MISSD

11/11/2025

Veterans, clinicians, policymakers, and advocates came together in Michigan to advance safer mental health care. Awareness saves lives — watch how Lansing vets are leading the way.

This short video captures highlights from the Veterans Harm Reduction Training held on November 5, 2025, at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing. United in ...

11/11/2025

On Veterans Day, we honor those who served—and we listen.
In our latest Akathisia Stories podcast, Derek Blumke, U.S. Air Force veteran and Grunt Style Foundation executive, joins Wendy Dolin, MISSD founder, for an important conversation about medication safety, akathisia awareness, and hope.

Akathisia Stories host, Ivan Kaiser, sits down with Derek Blumke of the Grunt Style Foundation and MISSD founder, Wendy Dolin, for a frank conversation about...

11/05/2025

Veterans Day is next week but tomorrow is a unique day for Michigan vets. Join us at the Michigan State Capitol for free training, film screening of Medicating Normal- The Film and powerful discussion about med-induced harm and su***de.
Vets shouldn’t have to fight for their lives after the uniform comes off. Learn. Share. Change the future together.

Veterans groups, the Battle Creek VA, and the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency host training and film screening on medication safety.

10/28/2025

Today there's a new call for clinical trial participants regarding psychiatric meds and pregnancy. MISSD supports improved data collection and transparent communication to improve patient safety.

Research shows that when taken during pregnancy, SSRIS can be associated with an increased risk of congenital heart defects and that up to 30% of exposed newborns may experience withdrawal symptoms after birth.

Accurate info can help parents, clinicians, and researchers make better-informed decisions.

10/23/2025

📣 Alert - Michigian calling! Healthcare providers, consumers, vets and military - Join our focused day of training, earn CEUs, and learn how to spot akathisia to reduce avoidable harm. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veteran-harms-reduction-training-tickets-1765772255349

10/22/2025

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.

Patients taking antidepressants are being urged to talk to their prescribers before stopping their medications, after a study published in The Lancet showed “strong evidence” that the drugs can cause clinically relevant changes in body weight, heart rate and blood pressure within a few weeks. Re...

10/09/2025

🚨 As countries mark World Mental Health Day tomorrow, we call on regulators to strengthen su***de warnings for medications that can cause su***de and psychiatric adverse effects.

France just became the first nation to add a clear su***de warning on finasteride—will the U.S. follow this lead?
🔗 Read our release:

Foundation Urges Health Regulators Worldwide to Strengthen Warnings and Transparency

10/07/2025

🌟 Today we're happy to share our annual highlights — full of progress, purpose, and hope!

From expanding akathisia education across new audiences to launching our big '50 in 5' campaign, 2025 has been a year of growth and impact.

If you’ve already supported MISSD, thank you for helping us prevent harm and save lives through education, awareness, and advocacy. 💙

If you haven’t, there’s still time to make a tax-deductible donation and help us reach even more people in 2026.

10/06/2025

France Adds Su***de Risk Warning to Finasteride But the US and other Nations Stay Silent

France’s national drug agency (ANSM) has issued a new safety alert for finasteride, a medication prescribed for hair loss and enlarged prostate. The updated label now warns of psychiatric side effects, including suicidal thoughts, which may persist even after stopping the drug. France has now required patient cards, updated leaflets, and letters to physicians to raise awareness.

Between 1985 and 2024, more than 100 psychiatric or sexual side-effect cases were reported in France—including one su***de and four su***de attempts.

People harmed by finasteride, including many who died by iatrogenic su***de, have been warning regulators for years. These tragedies are preventable. Citizens of every country deserve clear, life-saving warnings about finasteride’s psychiatric risks.

D'après l'Agence nationale pour la sécurité du médicament, les personnes qui prennent du finastéride 1mg doivent respecter certaines règles.

10/06/2025

Science Friday did a good job of highlighting the adverse effects of SSRI withdrawal, one of which is often withdrawal akathisia. Listen & learn.

Without robust long-term data, physicians and patients continue debating the severity and significance of SSRI withdrawal symptoms.

10/01/2025

🎙️"By relaunching Akathisia Stories, we honor those lost to akathisia and help prevent future tragedies," said Wendy Dolin, MISSD founder.

The new season is here. Don’t miss these powerful conversations that raise awareness and can save lives.
🎧 Listen now:

In this premiere of Akathisia Stories, host Ivan Kaiser sits down with his aunt, Kristina Kaiser, for a powerful conversation about medication safety, loss, ...

09/30/2025

We’re Baaaack! 🎙️
The Akathisia Stories podcast has returned with a new host and powerful episodes—sharing lived experiences, real truths, and vital education to save lives.

As Su***de Prevention Awareness Month ends, MISSD spotlights a family’s story of preventable loss