MISSD

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.

02/11/2026

Vraylar Reddit stories in Medical News Today refers to akathisia as "restlessness" (in parentheses), dangerously downplaying its severity. Akathisia can cause inner torment, psychosis, and iatrogenic death.
Promote accurate info and awareness to save lives! https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vraylar-reddit.

02/10/2026

UK health services are reminding everyone to be alert to serious side effects associated with SSRIs. According to a recent report, the NHS has highlighted 5 key symptoms that could signal a serious reaction — including signs of serotonin toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms to watch for can include:
• Restlessness or agitation
• Rapid heart rate or high blood pressure
• Muscle twitching or stiffness
• Heavy sweating or fever
• Confusion or changes in alertness

This article highlights Zoloft, but all SSRIs can cause the above symptoms and precipitate suicidal thoughts and su***de. If you or someone you know is taking SSRIs and these symptoms occur, seek medical advice promptly.

Millions of prescriptions are issued for sertraline every year and while most side effects are mild some could be a sign of serotonin syndrome that needs urgent medical help

02/09/2026

Distinguishing akathisia from tardive dyskinesia and other drug-induced disorders is critical for patient safety.
At our last conference, a pharma rep insisted "there's already one med intended to treat akathisia." Turns out he was confusing akathisia with tardive dyskinesia...

Antipsychotic-induced-movement-disorders-can-mimic-tardive-dyskinesia-mdash-learn-key-differences-symptoms-and-diagnostic-clues-for-accurate-treatment

02/06/2026

Today marks 13 years since Natalie's medication-induced death.

Her story—shared on MISSD’s Akathisia Stories podcast—reminds us that akathisia is real, often missed, and can be especially dangerous if it is mistreated by increasing the akathisia-inducing med.

In memory of Natalie and all victims of akathisia, we continue educating clinicians and families to prevent avoidable suffering and death. Take our free courses and share our resources at MISSD.co
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdTzi7_SoMY&t=9s

The new Akathisia Stories host, Ivan Kaiser, sits down with his aunt, Kristina Kaiser, for a conversation about medication safety, loss, and purpose. Kristin...

02/05/2026

After taking what was believed to be retatrutide, Bunnie XO—wife of country star Jelly Roll—described emotional numbness, loss of joy, and severe suicidal depression on her podcast.

Similar psychiatric reactions—including suicidal thoughts—have been reported with GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro. Regulators are monitoring these signals.

Eli Lilly said the drug was not their product, highlighting growing risks tied to counterfeit or unapproved weight-loss injections.

It is critical to recognize akathisia-like symptoms early, use a medication-monitoring partner, and demand transparent risk discussions. Med-induced suicidality is largely preventable with awareness.

See MISSD.co for free resources and take our courses at MISSD.LearnUpon.com. Read the full story at https://shorturl.at/Ek83b

Bunnie XO shares her harrowing experience with an experimental weight-loss drug, describing severe depression and suicidal thoughts during treatment.

02/03/2026

Powerful story from DanielleGanskyon and RealLindellTV—depression pills prescribed to children can lead to dependence and severe withdrawal, including akathisia symptoms that drive unimaginable suffering and sometimes death.
Parents, ask questions about real risks before starting any new drug. Take our free courses at MISSD.LearnUpon.com.

https://x.com/RealLindellTV/status/2018698162807222367

02/02/2026

Katie Brennan had no history of mental illness — until prescribed drugs caused akathisia and her symptoms were misdiagnosed.

Dismissed, forcibly medicated, and wrongfully committed, Katie’s career and family life were derailed by a false psychiatric record.

In Akathisia Stories, she shares her fight to reclaim the truth — and her life. Watch now.

Meet Katie Brennan: a celebrated Teacher of the Year, devoted mother of six, and respected member of her community—until a cascade of medical errors turned h...

01/28/2026

SSRI withdrawal has often been mistaken for relpase or labeled as “treatment-resistant” depression. What’s frequently missed is that withdrawal itself can cause profound distress, including akathisia. Recognizing this difference matters, because people need accurate info, understanding and support when they choose to discontinue medications.

01/24/2026

Scotland just launched its Su***de Prevention Action Plan with increased funding and a focus on early intervention. But one preventable driver of su***de is missing entirely: akathisia. Akathisia is a medication-induced disorder that can cause self harm, violence, and su***de. Many types of drugs prescribed for various ailments, from acne to asthma to depression and hair loss, are associated with akathisia. Akathisia awareness and training should be part of every su***de prevention plan.

MISSD provides free akathisia education and podcasts to improve understanding and awareness before it's too late.

New Su***de Prevention Action Plan published