⚠️ Never Stop Mental Health Medication Abruptly
Suddenly stopping antidepressants or antipsychotics can cause dangerous discontinuation symptoms including severe anxiety, dizziness, nausea, electric shock sensations ("brain zaps"), insomnia and, rarely, seizures.
If your medication is unavailable: contact your pharmacy immediately. Under SSP arrangements, they can often supply an alternative on the spot. If nothing is available, see your GP the same day.
In crisis? Call the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7) or NHS 111.
Quick Status: All Mental Health Drugs
Current Active Shortages
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Fluoxetine 10mg, 30mg & 40mg capsules/tablets
Serious ShortageNHSBSA SSPMultiple active SSPs covering fluoxetine 10mg capsules, 10mg tablets, 30mg capsules and 40mg capsules.
Fluoxetine is the UK's most-prescribed SSRI. The shortage primarily affects less common strengths. The standard 20mg capsule, which accounts for the vast majority of prescriptions, remains fully available. If you take 40mg daily and 40mg capsules are unavailable, your pharmacist can supply two 20mg capsules instead.
Venlafaxine
Venlafaxine 37.5mg modified-release tablets
Serious ShortageNHSBSA SSP + DHSC MSNVenlafaxine 37.5mg MR tablets out of stock until mid-July 2025. SSP active allowing pharmacists to supply alternatives.
Venlafaxine has a notably short half-life, meaning discontinuation symptoms can begin within hours of a missed dose. It is especially important not to miss doses or run out.
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Quetiapine 150mg, 200mg & 300mg tablets
Serious ShortageNHSBSA SSPMultiple SSPs active for quetiapine 150mg, 200mg and 300mg immediate-release tablets. Quetiapine MR tablets also in limited supply.
Switching between IR and MR (XL) quetiapine is not straightforward — any switch must be managed by your prescriber. The total daily dose may need adjusting.
Drugs NOT Currently in Shortage
Good news: Sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, mirtazapine and lithium all have no current supply issues.
Understanding Mental Health Drug Classes
- SSRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram) — first-line for depression and anxiety. Increase serotonin levels.
- SNRIs (venlafaxine, duloxetine) — affect both serotonin and noradrenaline. Venlafaxine has a short half-life.
- Atypical antipsychotics (quetiapine, olanzapine, aripiprazole) — for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and treatment-resistant depression.
- Mood stabilisers (lithium, valproate) — primarily for bipolar disorder. Require blood monitoring.
What to Do If Your Mental Health Medication Is Affected
- Do not stop or reduce your dose without medical advice.
- Contact your pharmacy immediately. Under SSP arrangements, they can often dispense an alternative strength or formulation.
- Call multiple pharmacies. Stock levels vary.
- Contact your GP the same day if no alternative is available.
- Check if a different formulation works. Tablets vs capsules, IR vs MR, or liquid formulations may be available.
- Keep a 2-week buffer. Order repeat prescriptions before your supply runs out.
Support in Crisis
- Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24 hours) — samaritans.org
- NHS 111: Call 111 for urgent medical advice
- Mind: 0300 123 3393 — mind.org.uk
- Crisis text line: Text SHOUT to 85258
Further Reading
- Mental health medication availability — full analysis
- What to do when your prescription is out of stock
- Antidepressant shortage page — SSRIs and SNRIs
Related Condition Pages
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