Akathisia--How Bad Can Good Be?

Akathisia is a dangerous, possibly deadly extrapyramidal side-effect caused by certain medications, but most often, psychiatric medications. Akathisia is not a psychological condition nor a mental illness—it is a neurological movement disorder caused by medications such as: · SSRI antidepressants · SNRIs antidepressants, anti-anxiety and panic disorder drugs. · AAPs (second-generation atypical anti-psychotics) which are now being marketed not just to people with schizophrenia, but people suffering from bipolar disorder and even unipolar depression (see the ad for the “booster drug” Rexulti.) · Other medications such as Chantix, Lyrica and the new weight-loss drug, Contrave. This list is not-all-inclusive. Akathisia can also occur when withdrawing off these medications, and others, such as benzodiazepines and opiates. Depression is the #1 cause of disability in America today. One in 5 Americans take psychiatric medications. That means either you, or someone you know and love, are