Today there’s a new call for clinical trial participants regarding psychiatric meds and pregnancy. MISSD supports improved data collection and transparent communication to improve patient safety.
The trial may uncover important finidings given that research shows that when taken during pregnancy, SSRIS can be associated with an increased risk of congenital heart defects and that up to 30% of exposed newborns may experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. Accurate info can help parents, clinicians, and researchers make better-informed decisions.
A new study comparing depression pill side effects missed a key opportunity to address a misunderstood issue: SSRI withdrawal symptoms are not relapse.
When people stop or switch SSRIs and experience agitation, anxiety, electronic “brain zap” sensations, and/or severe restlessness, these symptoms can signal withdrawal akathisia or SSRI withdrawal syndrome — not a return of depression.
Mislabeling withdrawal as relapse can lead to dangerous prescribing and unnecessary suffering.
As countries mark World Mental Health Day, MISSD calls on drug regulators to strengthen suicide warnings and clearly communicate that the medication can cause akathisia and other severe side effects.
“People in every country deserve accurate information about medication risks,” said Wendy Dolin, MISSD founder. “Yet warnings are often missing or inconsistent across borders. Greater awareness and transparency can save lives.”
France’s national drug authority (ANSM) has updated finasteride labeling to list psychiatric and sexual side effects—including suicidal thoughts that may persist after discontinuation. The move follows an EMA investigation confirming the association between finasteride and suicidal ideation.
Manufacturers must now provide patient alert cards and revised doctor communications.
A Call for Global Action
France has taken a life-saving step, but most countries—including the United States—have not. Finasteride victims and families have been advocating for years for transparent warnings to help others stay safe and informed. FDA and international regulators should immediately follow France’s lead and prioritize patient safety over systemic silence. Transtlate the full article here: https://tinyurl.com/4ya9e3ba.