It’s National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day and an appropriate time to highlight key protocols to improve patient safety. See our latest Akathisia Stories podcast, new Understanding Akathisia video and take our free courses. Read our press release and follow the links here: https://www.einpresswire.com/article/901408014/medication-reactions-often-missed-and-misdiagnosed-experts-warn
The U.S. FDA has issued a warning letter to Novo Nordisk citing incomplete reporting of postmarketing adverse events associated with semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), including serious outcomes such as deaths and a suicide.
While causation has not been established, incomplete reporting can delay recognition of potential medication-induced harms. MISSD previously highlighted emerging reports of psychiatric effects associated with GLP-1 medications, including akathisia, anxiety, and medication-induced suicidality:
https://missd.co/a-popular-weight-loss-drug-is-being-associated-with-medication-induced-suicidality
What to monitor:
Recommended actions:
MISSD supports informed decision-making, transparency, and education to improve patient safety. Take our free courses and see our educational resources available via the “Resources” link at the top of our website.
Research from Queen’s University Belfast, reported by The Mirror, analyzed more than 14,000 dementia cases in Northern Ireland and found antidepressant use associated with a slight increase in mortality risk. Anti-anxiety medications showed a stronger association.
The medications mentioned include commonly prescribed SSRIs such as sertraline, citalopram, and fluoxetine.
While these medications help many patients, the findings underscore the importance of careful prescribing and regular medication reviews, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Adverse reactions such as akathisia—a medication-induced disorder characterized by profound subjective inner restlessness and psychological distress—can be overlooked and misattributed to underlying illness.
MISSD continues to advocate for greater awareness of medication-induced akathisia and informed prescribing practices. Learn more through MISSD’s free online courses. Enroll at MISSD.LearnUpon.
Read the full article:
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/new-warning-taking-drugs-like-36834321
A recent opinion piece in Psychiatric Times suggests that concerns about the “toxic” effects of psychiatric medications are often overstated.
At MISSD, we recognize that psychiatric medications can help many people. At the same time, discussions about medication safety should not overlook well-documented adverse effects such as akathisia—a medication-induced disorder that has been linked to self-harm, violence and suicide.
Because akathisia is frequently misdiagnosed as worsening anxiety or depression, greater awareness, careful monitoring, and clearly communicated risk information remain essential for patient safety. Take our free courses at MISSD.LearnUpon.com to be safer and better informed.
Akathisia awareness and education reduces harm and saves lives.