid-based drugs. The increase in the consumption of the psychotropic drugs was linear, with no differences between the pre-COVID-19 period and the COVID-19 pandemic. Contrary, a significant decrease in use was observed for some antidepressants (maprotiline, moclobemide, mianserin), antipsychotics (chlorpromazine, fluphenazine), psychostimulants and nootropic drugs (piracetam), anxiolytics (diazepam, prazepam), sedatives and hypnotics (midazolam).
conclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic did not contribute to change in consumption of psychotropic drugs in Serbia. Still, the use of antidepressants, atypical antipsychotics, anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, anti-dementia drugs and gabapentinoids increased from 2006 to 2021.
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