Akathisia: What if your meds are making you sick?
Akathisia is a feeling of extreme agitation and restlessness associated with drug side effects caused by antidepressants, antipsychotics and other medications. Symptoms range from nervous twitching to a complete inability to sit still — an inner restlessness and anxiety so overpowering that it can lead to suicidal behaviour.
Our objective is to create awareness about potentially harmful “side effects” of prescription drugs used to treat mental health conditions. While these medications can be helpful, the side effects can also be debilitating.
However awareness about this problem is limited. Many people who are suffering from Akathisia, do not realize that it can be caused by their medications.
The health care system (with support from pharmaceutical industry) often prefers to ignore evidence that harmful side effects are caused by medications. As a result, problem is blamed on the disease, or worse — blamed on the patient — rather than the drug itself.
To learn more about Akathisia and other prescription drug side effects, visit www.rxisk.org/akathisia
SONG LYRICS:
Akathisia, Akathisia.
You make me wanna
Make me wanna…
Akathisia.
Thank you doctor for this little pill.
But the fact of the matter, it’s making me ill.
The fact of the matter is I can’t, can’t, can’t,
I can’t can’t sit sit still.
Akathisia, Akathisia,
You freak me out. You freak me out.
Akathisia.
I’m tripping on my restless thoughts.
Have to admit I used to be sad.
Told the doctor I’s feeling bad.
Gave me these meds and I’ve been had.
The side effects are driving me mad.
Falling through the cracks, medicated dregs.
My heart is racing, as it begs,
Doctor please, you got to stop.
Stop these restless legs.
Akathisia, Akathisia,
You freak me out. You freak me out.
Akathisia.
You make me wanna,
Make me wanna…
Kill myself.
You make me wanna,
Make me wanna…
Kill myself.
Cause I can’t, can’t can’t.
Can’t sit still.
Cause I can’t, can’t can’t.
Can’t sit still.
This pill, pill, pill. This pill
Is making me ill.
But I’m still here, trying to cope.
Doctors’ drugs, too much rope.
Reaching out, need some hope
Got to lose this prescription dope.
Akathisia, Akathisia,
You freak me out. You freak me out.
Akathisia.
You make me wanna,
Make me wanna
K-k-k-k…
Make me wanna,
Make me wanna
K-k-k-k…
Make me wanna,
Make me wanna
Quit that dope.
I’m gonna quit,
Quit that doctor’s dope.
CREDITS:
Song Title: Akathisia (I can’t sit still)
Music and Lyrics: Billiam James
Musical and Vocal Performance: Billiam James
Recording and Production: David Tallarico, The Beat Cave
Video Camera/Editing/Production: Franke James and Billiam James
Producer: The James Gang, Iconoclasts Inc.
Special thanks to Dr. David Healy
Note: Stopping or discontinuing any medications can be dangerous process. Please seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider before changing or stopping your medical treatment.