A new study comparing depression pill side effects missed a key opportunity to address a misunderstood issue: SSRI withdrawal symptoms are not relapse.

When people stop or switch SSRIs and experience agitation, anxiety, electronic “brain zap” sensations, and/or severe restlessness, these symptoms can signal withdrawal akathisia or SSRI withdrawal syndrome — not a return of depression.

Mislabeling withdrawal as relapse can lead to dangerous prescribing and unnecessary suffering.

Prescribers and consumers deserve clear information about known drug risks. Read the full article at https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/news/researchers-call-for-update-to-antidepressant-guidelines.

As countries mark World Mental Health Day, MISSD calls on drug regulators to strengthen suicide warnings and clearly communicate that the medication can cause akathisia and other severe side effects.

“People in every country deserve accurate information about medication risks,” said Wendy Dolin, MISSD founder. “Yet warnings are often missing or inconsistent across borders. Greater awareness and transparency can save lives.”

France just became the first nation to add a clear finasteride suicide warning—will the U.S. follow? Read the release at: https://www.einpresswire.com/article/856770655/missd-calls-for-global-action-on-medication-induced-suicide-risks.

France’s national drug authority (ANSM) has updated finasteride labeling to list psychiatric and sexual side effects—including suicidal thoughts that may persist after discontinuation. The move follows an EMA investigation confirming the association between finasteride and suicidal ideation.

Manufacturers must now provide patient alert cards and revised doctor communications.

A Call for Global Action

France has taken a life-saving step, but most countries—including the United States—have not.
Finasteride victims and families have been advocating for years for transparent warnings to help others stay safe and informed. FDA and international regulators should immediately follow France’s lead and prioritize patient safety over systemic silence. Transtlate the full article here: https://tinyurl.com/4ya9e3ba.

🎙️ We’re Baaaack!
MISSD’s Akathisia Stories relaunch kicked off today with a new host spotlighting lived experiences and vital information.

“We couldn’t let the month close without addressing such an essential conversation. By relaunching Akathisia Stories, we honor those lost to akathisia and help prevent future tragedies,” said Wendy Dolin, MISSD founder.

Spread the word—akathisia awareness saves lives. Get the full scoop at https://www.einpresswire.com/article/853918521/missd-amplifies-suicide-prevention-efforts-with-relaunch-of-akathisia-stories-podcast. Listen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdTzi7_SoMY&t=606s.

A recent Psychology Today article labels SSRI withdrawal symptoms as “nervousness, or “relapse.” It is harmful to suggest that SSRI withdrawal symptoms are simply “nervousness,” “relapse,” or signs of an underlying DSM disorder. Such framing confuses both healthcare consumers and providers.

Equally concerning, articles that omit any mention of withdrawal akathisia—a severe, potentially life-threatening disorder—fail to provide the complete picture.

At MISSD, we believe in truth in disclosure and accurate education. Honest language matters, because accurate understanding can save lives. Article link: https://tinyurl.com/mrhxpta3.

MISSD started International Akathisia Awareness Day (IADD) years ago to reduce suffering & save lives. We’ve made great strides in closing the knowledg gap, but our work won’t be done until there is no longer the need for IAAD. Until then, please see our latest public health video and share our resources. Together, we’re saving lives and reducing harm. Watch below and share our YouTube link at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMRrb3siPWc.

Yesterday was World Suicide Prevention Day, yet few mental health and suicide prevention nonprofits ever mention the “A” word. Prevention must include medication-induced suicide, especially akathisia—deaths modern medicine still won’t or can’t fully name, but we can prevent.

Increased awareness, education, appropriate diagnosis and treatment-and honest drug trial reporting can help prevent these deaths. Read our press release today at https://www.einpresswire.com/article/848177594/missd-calls-for-immediate-action-on-akathisia-and-suicide.

This September, Suicide Prevention Month, MISSD has a new digital billboard in Chicago—thanks to Wintrust Bank’s incredible support. Their initiative to provide free ad space to nonprofits has given MISSD a platform to educate the public about akathisia, a medication-induced disorder that is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.

“Seeing our message on a prominent city billboard is more than visibility—it’s hope,” said MISSD founder Wendy Dolin. “It’s a reminder that awareness saves lives, that accurate diagnosis matters, and that no one should suffer in silence.”

MISSD is deeply grateful to Wintrust and to every supporter who helps us spread this vital message. Together, we can prevent tragedies, spark crucial conversations, and increase awareness among healthcare consumers and professionals.

The truth is clear: GSK concealed Paxil risks and, like other pharma companies, promoted SSRIs off-label — including to kids, despite no FDA approval.

Now a medical journal is considering a retraction of the 2001 “study” it published that falsely said Paxil was safe and effective for adolescents. The data were manipulated, and serious side effects—like suicidal thoughts—were buried.

We can’t change the past, but we can protect the future. Please share MISSD’s resources to help others recognize the warning signs of akathisia and prevent avoidable harm.

The full STAT article is subscription-only, but this knowledge is now (belatedly) well established. See: https://www.statnews.com/pharmalot/2025/08/25/antidepressant-paxil-gsk-medical-journal-children-adolescents-depression-ghostwriting-retraction/.

MISSD started with one story, one devastating loss, and continues more than a decade later with one critical mission: To save lives.
Today’s episode of Antidepressant Risks features MISSD founder Wendy Dolin’s powerful story of akathisia awareness and safe patient advocacy. Listen to Dolin’s powerful conversation with Katinka Blackford Newman at: https://youtu.be/judm6Ae96u8.