MISSD

04/03/2026

We're wishing a happy holiday to all!
A season centered on awareness and reflection reminds us
that recognizing suffering early can make all the difference.

04/01/2026

Lori's story is a powerful testament to human resilience and the hidden costs of misdiagnosis and polypharmacy. Lori's highlight what MISSD has long worked to expose: medication-induced akathisia and other neurological harms are far too common, often misdiagnosed, and can make breathing itself feel impossible. There is a critical need for fully disclosure about drug risks, better warnings, and education for both patients and providers.

If you're struggling with akathisia or withdrawal symptoms, you're not alone—and it's not 'all in your head.'
Read more at

I want more for myself than just being a sweet, docile, compliant mental patient. I want a voice and a seat at the table.

03/31/2026

MISSD recently presented at the Psychotherapy Networker Symposium, delivering a Lunch & Learn session on akathisia—a serious and often unrecognized medication-induced disorder.

In addition to the presentation, MISSD connected with thousands of clinicians through its exhibit, sharing educational resources to support earlier recognition and improve patient safety.

Akathisia can be difficult to identify, yet early recognition is critical and can save lives.

See our free educational materials and courses at MISSD.co under the resources link.

03/24/2026

It’s National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day and an appropriate time to highlight key protocols to improve patient safety. See our latest Akathisia Stories podcast, new Understanding Akathisia video, and take our free courses. Read our press release and follow the links https://www.einpresswire.com/article/901408014/medication-reactions-often-missed-and-misdiagnosed-experts-warn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9k-HMIGEa2s&t=3s

New podcast, video content, and free courses aim to improve recognition of medication-induced harm

03/23/2026

FDA Warns Novo Nordisk Over Incomplete Reporting of Serious Side Effects

The FDA has issued a warning to Novo Nordisk regarding incomplete reporting of adverse events linked to GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic, Wegovy), including deaths and a su***de.

While causation is still being evaluated, this highlights the importance of recognizing potential medication-induced psychiatric effects.

In 2024, MISSD shared emerging reports of akathisia, anxiety, and medication-induced suicidality associated with these drugs:
https://missd.co/a-popular-weight-loss-drug-is-being-associated-with-medication-induced-suicidality

What to watch for:
• Sudden restlessness or agitation
• New or worsening anxiety or depression
• Suicidal thoughts and/or unusual changes in thinking or behavior

If symptoms arise, contact your prescriber and report to FDA MedWatch. Learn more with MISSD’s free courses and resources at MISSD.co.

Akathisia, anxiety, and suicidality induced by weight-loss drug, Ozempic? Psychiatric adverse effects are being reported by people taking Ozempic. One woman who tried to strangle herself had “hypomanic-type symptoms,” said Dr. Shahan Syed, of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “That resulted in...

03/09/2026

A new study from Queen’s University Belfast, reported by The Mirror, suggests that dementia patients prescribed depression pills such as sertraline, citalopram, and fluoxetine may face a slightly increased risk of death. Anti-anxiety medications were associated with an even stronger risk.

Researchers stress that these medications may not always be appropriate and highlight the importance of regular medication reviews by clinicians or pharmacists.

Some medications can help patients, but adverse effects—such as akathisia—are often overlooked and can be harmful if not recognized.

Greater awareness, routine medication review, and open communication with healthcare providers are key steps in patient safety.

Research shows that for some people there is an increased risk of death

03/04/2026

This recent Psychiatric Times opinion piece argues that concerns about the “toxic” effects of psychiatric medications are often overstated. At MISSD, we support access to treatments that help people. But minimizing serious adverse effects—especially akathisia—can leave patients and families unprepared.

Awareness and informed consent matter. Recognizing akathisia early can save lives. Take our free courses at MISSD.LearnUpon.com
https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/on-some-so-called-toxic-effects-of-psychiatric-medications

Debunking recurring scares about psychiatric drugs, this article weighs real risks against stigma, showing how warnings can backfire and mislead.

02/26/2026

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has issued guidance on when psychotropic medications should be deprescribed — particularly when risks outweigh benefits and many of these prescription drugs were never tested nor intended for long-term use.

Prescribing should be dynamic: start, review, adjust, and when appropriate, stop. This approach helps prevent medication-induced harm, including akathisia — a severe medication-induced disorder linked to extreme inner agitation and su***de.

Akathisia symptoms are too often mistaken for DSM-labeled disorders rather than recognized as syigns of medication toxicity.

Safe prescribing includes knowing when to stop. We encourage clinicians and patients to read the RACGP article and make medication review routine.

Global experts have considered exactly when clinicians should prescribe and renew medication – urging the need for greater recognition of treatment endpoints.

02/24/2026

Two videos. Same format. Different story.

The first promotes isotretinoin for acne.
The second — created by RxISK — mirrors it, but includes reports of serious hazards: mental health problems, suicidality, and sexual dysfunction.

RxISK states these adverse effects, the "symptoms" are caused by medication-induced toxicity and are not related to the consumer's underlying mental health baseline or situational life challenges.

At MISSD, understanding the full picture — the real risks and not just the possible benefits is a crucial first step prior to starting any prescription.

Article here:
https://rxisk.org/isotretinoin-and-consent/
Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB4ybZm4yg0

This RxISK.org video focuses on key safety issues linked to treatment with isotretinoin.

02/20/2026

A major warning has been issued about older adults remaining on antidepressants for decades without meaningful review or reassessment. In the UK, more than 1 in 5 adults over 65 are now prescribed these medications—double the rate from 20 years ago.

Long-term prescribing without monitoring raises serious concerns. Prolonged exposure can increase risks such as memory impairment, agitation, and akathisia. Withdrawal symptoms—often described as “restlessness” or insomnia—may in some cases represent withdrawal akathisia, a medication-induced state of intense inner agitation that is frequently misdiagnosed as relapse.

MISSD promotes akathisia awareness and education because accurate info can reduce preventable harm.

02/18/2026

We commend Jill and Martin Kingston for bravely sharing their story on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, nearly two years after the death of their son, Thomas Kingston.

As detailed in this AOL article, they are calling for stronger safeguards when prescribing SSRIs — including signed risk acknowledgments, involving a trusted support person during medication changes, and greater awareness of serious adverse effects such as akathisia, which can increase the risk of impulsive harm.

MISSD has long advocated for improved patient and prescriber education and recognition of medication-induced akathisia as a serious and potentially dangerous drug-induced condition.

Thomas’s case, which an inquest linked to adverse reactions from sertraline (Zoloft) and citalopram, underscores the importance of monitoring, transparency, and accountability in prescribing.

If you or someone you know is taking or tapering medication, we encourage you to know the warning signs of akathisia.

https://www.aol.com/parents-lady-gabriellas-husband-thomas-173002081.html

02/17/2026

Florian was a 20-year-old from Corsica, a gifted third-year medical student with a deep love for learning and for life.

He excelled in his studies, ranking first out of 200 students in his first-year medical school competition. Maths and physics fascinated him. Cinema and skiing brought him joy. Becoming a doctor was his dream, and he worked relentlessly toward it.

Florian was not depressed. He sought medical help only because of abdominal discomfort.

He was prescribed paroxetine 20 mg, with Xanax if needed.

Nineteen days later, on February 18, 2021, Florian died by su***de.

The day before, he spent time with friends, did his shopping, and spoke about going skiing with his family. No one noticed anything unusual.

Today, we remember Florian —
a beloved son, a loyal friend, and a future doctor whose life ended far too soon.