Are antidepressants addictive?

Antidepressants are generally not considered addictive in the same way as substances like opioids or benzodiazepines. However, they can lead to chemical dependencies in the body. This distinction is important because while antidepressants don't produce a "high" that leads to craving, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms when discontinued, indicating a form of physiological dependency.

Elmore: , a pharmacist, explains that antidepressants create chemical dependencies, thus making it difficult for individuals to stop taking them, even if they don't work as intended for everyone 1.

Goode: adds that there's widespread confusion, even among medical professionals, between addiction and withdrawal. He emphasizes that while antidepressants may not be addictive, they do cause physiological changes that lead to withdrawal effects when stopping their use 2.

Newson: highlights that the high prescription rates of antidepressants, especially among women, contribute to dependency without effectively treating underlying conditions like menopausal symptoms 3.

Therefore, it's crucial to understand that while antidepressants may not lead to addiction in the traditional sense, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms, necessitating a cautious and informed approach to their use.