Are you suffering from akathisia?

Have you or someone you know recently started, stopped or changed dosage of a medication?

Akathisia 101

MISSD is pleased to now offer Akathisia 101. The free, online one-hour continuing education course is open to all who want to better understand, identify and respond to akathisia. Akathisia 101 is approved by the National Association of Social Workers for 1 continuing education contact hour. Healthcare and crisis teams, patients, therapists, caregivers, doctors, first-responders, drug safety advocates and educators — everyone can benefit from akathisia awareness. Let's make Akathisia a household word.

Read our Brochure View our Akathisia Tip Sheet Take the Course

MISSD on YouTube

MISSD is proud to present our newest akathisia video, "Akathisia: In Their Own Words"

This educational video features firsthand experiences of people who suffered akathisia and family members who witnessed akathisia before their loved one's death. MISSD is grateful to all who help increase akathisia awareness. We present this video in memory of those who have suffered the pain and loss precipitated by akathisia.

Visit the MISSD Foundation YouTube channel for all of our latest content and interviews. Don't forget to subscribe!

Akathisia: What to look for

Are you or someone you know experiencing an increase in any of the following symptoms: anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, or physical/inner restlessness, which have in turn caused suicidal thoughts or feelings?

Perhaps a friend or loved-one, shortly after starting, stopping, or changing dosage of medication, has engaged in strange, unusual or violent behavior, or without warning has even taken his/her own life.

You or your loved-one may be suffering from akathisia, an adverse side-effect of medications.

Did you know?

 

Contact

If medication-induced suicide or akathisia has affected your life – or you would simply like to learn more – we would love to hear from you. To send us your stories, articles, questions or comments, please drop us a line.

Akathisia is often a missed and/or misdiagnosed medication-induced disorder. We have great empathy for families who are in need of medical and/or legal advice. However, due to legal reasons, MISSD is unable to offer legal and/or medical advice. Additionally, MISSD is not a suicide hotline. Thank you for your understanding.

Please wait...

MISSD
P.O. Box 10107
Chicago, Illinois 60610

MISSD is an awareness nonprofit and does not provide counseling or support services.

What is akathisia?


Akathisia is a disorder, induced as a side effect of medications (including SSRI's and antipsychotics), which can cause a person such intense inner restlessness that the sufferer is driven to violence and/or suicide.

Akathisia

Akathisia is a disorder, induced as a side effect of medications (including SSRI's and antipsychotics), which can cause a person to experience such intense inner restlessness that the sufferer is driven to violence and/or suicide. It has been said, "Death can be a welcome result." For reasons related to the strong political and lobbying power of pharmaceutical companies, akathisia is rarely explained as a possible side effect of medications, and medical professionals and the general public know very little of the existence of this disorder.

In fact, the drug lobby would like you to believe that akathisia is simply "restless leg syndrome." As a result, sufferers of akathisia, as well as the medical professionals with whom they consult, are not able to recognize the symptoms of akathisia and therefore take the steps necessary to stop it. This lack of knowledge has tragically resulted in akathisia sufferers taking their own lives, and leaving behind devastated loved ones.

MISSD is not anti-drug. We know that prescription drugs have been life-saving for so many individuals who struggle with mental health issues. We are for truth in disclosure, honesty in reporting and legitimate drug trials.

For more information, view our educational handout.

What should I do?

If you or a loved one is being treated with a medication, be aware of any increase in symptoms described, especially when the medication is started, stopped, or changed (in dose or type). If you are experiencing any increase in the symptoms described, call your doctor immediately. Akathisia can cause you to engage in dangerous and harmful activities, including suicide. If you feel the situation is urgent, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

According to the FDA:

Consideration should be given to changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing the medication in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidality or symptoms that might be precursors to worsening depression or suicidality, especially if these symptoms are severe, abrupt in onset, or were not part of the patient's presenting symptoms.

Stewart Dolin 1952-2010

About MISSD

Stewart Dolin had the perfect life. He was married to his high school sweetheart for 36 years. He was the father of two grown children with whom he had a very close and meaningful relationship. He was a senior partner of a large international law firm, managing hundreds of corporate lawyers. He enjoyed his work and derived satisfaction from cultivating relationships with his clients, as well as helping them achieve the results they desired. He enjoyed travel, skiing, dining, joking around with his family and friends and an occasional cigar. He was 57 years old, and high on life.

In the summer of 2010, Stewart developed some anxiety regarding work. He was prescribed Paxil (paroxetine), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor ("SSRI"). Stewart's prescription was filled with a generic version of Paxil, manufactured by Mylan. Within days, Stewart's anxiety became worse. He felt restless, had trouble sleeping, even asked his wife to listen to a meditation tape with him (hardly typical behavior). He kept saying, "I still feel so anxious."

On July 15, 2010, (six days after beginning the medication), following a regular lunch with a business associate, Stewart left his office and walked to a nearby train platform. A registered nurse who was also on the platform later reported seeing Stewart pacing back and forth and looking very agitated. As a train approached, Stewart took his own life. This happy, funny, loving, wealthy, dedicated husband and father who loved life left no note and no logical reason why he would suddenly want to end it all. Neither Paxil nor the generic version listed suicidal behavior as a potential side effect for men of Stewart's age.

We did not know it then, but Stewart was suffering from akathisia.

MISSD (The Medication-Induced Suicide Prevention and Education Foundation in Memory of Stewart Dolin) is a unique 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the memory of Stewart and other victims of akathisia by raising awareness and educating the public about the dangers of akathisia. MISSD aims to ensure that people suffering from akathisia's symptoms are accurately diagnosed so that needless deaths are prevented. A website, the creation of educational materials and support of conferences will help to raise awareness and knowledge of akathisia and medication-induced suicides. Again, we feel it's important to note that we are not anti-drug, and recognize that prescription drugs can be positive and life-saving for many individuals. We are for truth in disclosure, honesty in reporting and legitimate drug trials.

If this could happen to Stewart, then it could happen to anyone. MISSD will make a difference.

Disclaimer

The use of the term "Website" includes the domain www.MISSD.co and any of its sub-domains, and any content, sites, services, information, or webpages hosted by or made available on the domain or any of its sub-domains.

Disclaimer On Information And Advice

You acknowledge that the information on this Website is provided "as is" for general information only and without warranties of any kind. The materials on this Website are not meant to be used for self­diagnosis orto replace the services of a medical professional. This Website does not offer medical advice or recommendations to individuals and you should not rely on the information posted on the Website as a substitute for consultations with qualified health care professionals who are familiar with individual medical conditions and needs. The Medication­Induced Suicide Education Foundation in Memory of Stewart Dolin Not­for­Profit Corporation (“MISSD”) does not advocate that you attempt to treat yourself, your family or someone you know without proper medical supervision. MISSD encourages you to seek the guidance of your healthcare provider if you feel that you, your family or someone that you know suffers from the conditions described on this Website. While MISSD endeavors to keep the materials on this Website current, healthcare information changes rapidly and thus the materials on this Website should not be relied upon to be fully comprehensive or error free. MISSD does not recommend, endorse or make any warranties or representations of any kind with regard to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, quality, efficacy, or non­infringement of any of the programs, materials, products or other information provided on this Website or by the companies or organizations linked or referred to on the Website.

In certain instances MISSD permits third parties to provide testimonials and information. MISSD may fromtime to time post articles and other information provided by third parties that might be of interest or benefit to the public. You acknowledge that the opinions and recommendations of third parties contained on this Website are not necessarily those of MISSD or endorsed by MISSD, and you can not hold MISSD responsible or liable for, or representative of, any of these testimonials or this information.

Disclaimer Of Warranties

THE WEBSITE (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ALL SERVICES AND CONTENT) IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "WITH ALL FAULTS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND AND THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO SATISFACTORY QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, ACCURACY AND EFFORT IS WITH YOU. There is no warranty, representation or guarantee that the Website will continuously operate or be error free or that any problems will be corrected, or that any information, software or other material accessible from the Sites is free of viruses, worms, trojan horses or other harmful components. Further, MISSD does not warrant, guarantee, or make any representations regarding the use of, or the results of the use of the Website either in terms of its compatibility with hardware or other software, its reliability, timeliness, or otherwise. You rely on the Website solely at your own risk. ANY AND ALL OTHER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND/OR FITNESS OF THE PRODUCT FOR A PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE, QUALITY, COURSE OF DEALINGS, USAGE OF TRADE, INACCURACY IN CONTENT CAUSED BY OUR FAILURE TO PERFORM WITH REASONABLE CARE, QUIET ENJOYMENT OR NON­INFRINGEMENT ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED.

Limitation on Liability

You agree that you will hold harmless MISSD and its officers, directors, employees, and volunteers for all claims arising out of or related to your access or use of, or your inability to access or use, this Website or the information contained in this website or other websites to which it is linked. This includes, but is not limited to information or materials viewed or downloaded from this Website or another website to which it is linked that appear to you or are construed by you to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, or that infringe upon your intellectual property rights. In no event and under no circumstances shall MISSD or the contributors of information to the Website or our sponsors, licensors or authorized representatives be liable to you or any third party for special, incidental, punitive or consequential damages (including without limitation any loss of profits, lost savings, or loss of data) arising out of your (or any authorized user's) or any unrelated party's use or inability to use the Website, or your (or any authorized user's) or any unrelated party's reliance or use of information, products or services provided on or through the Internet, or that resultfrom mistakes, omissions, interruptions, deletions of files or other data loss, errors, defects, delays in operation, service or transmission or any failure of performance of the Website.

Linking Policy

MISSD permits text links to content on the Website, provided that (i) the appearance, position and other aspects of either the link or the host website may not be such as to damage or dilute the goodwill associated with MISSD's name and trademarks or create the false appearance that an entity other than MISSD is associated with or sponsored by MISSD; (ii) the link, when selected, must display this Website full­screen and not with a "frame" on the linked website; and (iii) MISSD reserves the right to terminate any links to the Website at any time without cause or warning. If MISSD chooses to exercise this right, you will be required to remove your link immediately.

MISSD is not in any way responsible for the information, materials or content contained on the host website. Links to this Website are provided for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be an endorsement by MISSD of the organization or individual operating the host website or a warranty of any kind regarding the host website or the information, content or materials contained on the host website.

Governing Law

This Website (excluding linked sites) is controlled by MISSD, which is headquartered in the State of Illinois, United States of America. It can be accessed from all 50 states, as well as from other countries around the world. As each of these places has laws that may differ from those of Illinois, by accessing this Website both you and MISSD agree that the statutes and laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof, will apply to all matters arising from or relating to use of this Website. You and MISSD also agree and hereby submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction and venue of Cook County, Illinois and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois with respect to such matters. MISSD makes no representation that materials on the Website are appropriate or available foruse in other locations, and accessing them from territories where their contents are illegal is prohibited. Those who choose to access this Website from other locations do so on their own initiative and are responsible for compliance with local laws.

Legal and Financial Issues

This publication is designed to provide general information on the topics presented. It is provided with the understanding that the author is not engaged in rendering any legal or professional services by its publication or distribution. Although these materials may have been reviewed by a professional, they should not be used as a substitute for professional services. MISSD has no relationship or affiliation with the referral agencies, organizations or attorneys to whom we refer individuals (if we do so). Resources and referrals are provided solely for information and convenience. Therefore, MISSD disclaims any and all liability for any action taken by any entity appearing on any of MISSD's resource and referral lists (if MISSD possess any such lists). This material is designed to provide general information on the topics presented. It is provided with the understanding that MISSD not engaged in rendering any legal or professional services by its publication or distribution. This material should not be used as a substitute for professional services.

MISSD Policy

MISSD is an organization that is focused on education and awareness. MISSD is not a help line and unfortunately for legal reasons, we cannot provide counseling services. If you are experiencing a crisis, we strongly suggest that you contact a mental health professional or help line. If it is an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.