Current Supply Status by Category
Antidepressants (SSRIs & SNRIs)
| Medication | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sertraline | ✅ Available | Supply recovered after 2023 shortage |
| Fluoxetine capsules | ✅ Available | Multiple generic suppliers |
| Fluoxetine liquid | ⚠️ Intermittent | Liquid formulation constrained |
| Citalopram | ✅ Available | Adequate supply |
| Venlafaxine | ✅ Available | Most formulations stable |
| Mirtazapine | ✅ Available | Adequate supply |
| Duloxetine | ✅ Available | Supply stabilised |
ADHD Medications
ADHD medications remain the most significantly affected psychiatric medicines. See our dedicated ADHD shortage report for detailed status.
Anxiolytics and Sedatives
| Medication | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Diazepam | ⚠️ Improving | Some strengths limited |
| Pregabalin | ✅ Available | Multiple suppliers |
| Buspirone | ✅ Available | Adequate supply |
| Zopiclone | ✅ Available | Stable |
Antipsychotics
| Medication | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quetiapine | ⚠️ Improving | Some extended-release formulations constrained |
| Olanzapine | ✅ Available | Stable supply |
| Risperidone | ✅ Available | Adequate |
| Aripiprazole | ✅ Available | Multiple generic suppliers |
Why Mental Health Medicines Face Shortages
Post-Pandemic Demand Surge
The mental health impact of COVID-19 created lasting demand increases. NHS data shows antidepressant prescriptions in England reached 86 million items in 2024-25, up from 64 million in 2018-19. This 34% increase represents millions of additional patients entering long-term treatment.
The Abrupt Cessation Risk
Mental health medication shortages are particularly concerning because many psychiatric drugs cannot be stopped abruptly:
- Antidepressants: Abrupt cessation can cause discontinuation syndrome — dizziness, nausea, brain zaps, insomnia, and mood disturbance
- Benzodiazepines: Sudden withdrawal can cause seizures and is potentially life-threatening
- Antipsychotics: Stopping abruptly can cause psychotic relapse
- ADHD stimulants: While not physically dangerous to stop, the functional impact can be severe
This makes supply continuity for psychiatric medications a patient safety issue, not just an inconvenience.
What Patients Should Do
- Never stop psychiatric medication abruptly without medical supervision
- Discuss a contingency plan with your prescriber: which alternative would they suggest if your usual medication is unavailable?
- Order repeat prescriptions at least 2 weeks before you run out
- If switching to an alternative, ensure proper cross-tapering under medical guidance
- If you're in crisis due to medication unavailability, contact your GP, crisis team, or call 116 123 (Samaritans)
- Sign up for MediWatch alerts for your medication
Related
ADHD Medication Crisis 2026
Deep dive into ADHD drug shortages
Medicine Out of Stock Guide
Step-by-step action plan
Emergency Prescriptions
Getting medication urgently
Related shortages
Mental health medication shortages
Category updates for antidepressants and antipsychotics
Sertraline shortage page
Track SSRI supply changes
Olanzapine shortage page
Current antipsychotic availability updates
Page last updated: 7 March 2026. Data checked daily.