After more than a decade of case reports associating Propecia with medication-induced suicidality and suicides, the hair-loss drug has finally updated its warning.
Read more at https://www.pfsfoundation.org/news/first-ever-suicidality-adrs-added-to-us-propecia-product-label-per-fda-mandate/
Treating teens as a “generation of Guinea pigs” causes multiple harms. A study in the Journal Pediatrics found that 40.7 percent of people ages 2 to 24 who were prescribed a drug for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were also prescribed at least one other medication for depression, anxiety, or another mood or behavioral disorder. The study found more than 50 different psychotropic medicines prescribed in such combinations, and a review by The New York Times found that roughly half of the drugs were not approved for use in adolescents, although doctors have discretion to prescribe as they see fit.”
See https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/27/health/teens-psychiatric-drugs.html?
During her work in the school counseling field, Beverley Thomson said she “noticed the language being used by both teachers and parents was changing and rather than asking what was happening with or to a child we were starting to ask what was wrong with a child.” This led Beverely to research issues surrounding DSM-related labeling and the adverse effects of psychiatric drugs in both children and adults.
Tune in to this excellent podcast and learn more at https://www.madinamerica.com/2022/08/beverley-thomson-antidepressed-antidepressant-harm-and-dependence/.
Once you’ve suffered akathisia, you’re at increased risk of developing it again. Janet and her late husband, Joe, were never informed of SRRI-induced akathisia. Joe died never knowing the term “akathisia,” despite having twice suffered it. Listen to Janet’s informative story of akathisia loss and increased awareness at https://podcasts.apple.com/kg/podcast/episode-7-janet-schiel/id1468978990?i=1000487265341.
Akathisia awareness and education are cornerstones of MISSD’s mission. While public health advertisements can help people be safer and better informed, it’s disappointing that Vanda Pharmaceuticals’ ad promotes their schizophrenia products and fails to mention that akathisia can be caused by hundreds of different drugs prescribed for non-mental health-related issues. Akathisia is a drug-induced disorder unrelated to schizophrenia and other DSM labels. See https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/aka-what-vanda-looks-to-enlighten-tv-viewers-schizophrenia-drug-side-effect-new-awareness
This often happens when akathisia is missed or misdiagnosed: Doctors “may mistake adverse drug effects from the prescription as signs of diseases instead. Therefore, rather than stopping the medication, another prescription is added to the regimen, leading to a polypharmacy cascade.”
Read the full article at https://www.theepochtimes.com/when-prescriptions-harm-you_4639067.html?utm_source=Health&utm_campaign=health-2022-08-06&utm_medium=email&est=DVXIP5lSJTBzxo5gYw1NPNYwWIMfx4HvaI9dubkXrRTTZRg5mhNGd2lAs577SQ%3D%3D
Mental health advocates are concerned about the potential pitfalls of the new 988 hotline, which include learning to “separate mental health crisis responses from law enforcement.” MISSD notes that 988 call center staff should also be trained to inquire about prescription drugs and adverse drug effects that can cause suicidality.
Read the full article at https://www.northjersey.com/story/life/community/2022/08/04/988-suicide-hotline-national-mental-health-activists-issues/65379567007/
Today is a day to remember our loved ones whose deaths were precipitated by adverse drug effects and raise awareness so that others can be safer. See https://www.einpresswire.com/article/582495674/prescribed-harm-awareness-day-can-save-lives?r=paF4gJzs73xlBWKXuJ
In our latest episode of Akathisia Stories, Denise Collins eloquently discusses the out-of-character death of her husband, John, who died nine days after he was simultaneously prescribed an SSRI and sleeping pill by phone. Listen at https://www.studiocchicago.com/akathisia-stories.
Hats off to the Ireland-based Stephen’s Voice for this weekend’s successful Prescribed Harm Awareness walks held in several countries, including Ireland, England, Wales, South Africa, America, and Australia. MISSD and Stephen’s Voice share the common goal of increasing akathisia awareness and education.
The charity was founded after Stephen O’Neill died an akathisia-induced death in 2016. Stephen was prescribed sertraline, which is marketed in the US as Zoloft. See https://www.facebook.com/stephenoneillsvoice