March 6, 2019 at 12:52 pm

Drugs Labeled Antidepressants May be Hard to Quit

New research shows doctors can misunderstand and misdiagnose withdrawal symptoms when patients try to stop taking SSRIs such as Paxil, Zoloft and Prozac. Insomnia, lack of appetite and increased anxiety can be symptoms of withdrawal that doctors mistake as signs of other illnesses.
For more info, see: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/05/health/depression-withdrawal-drugs.html?action=click&module=Well&pgtype=Homepage&section=Health
March 1, 2019 at 2:23 pm

Former FDA Commissioner Notes Agency’s Role in the Opioid Epidemic

A recent 60 Minutes news program features former FDA commissioner discussing the FDA’s mistakes regarding the opioid epidemic.
See https://www.cbsnews.com/news/former-fda-commissioner-says-agency-erred-in-allowing-drug-companies-to-promote-opioids-for-long-term-use-60-minutes/?fbclid=IwAR2mpwSSD8foJJFiINQm-Voz4xFFjKwWwrZPsOhEKC6hZXgU0U_mBCwHZGU
February 27, 2019 at 2:52 pm

Senator Poses Questions About Opioid Marketing

U.S. politicians are showing increased concern about truth in pharmaceutical marketing as it pertains to America’s current opioid epidemic.
For more info, see: https://www.unionleader.com/news/politics/national/sen-hassan-grills-pharma-executive-over-marketing-of-powerful-opioids/article_9428eeda-936c-5efc-b645-8a15aba89445.html
February 25, 2019 at 3:44 pm

Dutch Group Alleges GSK Failed to Communicate Serious Risks

A formal claim will be made against GlaxoSmithKline by more than 20 people in the Netherlands who used Seroxat (paroxetine) in their youth. (GSK sells paroxetine as Paxil in America.)  The group states GSK failed to inform them about the serious psychological side effects of the drug, including aggressive behavior and an increased risk of suicide. These adverse drug effects were apparently not listed on GSK’s Seroxat label at the time these teens were given the drug.

See: https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2019/02/dutch-seroxat-teen-users-to-sue-drug-maker-for-side-effects/

February 21, 2019 at 2:40 pm

Drug Approval Process Raises Consumer’s Questions

MISSD Board member, Kim Witzack, discusses the recent FDA approval of esketamine, a nasal spray to be marketed as an antidepressant. Witzack serves as a consumer representative on the FDA Advisory Committee. The FDA reviewed only one positive clinical trial before approving the drug.

See: https://www.madinamerica.com/2019/02/nasal-spray-for-depression/

February 19, 2019 at 1:57 pm

Excellent Podcast Spotlighting Adverse Drug Effects

The Human Givens Institute provides an informative podcast with psychotherapist Marion Brown who sheds light on adverse drug effects. MISSD sincerely appreciates Brown’s reference to our work. Listen at: https://www.hgi.org.uk/resources/podcasts/why-antidepressants-need-be-understood

 

 

 

February 11, 2019 at 1:40 pm

Global Drug Safety Can Improve Outcomes

Drug safety and accurate adverse reporting can improve patient outcomes across the globe. It is good to see this topic in the news. Visit: https://www.outsourcing-pharma.com/Article/2019/02/11/Icon-introduces-new-drug-safety-reporting-solution
February 6, 2019 at 2:52 pm

Communication is Key to Patient Safety and Adherence

A recent survey finds more than half of patients are not confident in managing their own prescriptions due to inadequate patient education. MISSD supports close patient-doctor communication whenever starting, stopping or changing a drug dosage. See: patientengagementhit.com/news/patient-education-communication-key-for-medication-adherence
Learn more about withdrawal akathisia at missd.learnupon.com
February 1, 2019 at 9:24 am

Research Reports Drug Withdrawal Problems

Consumers and family members should be aware of symptoms of prescription drug withdrawal, to include withdrawal akathisia, whenever stopping certain prescriptions such as SSRIs, a class of drugs commonly labeled as antidepressants.
See: psychiatrictimes.com/couch-crisis/international-antidepressant-withdrawal-crisis-time-act
January 27, 2019 at 12:12 pm

Marine Suicide Rate at 10-Year High

MISSD continues to be concerned about the alarming rate of suicides among veterans. Some explanations refer to combat-related PTSD, long deployments and difficulties adjusting to civilian life after returning home. However, many of these reported deaths are of young Marines who have never been deployed nor seen combat. While this article doesn’t mention prescription drugs, there is growing concern regarding possible adverse drug effects some vets may be suffering. House Bill 4640 was created to explore the relationship between prescription drugs and military suicides.  Unfortunately, no action has been taken on the bill since its introduction in 2016.
MISSD strongly supports further research and funding to help reduce the staggering number of suicides in the military. Vets deserve access to quality care and informed consent regarding a variety of treatment options to include cognitive therapy. More than 20 veteran suicides are reported every day. Action is needed to develop a more comprehensive understanding regarding the causes of these alarming statistics.