For many Russians, the New Year holidays are tied to festive morning spreads, indulgence, and the inevitable headaches that follow. SBER EAPTEKA examined the outcomes most commonly seen in this period and how people restored their health after the winter celebrations.
The team at socialbites.ca reviewed the study’s findings for readers.
People prepared in advance to bounce back after lengthy celebrations. According to SBER EAPTEKA, December 2022 saw pharmacy orders aimed at body restoration rise by 44 percent year over year. Pain relievers stood out as the most requested items, with demand jumping 90 percent compared with December of the previous year. To regain well-being after the New Year festivities, many bought products that support digestion, up 20 percent. Interestingly, hangover remedies were less sought this year, down 8 percent.
Looking at painkillers specifically, December showed an 85 percent increase in demand. Among digestive aids, the leaders in sales growth were antidiarrheal medicines at 43 percent, followed by antispasmodics at 41 percent, laxatives at 34 percent, and remedies for heartburn at 32 percent.
Notably, the most active preparation period for post-holiday recovery aligned with the last week of 2022. Demand for hangover remedies rose about 20 percent in the final week, while sales of digestive aids increased roughly 12 percent.
The most popular drug on New Year’s Eve was Paracetamol, known for its pain-relieving properties. In second place came activated charcoal, helpful for diarrhea, followed by Citramon P in third place for December sales. Acetylsalicylic acid and Analgin tablets, both valued for analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, also remained common purchases.
In Moscow, health-focused purchases during the New Year period accounted for about a quarter of the city’s total drug sales intended to restore balance after extended holidays. Other regional highlights showed St. Petersburg, Kazan, Novosibirsk, and Nizhny Novgorod each contributing meaningful shares to the overall picture as residents sought pain relief, digestive aids, and hangover remedies.
Earlier coverage from socialbites.ca explored which Russian groups experience insomnia more frequently during the season. Source: socialbites.ca