Our latest episode of Akathisia Stories features Lisa Acquaviva who joins MISSD to discuss cancer, recovery, drug safety, and the power of safe-patient advocacy.
After navigating metastatic colon cancer and extensive medical treatment, Lisa began seeking answers about her experience and connecting with others affected by polypharmacy, akathisia, and other medication-related adverse effects. Tune in to hear what she learned about asking questions, recognizing symptoms, and becoming an active participant in her own care.
Cael explains what thousands of others have experienced: akathisia and related adverse drug effects can disconnect a person from their own emotions, values, needs, identity, or sense of purpose. Drugs that cause emotional blunting can numb all emotions, not just feelings of sadness.
From the outside, akathisia can initially appear invisible — but the impact is very real. In this short clip, Katinka Newman, author of The Pill That Steals Lives, reflects on her terrifying journey through prescribed harm. Listen to the full episode at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_L9vbzE_c8&t=126s.
Florida’s new guidance cautions against psychotropic medications for children ages 5–17. It recommends comprehensive evaluation, psychotherapy first, and attention to sleep, screen time, nutrition, physical activity, and stressors before medication.
Missed our latest update? Australia akathisia ads, global awareness of prescribed harm, two recent podcasts — you can read all about it here: https://conta.cc/45t3CSf.
We’re dedicated to helping ensure healthcare professionals and consumers better understand akathisia and related risks.
MISSD founder, Wendy Dolin, explains how important it is that clinical drug trial data be transparent to better protect patients and prescribers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yUHcpRQYsU
A recent UVA article emphasizes that SSRIs are “very safe” and focuses largely on relapse and mild withdrawal. This framing overlooks serious risks, including akathisia.
Rapid or poorly managed tapering increases these risks, particularly without slow, individualized (hyperbolic) dose reductions. Yet these realities are not meaningfully addressed.
MISSD advocates for clear risk communication and patient-centered care. True safety requires:
Recognition of akathisia during starting, stopping, or dose changes
Careful, gradual tapering plans
Education on warning signs such as restlessness, insomnia, terror, and new suicidality
We’re remembering Stewart Dolin today, 16 years after his akathisia-induced death. In our latest podcast, MISSD founder Wendy Dolin and director, Jenna Sachman discuss how much MISSD has done since then to improve awareness and help ensure others are safer and better informed.
Stewart would be proud that MISSD has helped so many healthcare consumers, providers, and caregivers in the U.S. and abroad. Listen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKEIqw13AsA.
New details have emerged following the death of singer Lauren Bennett. Her father says she experienced a severe reaction to prescribed medication in the months before she died. While her cause of death has not been confirmed, her family’s account highlights the importance of recognizing serious adverse drug reactions—including akathisia—which can cause profound changes in thinking, mood and behavior.
