Tag: Drug trends

In 2023, Americans spent nearly $38.6 billion on the diabetes and weight-loss drug semaglutide, making it the top-selling medication by consumer spending. The answer to what is America's best selling drug, however, depends on whether you measure by revenue, prescription volume, or a specific time frame, reflecting a dynamic and competitive market.

According to a June 2024 RAND Corporation report, psilocybin mushrooms are the psychedelic substance most often used in the United States, with approximately 8 million American adults using the substance in 2023. This shift in usage patterns raises important questions about what is the most common psychedelic drug and how modern research and changing policies are affecting drug trends.

Recent prescribing trends have shown a significant shift toward newer antiepileptic drugs, and among these, levetiracetam is often identified as the most prescribed drug for seizures, frequently due to its broad-spectrum efficacy and favorable side-effect profile. This modern trend reflects a movement away from older, potentially more problematic medications, particularly for certain patient demographics.

Based on recent data on prescription volume, Atorvastatin, the generic for Lipitor, consistently holds a top position in the United States, but asking what is the #1 prescribed drug can have different answers depending on whether you measure by volume or total cost. While volume leaders often treat widespread chronic conditions, spending leaders can be newer, high-cost therapies.