Can You Get Addicted to Antidepressants?

Antidepressants are not typically addictive in the same way that other substances such as alcohol or opioids are. However, some individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms if they abruptly stop taking antidepressants after long-term use.

Find out more about antidepressants and what happens if you stop taking them here.

What Are Antidepressants?

Antidepressants are a class of prescription medications that are primarily used to treat depression and related mental health conditions. They work by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are chemical messengers in the brain which play a role in regulating mood.

Antidepressants are not only used to treat depression but may also be prescribed for other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and certain chronic pain conditions.

Antidepressants are prescribed by medical professionals for people with severe mental health disorders. Not all people with depression require antidepressants, but those with severe depression or related disorders may benefit from the medication.

Individuals who are considering or taking antidepressants should discuss their options with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on their specific needs and medical history.

Types of Antidepressants

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed form of antidepressants. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain to regulate mood. Common SSRI antidepressants include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and escitalopram (Lexapro).

Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs increase the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Examples of this form of antidepressant include venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

TCAs were one of the first classes of antidepressants developed, and work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Examples include amitriptyline and nortriptyline.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

MAOIs are another older class of antidepressants that work by inhibiting the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Due to their potential for serious interactions with certain foods and medications, MAOIs are typically reserved for cases where other antidepressants have not been effective.

Atypical Antidepressants

This category of antidepressant includes medications that don’t fit into the other classes but still have antidepressant properties. Examples include bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), and trazodone.

Are Antidepressants Addictive?

Although many people are concerned about whether you can get addicted to antidepressants, antidepressants are not typically considered addictive in the same way that substances like alcohol, nicotine, or opioids are.

Overall, antidepressants are considered safe and effective for treating depression and other mental health conditions when used as prescribed under the supervision of a doctor.

If you have concerns about dependence or withdrawal from antidepressants, it’s essential to discuss them with your local GP. They can provide guidance on safely discontinuing the medication or adjusting your treatment plan if necessary.

Antidepressant Addiction vs Dependence

Physical dependence and addiction are very different. Physical dependence can occur with many medications, including antidepressants, but it does not necessarily indicate that an addiction is present. People may rely upon antidepressants to treat depression and maintain quality of life, but the drug itself is not physically addictive.

Dependence simply means that the body has adapted to the presence of the medication and may experience withdrawal symptoms if the medication is stopped abruptly.

Drug addiction, on the other hand, involves compulsive behaviour and physical reliance on drugs despite negative consequences.

Do Antidepressants Cause Withdrawal Symptoms?

Although antidepressants are not addictive, people may experience side effects or withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the drug after long-term use.

These withdrawal symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, headache, irritability, insomnia, and flu-like symptoms. These symptoms are often referred to as discontinuation syndrome rather than addiction, as the drugs themselves are not addictive.

Is There a Link Between Antidepressants and Addiction?

Many people who struggle with depression also experience co-occurring drug or alcohol addiction, which means that a number of people who take antidepressants also experience substance abuse problems.

There are several reasons why those with depression also experience addiction, including:

Self-Medication: Some individuals with depression may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms, even if taking antidepressants. Some people consume and abuse substances to numb emotional pain, alleviate feelings of sadness or hopelessness which are experienced in those with depression, or to temporarily escape from their problems. This often has a negative effect and exacerbates depression long term.

Genetic Factors: There may be shared biological and genetic causes for both depression and addiction. For example, genetic factors can contribute to the development of both depression and addiction, and people with a family history of these disorders are more likely to experience it themselves.

Psychological Factors: Depression and addiction can both stem from underlying psychological issues such as trauma, low self-esteem, or unresolved emotional trauma. Individuals may use drugs or alcohol to cope with these underlying issues, leading to a cycle of dependence and worsening mental health symptoms which may not be treated with antidepressants.

Environmental Factors: Environmental factors such as stress, trauma, or exposure to substance abuse within the family or social circle can increase the risk of both depression and addiction. Negative childhood experiences have been linked to a higher likelihood of developing both mental health and substance abuse problems later in life.

Dual Diagnosis: Sometimes referred to as co-occurring disorders, when someone has both depression and a substance use disorder, it’s known as a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis requires treatment that addresses both conditions simultaneously to achieve the best outcome chances of long-term recovery.

Without proper treatment for both depression and addiction, individuals are at risk of relapse and continued struggles with mental health and substance use.

The relationship between depression and addiction is complex and requires professional dual diagnosis treatment to recover from. Treatment approaches that address both conditions comprehensively offer the best chance for recovery and long-term well-being, such as dual diagnosis programmes which are available at residential rehab centres such as ours.

Get in touch today on 01908 489 421 or fill out our contact form for more information and help if you are struggling with addiction.