Practice website of Christophe Bagot, MD

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Psychotropics in Russia

Availability of Psychotropics in Russian Pharmacies can vary, and the lists herewith are only indicative.

Recent reports in the Russian media show that 60% of medications sold in the 19,000 pharmacies and 50,000 kiosks of the Russian Federation could be counterfeit. Despite general concerns, authorities have difficulties implementing effective control on medication production and distribution.

As regards the Moscow area, to check for availability you can use the medlux website that would give you the nearest pharmacy where you can find the medication you are looking for. Note that medication names should be typed in Cyrillic on medlux browser: if you are not familiar with Russian letters, you can use the following list and copy/paste the name.

1. Antidepressants are listed in the table bellow. Note that Hypericum Perforatum (St John's Worth) is also available under different brand names such as Helarium Hypericum (Гелариум гиперикум), Deprim (Деприм) or Негрустин.

2. Neuroleptics are broadly available and used (see table), including Zyprexa and Abilify.

3. Most Tranquilizers and Hypnotics (see table) require a special form (form N°148) to be prescribed, in order to restrict their use. Melatonine (Мелахен) is easy to buy without prescription, as is doxylamin (Donormyl or Донормил).

4. ADHD is not commonly used in Russia as a diagnosis, and consequently medication available in the US and in Western Europe are forbidden in Russia, and even considered as narcotics. The only medication on the market seems to be Atomoxetine (generic name) sold under the brand name Strattera (Страттера). It requires a Form N°148.

5. Mood Stabilizers are also listed bellow.

Note that names of medication are written in Latin letters on most prescriptions.

There could be differences between countries in the way medications are supplied (dosages, tablets or capsules...). Furthermore, a drug can be approved in some indication in some countries, and not in others. Please consult your specialist.

ANTIDEPRESSANTS

NEUROLEPTICS

MOOD STABILIZERS

ANXIOLYTICS & HYPNOTICS