Antidepressant informed consent is the question at the center of this conversation with Kim Witczak. After her husband Woody died five weeks after beginning Zoloft prescribed off-label for insomnia, Kim became an advocate for drug safety, transparency, and public accountability. She and Mike examine the patient’s role in a system shaped by pharmaceutical marketing, warning labels, social media, and FDA approval decisions.
A note before you listen: this conversation covers antidepressants, pharmaceutical marketing, drug safety, and the subject of suicide. It is shared for educational purposes only and is not medical advice; it is not a recommendation to start, stop, or change any medication (make medication decisions with your prescribing clinician). If you are struggling or in crisis, support is available 24/7: in the US, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). Outside the US, contact your local emergency services or crisis line.
🔎 ABOUT THE GUEST — KIM WITCZAK
Kim Witczak is a leading drug-safety advocate and speaker. Before becoming an advocate, she spent more than 25 years in advertising and marketing communications. She co-founded Woody Matters, testified before U.S. House and Senate panels, and spent nine years as a Consumer Representative on the FDA Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee. Her advocacy helped bring black-box suicide warnings to antidepressants for children and young adults.
- Kim Witczak: https://www.kimwitczak.com/
- Woody Matters: https://www.woodymatters.com/
- (UN)Acceptable Collateral Damage: https://acceptablecollateraldamage.substack.com/
🕒 HEALTHY & AWAKE® TIME MANAGEMENT
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🔗 FOLLOW & LISTEN — HEALTHY & AWAKE
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healthyandawake
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DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.
