Abstract
To investigate the trends in psychiatric drugs utilization in Serbia and Montenegro over the 5-years period (2000-2004). The wholesale data issued by the manufacturers or distributors were used. Also, the lists of drugs used from the Institute of Mental Health (institution which provides primary, secondary and tertiary psychiatric care) were used to corroborate the wholesale data. The utilization of drugs in general population was calculated using ATC/DDD methodology, and was expressed in Defined Daily Doses (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants per day. The utilization of drugs in the Institute of Mental Health was calculated from the hospital pharmacy records and was expressed as the number of DDDs per 100 bed-days. The statistics was performed using standard statistical methods. The general consumption of psychiatric drugs in Serbia and Montenegro significantly increased during the 2000-2004 period (from 45.1 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day in 2000 to 69.1 DDD/1000 inhour/day in 2004). The general utilization of anxiolytic/hypnotic drugs surged significantly, but the inhospital use remained rather stable. The most prominent changes were noted in the utilization of antidepressants, which doubled in that period, both in general and inhospital settings. Among antipsychotics in general population, there is a significant increase in the utilization of clozapine. In inhospital setting, there is a significant increase of total utilization of antipsychotic drugs, but this is also mainly on the account of atypicals. The total consumption of psychiatric drugs significantly increased. The utilization of anxiolytic/hypnotic drugs in 2004 reached 60 DDDs/1000 inhabitants/day, which is in collision with the trend in developed countries. It is necessary to form national guidelines for prescribing anxiolytic/hypnotic drugs, in order to rationalize their use. More favourable is the antidepressant (SSRIs in particular) and atypical antipsychotic drugs utilization increase.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
