COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF THE MEDICINES’ ASSORTMENT FOR THE SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT OF STRESS

Abstract

Introduction. In Ukraine, the problem of stress has become extremely relevant due to the complex social, economic and psychological realities caused by ongoing military conflict and its long-term consequences. One of the most common approaches to the prevention and symptomatic management of stress-related conditions is the use of sedatives, hypnotics or nootropics, particularly herbal origin with milder effect and a relatively low incidence of adverse reactions. The Aim of the Study is to analyze the Ukrainian pharmaceutical market of OTC-medicines used for the symptomatic management of stress. Research Methods. The study utilized data from State register of medicines of Ukraine, the Pharmacist’s Protocol “Symptomatic treatment of stress”, the Compendium online, the resources “Apteki.ua”, “Tabletki.ua”. Results and Discussion. The analysis shows that as of September 1, 2025, 85 trade names of overthe- counter medicines recommended for the symptomatic treatment of stress disorders were registered on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine. Structural analysis according to the ATC classification reveals that 85.8 % of the range belong to the subgroup N05 CM “Hypnotic and sedatives”. Analysis of the market segment by production characteristic indicates that 78 % of the range is domestic and 22 % is foreign-made. It was established that solids prevail by type of dosage form: film-coated tablets (21 %), tablets (11 %), sublingual tablets (6 %), capsules (15 %), and herbal raw materials in packs and filter bags (9 %). The liquid dosage forms include tinctures (21 %), oral solutions (10 %), and oral drops (6 %). It was determined that the range of drugs is dominated by combined preparations of natural origin – 85.8 % based on dry, thick or liquid extracts of St. John’s wort herb, valerian root, motherwort herb, passionflower herb, lemon balm herb. Conclusions. The obtained data can be used to optimize pharmaceutical care, improve rational drug selection, and support evidence-based decision-making in the healthcare of stress management.