Cyprus Faces Critical Shortage of Essential Psychiatric Medication
In recent months, Cyprus has been grappling with a significant shortage of Seroquel XR, a crucial medication used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. This shortage has left hundreds of mental health patients without access to their prescribed treatment, leading to severe disruptions in their daily lives and posing serious health risks.
The unavailability of Seroquel XR has forced many patients to switch to immediate-release alternatives. However, these substitutes often cause severe drowsiness, rendering patients unable to perform routine activities such as driving or working. Medical professionals have expressed deep concern over this issue, emphasizing that patients who had been stable for years are now experiencing significant setbacks.
Psychiatrist Antonis Papaneofytou highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that the shortage affects hundreds of patients across the country. He urged the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) to secure emergency supplies of the medication for the most severe cases, questioning whether action will only be taken after fatalities occur.
Patients have reported a drastic decline in their quality of life due to the medication shortage. One 33-year-old patient, who has been on Seroquel XR for a decade, described feeling functionally disabled without it, unable to work or drive, and struggling to maintain basic daily activities. She also mentioned that others in similar situations are experiencing suicidal thoughts as a result of the abrupt discontinuation of their medication.
Seroquel XR, also known as quetiapine, is a cornerstone treatment for managing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. Sudden discontinuation can lead to severe psychiatric symptoms and an increased risk of suicide, necessitating immediate medical intervention.
The ongoing shortage has prompted calls for immediate action from health authorities to address the supply issues and ensure that patients have uninterrupted access to their essential medications. The situation underscores the critical importance of a stable medication supply chain in maintaining public health, particularly for individuals managing chronic mental health conditions.
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