Mental health medication demand in the UK has surged since 2020, with prescriptions for antidepressants increasing by over 30%. This increased demand, combined with manufacturing and supply chain challenges, has led to availability issues for several psychiatric medications.
8.6M
Antidepressant patients in England
+34%
Prescription increase since 2019
12
Psychiatric drugs affected
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 MedWatch 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
Data sources: DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications · NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols · NHS England
Page last updated: 7 February 2026. Data checked daily.
Page last updated: 7 February 2026. Data checked daily.