MISSD

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.

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.