Hundreds of mental health patients in Cyprus are facing a health crisis as a crucial psychiatric medication has been unavailable for six months, leaving many unable to work and at risk of suicide, medical professionals warned.
The shortage of Seroquel XR, a drug for treating bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, has forced patients to switch to less effective alternatives, leading to severe disruptions in their daily lives.
Psychiatrist Antonis Papaneofytou told Philenews the situation was “extremely serious”, affecting hundreds of patients across Cyprus who had previously been stable for years.
“Must people die before authorities take action?” Papaneofytou said, urging the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) to secure emergency supplies for the most severe cases.
The extended-release medication cannot be effectively replaced by immediate-release alternatives, which cause severe drowsiness and leave many patients bedridden, according to medical experts.
A 33-year-old bipolar disorder patient, who has been taking the medication for a decade, reported becoming functionally disabled without it. “I am fighting for my fundamental right to healthcare”, she said, adding that she could no longer drive or work.
The patient warned that she knew of others experiencing suicidal thoughts due to the shortage.
Seroquel XR, also known as quetiapine, is considered a cornerstone treatment for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. Sudden discontinuation can lead to severe psychiatric symptoms and increased suicide risk, requiring immediate medical intervention.
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