September 5, 2023 at 12:22 pm

Benzo Withdrawal in the News

We’re glad to see this Washington Post article increase awareness of benzo withdrawal. Few doctors know that symptoms can be long-lasting, including withdrawal akathisia and delirium.

“But many physicians fail to follow the guidelines. One reason is that doctors typically don’t learn much, if anything, about the drugs in medical school, Lembke says.”

Read the full article at https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/09/02/xanax-klonopin-benzo-withdrawal-addiction/.

August 29, 2023 at 2:15 pm

Akathisia, Heartburn, and Functional Neurological Disorder

This insightful article highlights how akathisia and Functional Neurological Disorder can be caused by a seemingly benign medication prescribed for heartburn. The sufferer states, “It is hard to really describe how bad akathisia is. In the patient information leaflets it is often described as restlessness paired with insomnia. I would describe it as my nervous system being tortured, all my sensory nerves being stripped with knives, a complete inability to rest or lie down and extreme insomnia.”

Read the full article at https://www.madinamerica.com/2023/08/harmed-psychiatric-drugs-prescribed-acid-reflux/.

August 22, 2023 at 1:56 pm

Akathisia Education in the News

It’s always good to see an akathisia article focused on educating healthcare professionals. Unfortunately, a fee is required to access this full article. We hope clinicians will read it and learn more about this critical and often misdiagnosed medication-induced disorder. See the article summary at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1742-1241.1996.tb09548.x.

August 16, 2023 at 1:56 pm

Swedish Study Finds Antidepressants Have Little Benefit and Grave Risks for People Under 25

A new study led by Tyra Lagerberg at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute and published in Neuropsychopharmacology states: “For those younger than 25, with no history of suicidal behavior, taking an antidepressant makes you up to three times more likely to attempt suicide, with that likelihood decreasing as you age. For those 25 or older, taking an antidepressant doesn’t help reduce suicide. Similarly, for those at high risk for suicide, taking an antidepressant doesn’t reduce the risk.”

Read the full article at https://www.madinamerica.com/2023/08/antidepressants-increase-suicide-attempts-in-youth-no-preventative-effect/.

August 14, 2023 at 12:42 pm

Our Akathisia Awareness Campaign in Ireland and Northern Ireland Is Generating Important Conversations About a Life-Threatening Topic.

August 11, 2023 at 1:38 pm

Mom Wasn’t Warned About Side Effects Before Her Son’s Death

“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.

August 9, 2023 at 12:37 pm

Why Do Some Drugs Cause Suicidality as a Side Effect?

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.

August 7, 2023 at 9:12 am

Suppressing Publication about Medication-Induced Suicidality

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.

August 3, 2023 at 12:40 pm

Akathisia Articles for Clinicians Can Increase Recognition and Appropriate Responses

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/.

July 28, 2023 at 9:14 am

Our New Akathisia Awareness Ads Hit the Irish Streets

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.

Read more at https://www.einpresswire.com/article/646755024/new-public-health-ads-unveiled-in-ireland-and-northern-ireland-promote-akathisia-awareness-and-patient-safety.