Carbamazepine Shortage UK 2026

Current supply status and alternatives for Carbamazepine

Source data checked 12 November 2026, 06:18 UTC

No current notice

No current notice — there is no active shortage notice for Carbamazepine in official DHSC / NHSBSA data (official data last checked 12 November 2026, 06:18 UTC). The details below describe the most recent shortage on record. This covers DHSC supply notices for community pharmacies and NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols; a supplier stock problem can affect pharmacies before a notice is issued.

Not medical advice. MediWatch reports official UK medicine supply data; it is not a substitute for advice from a pharmacist, GP or prescriber. Do not stop, change or switch a medicine without speaking to them first. If you are unwell, contact NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency. How we check our information.

Track Carbamazepine

We'll email you only when this medicine's status actually changes — including when its official shortage notice ends. Most weeks that's nothing, and that's good news. Your first 5 tracked medicines are free.

Nearby pharmacies to call about Carbamazepine

Enter your postcode to see nearby NHS-registered pharmacies. Stock is not confirmed.

MediWatch does not guarantee live local stock. Call the pharmacy to confirm before travelling, and never stop or change medication without medical advice.

Where to get Carbamazepine

Speak to your pharmacist. They may be able to order it from another wholesaler, or suggest a different strength or form.
Ask your GP or prescriber about an alternative if it can't be sourced. Don't stop or switch medicine on your own.
Try other pharmacies. Stock varies between pharmacies. Find nearby pharmacies to call or use the NHS Find a pharmacy service (opens in a new tab).

Carbamazepine is used for treating epilepsy and trigeminal neuralgia, and bipolar disorder when other medicines have not worked (source: NHS medicines A to Z). There are no active national shortage notifications for this medication in current official data. The most recent shortage on record is shown below.

Current Shortage Status

These notices are no longer active in official DHSC / NHSBSA data. The wording below is what they said when issued.

Carbamazepine 100mg and 200mg tablets

medium DHSC MSN

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Carbamazepine 100mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free (Accord) …

Carbamazepine 100mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free (Accord)

medium DHSC MSN

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Carbamazepine 100mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free (Accord) …

Possible Alternatives

Your GP may consider the following alternatives (always consult before switching):

oxcarbazepine
lamotrigine
sodium valproate

What to Do If You're Affected

Contact your pharmacy as soon as possible — don't wait until you run out
Ask your pharmacist if a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) is active
Speak to your GP about prescribing an alternative
Try other local pharmacies who may have different stock
Sign up for MediWatch alerts to track this shortage

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Carbamazepine in shortage in the UK in 2026?

No current notice — official DHSC / NHSBSA data have no active shortage notification for Carbamazepine now. The most recent: on 13 May 2026 there were 2 active shortage notifications for Carbamazepine in the UK, issued by DHSC or NHSBSA. Sign up for MediWatch alerts to be notified of any changes.

What is Carbamazepine used for?

Carbamazepine is commonly prescribed in the UK for treating epilepsy and trigeminal neuralgia, and bipolar disorder when other medicines have not worked. It is dispensed through NHS pharmacies across the country.

What should I do if I can't get Carbamazepine from my pharmacy?

Ask your pharmacist whether a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) covers it and what that protocol allows: each one sets out exactly what can be supplied. If not, contact your GP who can prescribe a suitable alternative. Try other local pharmacies as stock levels vary by location.

What are the alternatives to Carbamazepine?

Your GP may consider alternatives including oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, sodium valproate. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before switching medications.

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Data sources: DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications · NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols · MHRA alerts
Page last updated: 5 November 2026. Data checked daily.