Top 10 most frequently prescribed medications in the U.S.
Top 10 Most Commonly Prescribed Medications in the United States
In the United States, certain medications have become staples in treating a range of common conditions, as reflected in the latest pharmaceutical expenditure and utilization trends. Here's a look at the top 10 most commonly prescribed medications as of 2024-2025.
- Semaglutide - This drug is primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity, improving blood sugar control and reducing appetite.
- Tirzepatide - Another medication for type 2 diabetes, it helps control blood sugar levels and promotes weight loss.
- Adalimumab - A biologic drug is commonly prescribed for autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease.
- Citalopram (Celexa) - An SSRI antidepressant is used to treat depression.
- Escitalopram (Lexapro) - Another SSRI antidepressant is used for depression and anxiety disorders.
- Fluoxetine (Prozac) - An SSRI antidepressant is used for depression, OCD, and other mood disorders.
- Paroxetine (Paxil) - An SSRI antidepressant is used for treating depression and anxiety-related conditions.
- Sertraline (Zoloft) - An SSRI antidepressant is widely prescribed for depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) - An SNRI antidepressant is used for depression.
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta) - An SNRI antidepressant is used for depression and anxiety, and also for neuropathic pain.
These medications collectively address common conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, autoimmune diseases, depression, and anxiety disorders.
In addition to these, other essential medications include:
- Acetaminophen and hydrocodone - A combination pain medication, with hydrocodone being an opioid. There is a concern regarding substance misuse due to its hydrocodone content.
- Atorvastatin - A statin therapy is used as the first-line treatment option for high cholesterol and is also prescribed for children with a hereditary form of high cholesterol, among other uses.
- Amlodipine (Norvasc) - A calcium channel blocker is used to treat high blood pressure, chronic stable angina, vasospastic angina, and coronary artery disease.
- Lisinopril - A blood pressure medication is prescribed to treat high blood pressure in adults and children 6 years old and older, and may also be prescribed for heart failure or after a heart attack.
- Omeprazole (Prilosec) - A proton pump inhibitor is used to lower stomach acid production.
- Metoprolol (Lopressor) - A beta-blocker is used to treat angina, heart failure, heart attack, atrial fibrillation and flutter, and high blood pressure.
- Levothyroxine - An artificial form of thyroxine (T4) is prescribed for people with hypothyroidism and is also approved for pituitary thyrotropin suppression in people with certain forms of thyroid cancer.
- Albuterol (Ventolin) - This drug, available in a pressurized spray inhaler, reduces bronchospasm, making it easier to breathe and is prescribed for adults and children with obstructive airway diseases such as asthma.
- Metformin - A diabetes medication is prescribed as a first-line treatment option for people with a new diagnosis of the condition. It lowers how much sugar the liver produces, lowers the amount of sugar the intestines absorb, and makes insulin more sensitive to circulating sugar.
- Simvastatin - Another statin drug is prescribed for the same reasons as atorvastatin, and is often prescribed for nighttime use. However, both drugs share drug interactions and the risk of a severe muscle disorder called rhabdomyolysis when used with gemfibrozil.
- Some health-and-wellness concerns beyond the top 10 most commonly prescribed medications involve the management of chronic diseases like aq (arthritis), anthrax, asthma, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis, which may require predictive pain medications.
- Acetaminophen and hydrocodone, a combination pain medication, serves a crucial role in managing chronic pain, though its hydrocodone content raises concerns about substance misuse.
- In addition, cardiovascular health is critical, and medications like atorvastatin for high cholesterol and Amlodipine for treating high blood pressure play an important part in maintaining cardiovascular health.
- For those suffering from asthma, Albuterol, a medication used for reducing bronchospasm, offers relief, and makes breathing easier.
- Metformin, a diabetes medication, is prescribed as a first-line treatment option, helping to balance blood sugar levels and manage the condition.
- In the realm of science and medical-conditions, chronic diseases such as hepatitis often necessitate specific medications to aid in the recovery process.
- Simvastatin, another statin drug, is prescribed for managing high cholesterol and heart disease, yet can potentially interact dangerously with other medications, as with gemfibrozil, and may lead to rhabdomyolysis.
