Brexit warning for depression drugs
Patients with mental health issues may face problems getting vital medication after Brexit, an MP has warned.
The SNP’S mental health spokeswoman Dr Lisa Cameron MP, a clinical psychologist, spoke out after it emerged that there are already shortages of common prescription drugs. Dr Cameron, the party’s Westminster mental health spokesperson, said: “What is becoming worse is that common drugs to treat depression are being affected by these shortages.”
Among the 80 drugs currently in short supply are Risperidone, used to treat schizophrenia; Clomipramine, used to treat a range of mental illnesses; and Dosulepin and Fluoxetine, used to treat depression.
Experts say there are a number of factors impacting on the supply of drugs but the uncertain implications of Brexit is causing stockpiling at every stage of the supply chain.
Royal Pharmaceutical Society President Ash Soni said: “We’re having to send some patients back to the GP to get a different prescription, because we just can’t fill them.”
Community Pharmacy Scotland, which represents pharmacies in Scotland, confirmed that shortages but said a “robust system” is in place to deal with shortages.
A Scottish Government spokesman said there are “many issues that can affect the supply of medicines” and gave the example of manufacturers struggling to access “raw ingredients”.