The mission of MISSD is to raise awareness about medication-induced suicides and akathisia. Departing slightly, but in conjunction with drug induced reactions, I want to share a personal story regarding my 94 1/2-year-old mother.  My mother,  who has age-related dementia, was prescribed Ritalin to help increase her appetite.  Six days after starting Ritalin she had a complete break from reality-she experienced auditory and visual hallucinations, and a sensation of bugs crawling on her arms.  She experienced many symptoms of akathisia, including aggressiveness, restlessness, agitation, insomnia, irritability and hostility. Once physical issues were ruled out, she was sent to a geriatric psychiatric ward for detox. Gratefully, after two weeks and a readjustment of meds, I am happy to report that she is back to her usual self.  This experience broadened my perspective that we have to be aware of these reactions in all age groups and be vigilant when anyone stops or starts a new medication.

~Wendy Dolin

Founder of MISSD

Think akathisia can only happen to those taking antidepressants or other psychotropic medications? Unfortunately it’s time to widen our scope–akathisia can occur from other medications as well. Two doctors’ wives are now speaking out, six years after their husbands both took their lives while taking Neurontin, or Gabapentin, and suffering from akathisia. Neither the doctors nor their wives realized what was provoking personality changes and erratic behavior in their husbands, until it was too late. Both were taking the drug for back pain, an off-label use. Like MISSD, they are now trying to spread the word so others can be spared the same pain.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/martha-rosenberg/pfizer-neurontin-suicide_b_875603.html