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.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has published guidance on when psychotropic medications should be deprescribed — particularly when risks outweigh benefits,
Prescribing is not a one-time decision. It requires regular review, patient involvement, and adjustment when necessary. This is critical to preventing medication-induced harm.
Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety medications can cause akathisia — and akathisia can precipitate out-of-character self harm, violence, and suicide.
We encourage clinicians and patients to read the RACGP article and make medication review part of routine care. Read the full article at: https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/when-is-deprescribing-psychotropic-medications-app.
A recent feature by RxISK presents a striking contrast.
Viewers first see a promotional video produced about isotretinoin, focused on benefits. RxISK then recreates that same format and structure — but highlights what is often minimized or omitted: reports of mental health problems, suicidality, and persistent sexual dysfunction associated with the drug. These adverse effects have nothing to do with the patient’s underlying mental health or situational life challenges.
RxISK refers to these harms as medication-induced toxicity — adverse effects that can alter lives.
Patients and families deserve clear information about all significant risks, especially when medications have been linked to severe psychiatric reactions, including akathisia.
We encourage healthcare providers, consumers and caregivers to watch both videos and consider what meaningful information should be provided about medication risks prior to prescribing.
Read and watch here: https://rxisk.org/isotretinoin-and-consent/.
A recent report highlights a growing concern: many older adults are remaining on antidepressants for decades without regular review. In the UK, more than one in five adults over 65 now take these medications—double the rate from 20 years ago. Experts warn that prolonged use in older age can increase risks, including falls, memory problems, sexual dysfunction, and agitation. The report also describes withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness and insomnia.
What is not mentioned is withdrawal akathisia. Akathisia is a medication-induced disorder marked by intense inner restlessness and agitation. It can emerge when stopping, starting or changing drug dose or type. During withdrawal, akathisia is often mistaken for relapse or “worsening depression,” leading some patients to remain on medication indefinitely.
Most SSRIs were studied in short-to-medium term clinical trials, not long term use. Regular reassessment, informed consent, and gradual tapering when appropriate are especially important for older adults, who may be more vulnerable to adverse effects.
MISSD offers free educational resources to help clinicians, patients, and families better recognize and prevent medication-induced akathisia. Take our courses at MISSD.LearnUpon.com.
In a recent interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Jill and Martin Kingston, parents of Thomas Kingston, spoke publicly about their son’s death in February 2024.
According to reporting by AOL and the findings presented at inquest, Thomas had been prescribed sertraline (Zoloft) and later citalopram for work-related stress and insomnia. The coroner concluded that adverse effects associated with the medication contributed to his death, noting no prior evidence of suicidal intent.
In their interview, the Kingstons called for practical reforms aimed at improving patient safety. Their proposals include:
Akathisia is a medication-induced disorder characterized by severe inner restlessness, agitation, and distress. It is widely under-recognized and can precipitate impulsive self-harm, violence or suicide.
MISSD has long advocated for full risk disclosure, a buddy system to improve medication monitoring during prescribing and tapering, and greater recognition of medication-induced adverse effects. We have documented numerous coroner-acknowledged cases in which akathisia or antidepressant adverse effects were cited as contributing factors.
We urge health authorities to carefully consider the coroner’s Prevention of Future Deaths report and to strengthen patient protections accordingly. Read the AOL article here: https://www.aol.com/parents-lady-gabriellas-husband-thomas-173002081.html,
Learn more by taking our free courses at MISSD.LearnUpon.com.
Florian was a 20-year-old from Corsica, a gifted third-year medical student with a deep love for learning and for life.
He excelled in his studies, ranking first out of 200 students in his first-year medical school competition. Maths and physics fascinated him. Cinema and skiing brought him joy. Becoming a doctor was his dream, and he worked relentlessly toward it.
Florian was not depressed. He sought medical help only because of abdominal discomfort. He was prescribed paroxetine 20 mg, with Xanax if needed.
Nineteen days later, on February 18, 2021, Florian died by suicide.
The day before, he spent time with friends, did his shopping, and spoke about going skiing with his family. No one noticed anything unusual.
Today, we remember Florian — a beloved son, a loyal friend, and a future doctor whose life ended far too soon.
A recent Medical News Today piece compiles Reddit stories from Vraylar (cariprazine) patients, but it glosses over akathisia by labeling it “restlessness” in parentheses. This minimization is dangerous given that akathisia isn’t mere fidgeting; it’s a severe medication-induced disorder associated with a wide variety of drugs, including Vraylar, that can cause extreme agitation, dysphoria, delirium, suicidal ideation and suicide. Read the full article at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vraylar-reddit.
At MISSD, we’re dedicated to promoting accurate akathisia info and awareness to reduce avoidable suffering and death. Take our free courses at MISSD.LearnUpon.com and share our videos to save lives.