It was good to see the recent UK article about SSRI-induced alcohol cravings (article link shared in our recent post below).
More than 4 years ago, MISSD presented to the Hazelden Betty Ford Center about this very important health topic. View our presentation to learn more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xs0u7cdiSE.
“Tony suffered from a little-known side-effect of SSRIs: they can turn some people with no history of alcoholic dependence into full-on alcoholics.
‘Taking an antidepressant caused me to develop an alcohol use disorder, which stripped me of my ability to control or stop my consumption of alcohol,’ he recalls. It caused me to black-out after just a few pints and my behaviour changed to a scary degree.’
Tony’s experience is far from unique. Read the full article at https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13996393/antidepressants-alcoholic-effect.html.
We’re proud to share this year’s highlights–and we realize such accomplishments are made possible by generous donors, grassroots collaboration, and thoughtful people who share our free resources to help others. Thank you!
Risks of self-harm, suicide, and violence–to include iatrogenic homicides, were known for decades by the pharmaceutical companies. This article is an excellent summary of how such out-of-character violence is hidden and dismissed. “Before marketing the companies ran two week healthy volunteer trials, in which people, like Traci Johnson, became suicidal and aggressive. So companies knew adverse events were coming from which doctors needed to be shielded – especially as no-one would get anything less than a toxic dose.”
How is it that an ingredient in the first version of 7-Up might help alleviate symptoms of akathisia and antidepressant withdrawal? RxISK.org’s recent article is an intriguing look at possible treatments currently being explored and discussed by some sufferers and medical researchers.
Read the article at https://rxisk.org/antidotes-for-akathisia-and-dysregulation/ and please contact RxISK.org if you or someone you know has experiences to share about these possible treatment options. It’s great to see more possible treatment options being explored given that MISSD frequently hears from people searching for ways to alleviate their symptoms.
It’s also nice to read, “We have liaised closely with groups like The Medication Induced Suicide Prevention and Education Foundation in Memory of Stuart Dolin –MISSD– set up by Wendy Dolin and run by an impressive group of people whose lives have all been touched by the catastrophes akathisia can visit on families.” Thanks, RxISK.org!
MISSD designated this annual day of global observance to increase akathisia awareness and remember all who suffer from or have been lost to this medication-induced disorder.
“Understanding akathisia is vital to preventing medication-induced self-harm, violence, and suicide,” said MISSD founder Wendy Dolin. “It’s crucial for people to be aware of the real risks and potential benefits before starting medications that can trigger akathisia. Our latest public health campaign, now reaching over a million active-duty military members and personnel on US military bases, is a major step toward greater awareness.” Read the full press release at https://www.einpresswire.com/article/744814742/international-akathisia-awareness-day-boosting-knowledge-to-enhance-patient-safety-and-prevent-medication-harm.
Vincent Schmitt and Yoko Motohama share the akathisia-induced loss of their teenage son, Romain, on our latest podcast. Listen at https://www.studiocchicago.com/akathisia-stories.
MISSD is reaching more than a million military members and base personnel with our new digital ads on bases serving all military branches. Together, we continue making a positive difference in patient safety.
Suicide prevention hotlines should routinely ask questions about medication use. Neglecting to do so increases the risk of akathisia-induced deaths. Please support this petition asking crisis hotlines to add standard questions about medication use. See https://www.change.org/p/get-suicide-prevention-services-to-ask-callers-if-they-are-taking-meds-that-cause-suicide?recruited_by_id=e65a64ea-a238-4dbc-aa1e-825316043645.
When we think of adverse drug effects that can cause psychiatric side effects, the focus is often on the drug consumer. However, as this recent article about SSRIs and airline pilots notes, akathisia can cause psychiatric side effects that impact public safety and transportation on a large scale. Read more at https://www.madinamerica.com/2024/08/modernizing-airline-antidepressants/
Today we are very pleased to share a new akathisia billboard in Phoenix is raising awareness throughout September 20th, which is International Akathisia Awareness Day. This Arizona campaign is a collaboration with the Ghanat family. Darius Ghanat is an akathisia survivor and advocate who shares his adverse experiences to help others be better informed. Read more at https://www.einpresswire.com/article/738908907/new-arizona-billboard-aims-to-reduce-suicide-by-increasing-akathisia-awareness.
The patient information leaflet for semaglutide includes a warning to watch out for depression and suicidal thoughts. Semaglutide is sold under the brand name Ozempic when it’s prescribed for diabetes and Wegovy when it’s prescribed for weight loss.
Read the full article at https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/20/health/semaglutide-suicide-study-wellness/index.html.