U.S. consumers spend billions for drugs

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. adults spent $127 billion in 2005 on anti-depressants and anti-psychotic drugs, as well as drugs to reduce cardiovascular risk and treat pain and insomnia.

A report by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, said consumers spent some $36 billion for prescription drugs to lower blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, or treat other metabolic problems.

The report said consumers spent $33 billion for drugs to reduce high blood pressure and treat heart conditions.

Central nervous system drugs -- which include pain killers, sleep aid medications and medications for attention-deficit disorder -- cost $26 billion, the AHRQ report said.

Anti-depressants and anti-psychotic drugs cost $17 billion, while gastrointestinal drugs, including antacids and laxatives, cost consumers $15 billion.

Spending on those drugs, $127 billion, accounted for nearly two-thirds of the total $199 billion spent on all outpatient prescription medicines, the report said.