It has come to my attention that there is a shortage of Quilonorm ret. (Lithium), which is used as a mood stabilizer in bipolar patients, in Austria. No background information was given.

Should this shortage persist, serious adverse effects might result in patients who have to discontinue their medication. These include relapse (mania or depression) and a pronounced increase of suicide risk.

I will let you know as soon as I receive more information about the current situation.

UPDATE May 27 2013
GSK Glaxo Smith Kline Have not responded yet
to repated calls. Therefore, I have no diea whatsoever about the background
of the shortage. Lithium patients will probably suffer.