MISSD

12/18/2025

MISSD wishes a happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate. As families and communities gather together, we honor the resilience, hope, and courage that this holiday represents.
Chag Sameach!

12/11/2025

Good to see the New York Times highlights some SSRI side effects such as weight gain and blood-pressure changes, and even mentions withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or “brain zaps” — all real and challenging for many people.
But it's disappointing that the article fails to address other serious withdrawal effects like akathisia, extreme anxiety, suicidality, and su***de — symptoms many experience and struggle to understand.
The Times missed an opportunity to truly help those suffering from SSRI withdrawal and withdrawal akathisia.

Clinical guidelines are vague, so we asked psychiatrists what to consider when deciding whether to continue taking these medications.

12/08/2025

Natalie would celebrate her 32nd birthday today if not for misguided prescribing and mistreated akathisia. We've worked hard for more than a decade to ensure others are better informed, and will continue doing so. Our Akathisia Stories podcast shares real experiences. Full episode at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdTzi7_SoMY&t=9s

12/04/2025

Important Safety Update on Ozempic-Style Medications

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration just issued an updated warning for GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, Trulicity, and Mounjaro. The alert highlights possible risks of suicidal thoughts, worsening depression, and unusual mood changes in some users.

These reports remind us of important info MISSD works hard to promote:
➡️ Medication-induced symptoms—especially akathisia—can be misdiagnosed or missed entirely.
➡️ Early recognition and accurate risk communication saves lives.

If you or someone you love is taking a GLP-1 med:
• Watch for any sudden mood or behavior changes.
• Contact your provider right away if something feels off and specifically mention you might be suffering from akathisia.

Regulatory Update on Ozempic-Style Drugs and Mental Health Risks Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued an updated safety warning

12/02/2025

We appreciate our supporters on Giving Tuesday -- and every day.

Email from MISSD Your support allows MISSD to bring vital education and awareness to the people who need it most.   --In the news-------CEU Program-------Donate-------Share your story------Visit YouTu

12/01/2025

We believe AI should include info about medication-induced suicidality, just as su***de hotlines should ask questions about medication use. Now new VA legislation encourages the use of AI tools to identify veterans at risk of su***de. For these systems to truly protect veterans--and everyone--they must include information about akathisia. When akathisia is recognized and treated, avoidable tragedies can be prevented.

In passing next year's VA funding package, lawmakers encouraged the department to use AI more to help reduce veteran su***de risk.

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...