Antidepressant Shortage UK

Track antidepressant medicine supply issues across the UK

Updated 27 March 2026 from official DHSC & NHS data

8

Active shortages

8

High severity

Antidepressant shortages can be particularly distressing as sudden interruption of these medications can cause withdrawal symptoms. Sertraline, the most prescribed antidepressant in the UK, and venlafaxine have both faced supply issues. We monitor all SSRI and SNRI shortages daily.

Current Active Shortages

Venlafaxine 37.5mg modified release tablet

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Venlafaxine 37.5mg modified release tablet (PDF:156KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Fluoxetine 40mg capsules

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Fluoxetine 40mg capsules (PDF:139KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Fluoxetine 30mg capsules

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Fluoxetine 30mg capsules (PDF:144KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Fluoxetine 40mg capsules

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Fluoxetine 40mg capsules (PDF:135KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Fluoxetine 10mg tablets

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Fluoxetine 10mg tablets (PDF:134KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Fluoxetine 40mg capsules

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Fluoxetine 40mg capsules (PDF:131KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Fluoxetine 30mg capsules

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Fluoxetine 30mg capsules (PDF:124KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Fluoxetine 10mg capsules

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Fluoxetine 10mg capsules (PDF:151KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

What to Do If Your Medication Is Affected

Never stop antidepressants suddenly — always consult your GP
Ask your pharmacist about alternative brands of the same medication
Your GP can prescribe a different strength to work around shortages
Request a slightly early prescription if you know a shortage is coming
Contact the Samaritans (116 123) if you're struggling without medication

How MediWatch Helps

MediWatch monitors official UK government data sources daily, including DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications and NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols. We alert you before your pharmacy runs out — giving you time to plan ahead with your GP or pharmacist.

Our service is completely free for individual patients. Sign up, add your medications, and we'll email you the moment a shortage affects you.

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Data sources: DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications · NHS England · MHRA
This page is automatically updated when new shortage data is published. Last checked: 27 March 2026.