Report Details $199B in Prescription Drug Spending in 2005

U.S. adults in 2005 spent $199 billion on prescription drugs, with $127 billion spent on five types of medications, according to a recent study released by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Based on the most recent data available, the study found that adults spent $36 billion on medications to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels and to treat metabolic conditions. In addition, the study found that adults spent about $33 billion on medications to reduce blood pressure and to treat coronary conditions.

The study also found that adults spent more than $26 billion on medications to treat pain, insomnia, attention deficit disorder and central nervous system conditions. Adults spent $17 billion on medications to treat mental health conditions, such as depression and psychosis, and spent $15 billion on medications to treat gastrointestinal conditions, the study found (Cohen, Newark Star-Ledger, 2/7).