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Rethink Mental Illness: Medicine shortages are a concern for people with mental health problems

Rethink Mental Illness: Medicine shortages are a concern for people with mental health problems

In response to an All Party Pharmacy Group report out today, which details medicine shortages in England, Paul Jenkins, CEO of the charity Rethink Mental Illness said:

"It's a real concern to us that people aren't getting access to the medication they need for mental health problems and depression in particular. The shortage means some people are coming off strong medication suddenly, which can lead to very unpleasant side-effects such as insomnia, hallucinations and nausea.

"We always recommend that people come off antidepressants under the supervision of their GP, which usually involves gradually reducing the dose.

"This problem is particularly distressing for people with mental health problems, because the stress of not being able to get hold of medication, could in itself lead to a deterioration in someone’s condition."


ENDS

You can see the full report here:

http://www.appg.org.uk/Medicine-Shortages-report.htm


For more information, please contact Rachel Whitehead, News and Media Manager for Rethink Mental Illness on 0207 840 3138 or email Rachel.whitehead@rethink.org

 


Notes to editors

Rethink Mental Illness is a charity that believes a better life is possible for millions of people affected by mental illness.

For 40 years we have brought people together to support each other. We run services and support groups that change people’s lives and challenge attitudes about mental illness.

We directly support almost 60,000 people every year across England to get through crises, to live independently and to realise they are not alone.

We give information and advice to 500,000 more and we change policy for millions.

For more information go to www.rethink.org