A Change.org petition is calling for attention to a serious patient safety issue involving psychiatric medications and the inadequate warning of a potentially life-threatening adverse reaction known as akathisia.
“Akathisia is a neurological condition that can occur as a reaction to certain medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, fluoroquinolones, and other dopamine-modulating drugs. It is characterized by severe restlessness, agitation so extreme it can feel unbearable, and in some cases, intense distress that has been associated in the medical literature with increased risk of self-harm, suicidality, and even homicidality.
Despite its severity, akathisia as a term is not included in black box warnings or patient-facing risk information in a way that allows patients and families to fully understand or recognize its onset. Restlessness and suicidality may be listed, but the disorder itself and it’s definition is ignored.”
