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“Within two months of his prescription change (Zoloft), he had taken his own life. His mother says neither of them were warned about potential side-effects.”
“The physical and mental side effects of the drugs can be wide-ranging from headaches and brain fog to more severe side effects such as loss of sexual function and suicidal thoughts.”
Read the full article at https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-66430817.
A new article published today explores possible reasons why some medications cause suicidality (akathisia). We’re always glad to see this critical topic covered.
“A number of approved drugs (including, antidepressants) carry warnings about side effects that include depression and suicidal thoughts, particularly in younger patients – with some including the strongest warning mandated by the FDA: a black box warning. For example, a study in suicidal behavior in adults taking paroxetine (Paxil/Seroxat) found an increase in attempted suicide in the drug group compared with placebo – and GSK has faced a major lawsuit connected with the drug.”
Read the full article at https://themedicinemaker.com/business-regulation/why-are-some-medicines-linked-to-suicide.
A new study reports that data regarding the increased suicide risk posed by antidepressant exposure is less likely to be published in psychiatric journals.
Suppressing data about medication-induced suicidality and suicide is dangerous and unethical. Read the full journal article at https://www.jclinepi.com/article/S0895-4356(23)00187-7/fulltext.
It’s good to see this akathisia article for clinicians: Akathisia can be induced by a wide variety of drug classes, and some symptoms can include: highly disturbing feelings of restlessness & dysphoria, an inability to stay still, and suicidality. Read the full article at https://thegoaspotlight.com/clinical-approach-to-akathisia-articles/.
In collaboration with Irish-based charity Voice Stephen, MISSD is pleased to share that our latest akathisia ads are up and running in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The campaign is an appropriate way to recognize Prescribed Harm Awareness Day, which is tomorrow. The billboard, bus shelter and poster ads will run through September 20th, which is International Akathisia Awareness Day.
Many parents whose children died akathisia-induced deaths were never informed of the US FDA’s suicide black box warning on all SSRIs, such as Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac. In recognition of Bereaved Parents Awareness Month, author David Kessler will host a free discussion about the unique heartbreak of losing a child. The online program is this Sat, at 9 am PT.
Visit https://www.davidkesslertraining.com/bereaved-parents for more info.
MISSD offers a variety of free educational resources available for print and download. Simply click on our “resources” tab at the top of this webpage to find our latest brochure (https://missd.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/MISSD-Brochure.pdf), a quick tips sheet (https://missd.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/MISSD-Akathisia-Tip-Sheet.pdf), and the link to our accredited 1-hour online Akathisia 101 course.
High doses of vitamin B6, called Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate, may help reduce akathisia and SSRI withdrawal symptoms caused by drugs marketed as antidepressants. SSRI’s adverse effects can include balance problems associated with Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness. We hope more doctors will learn about akathisia and related adverse drug effects and help sufferers manage the often debilitating symptoms.
Read the full articles at https://rxisk.org/pppd-persistent-postural-perceptual-dizziness/ and https://rxisk.org/pyridoxal-5-phosphate-and-akathisia/.
Today marks the 13th anniversary of the loss of Stewart Dolin. It’s a day of mixed emotions as we reflect on the incredible person he was and the heartbreaking circumstances that took him away from us. Stewart was a wonderful husband and father, a dedicated professional, and a good friend to many. Like thousands of others, he was also a victim of akathisia.
The memories of Stewart remain etched in our hearts and remind us of the importance of advocating for accurate information about real drug risks and increasing akathisia awareness.
MISSD is making a difference and helping to prevent similar tragedies from happening to others. Thanks for supporting our mission.
Some consumers have developed out-of-character thoughts of suicide & self-harm after taking the weight loss drugs, Wegovy and Ozempick, two products sold by Novo Nordisk.
“Suicidal behaviour is not currently listed as a side effect in the EU product information of these medicines,” the EMA said. “The PRAC will consider whether the review should be extended to also include other medicines of the same class (‘GLP-1 receptor agonist’).” Read the full article at https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/10/european-regulator-to-review-drugs-after-reports-of-suicidal-thoughts.html.