Cost variation analysis of various brands of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors currently available in the Indian market: An observational study

Materials and Methods: Maximum and minimum costs of various SSRIs used in the treatment of depression and anxiety were obtained from the monthly index of medical specialties (November 2020) online, Jan Aushadhi Sugam App (Generic drugs), and National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority online. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor; Depression; Cost Variation; Drug pricing INTRODUCTION Depression and other psychiatric disorders are being diagnosed more often, due to increased awareness about the same in the general public. [1] The first drug class chosen for major depressive disorder will be one amongst Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI), Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, Tricyclic Antidepressants, Norepinephrine Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors, and other atypical antidepressants. [2] SSRIs are one of the most frequently prescribed medicines for various psychiatric disorders which include major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, bipolar depression (used only with a mood stabilizer), treatment-resistant depression (in combination with other drugs), social anxiety disorder, social phobia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.