New E-Prescriptions for Depression and Anxiety Meds Increased Sharply in 2020

Healthcare providers wrote more new prescriptions for antidepressants and antianxiety medications in 2020 over 2019 levels within the iPrescribe mobile app, according to details of a new index report by DrFirst. Prescriptions for antidepressants rose 57%, while those for antianxiety medications climbed by 37%. Prescriptions to treat opioid withdrawal and help reverse opioid intoxication or overdose also increased, as did those for hair loss and erectile dysfunction. 

The report measures changes in the average number of new prescriptions per prescriber issued via iPrescribe in 2020 vs. 2019 and highlights the app’s accelerated adoption in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“People have been facing disruption in every aspect of their lives because of the pandemic, and doctors throughout the country are reporting that it’s affecting their patients’ mental health. Concerns about whether they or a loved one could become ill or die from COVID, managing unexpected financial burdens and sudden changes in work status, having children attending online classes from home, and not being able to visit with friends and family is taking a toll, so it’s no surprise there are more prescriptions for medications to treat these issues,” said Colin Banas, M.D., MHA, chief medical officer for DrFirst. 

See the press release for more report findings.