September 23rd, 2025
Antidepressants are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States, especially for depression treatment. Overall, antidepressants are widely considered to be relatively safe medications with good efficacy in treating a variety of mental health conditions.
Although antidepressants have not been shown to have the potential for addiction, there are still important factors to keep in mind when using them for mental health treatment. Patient safety is always the top priority, keep reading to learn more!
Antidepressants are medications used to treat mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Additionally, antidepressants are approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder and eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa, as well as off-label uses including the treatment of negative symptoms of schizophrenia, impulse-control disorders, and borderline personality disorder.
There are several classes/types of antidepressants, each with different indications, side effect profiles, and drug interactions. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants that work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, thereby increasing serotonin availability and activity in the brain, and improving mood.
Other antidepressant classes include serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), serotonin modulators, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and atypical antidepressants.
Antidepressants work by balancing brain chemicals, like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which influence mood and emotions. By restoring this balance, antidepressants can reduce symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, and low energy, helping people feel more stable and able to function in daily life.
No, Antidepressants are generally not addictive. Unlike substances such as alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines, antidepressants do not create cravings or a “high” that leads to compulsive use. They work by balancing brain chemicals to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety.
That said, it’s important to know that stopping antidepressants suddenly can cause withdrawal-like effects, often called discontinuation symptoms. These may include dizziness, headaches, or flu-like feelings, which is why medications should always be adjusted under the guidance of a doctor.
When taken as prescribed and monitored by a professional, antidepressants are generally a safe and effective form of depression medication.
Not really, addiction is a disorder that is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior and drug use despite adverse consequences which involves functional changes to brain circuits regarding reward and self-control.
Characteristics of addiction include long-term, harmful chemical changes in the brain, inability to control substance use as well as negative consequences of substance use, making addiction treatment long-term and multifactorial.
Addictive substances tend to produce feelings of euphoria, cravings, or a strong desire for the substance, and the need to increase the amount of the substance used to achieve the same effect over time.
Antidepressants do not create the euphoric feeling of other potentially addictive substances and people generally do not develop cravings for their antidepressant. While antidepressant addiction has not been substantiated, dependence on antidepressants may occur.
Dependence and addiction are often confused, but they are not the same. Dependence happens when the body adapts to a medication that is taken regularly. If the dose is reduced or the medication is suddenly stopped, withdrawal symptoms may occur.
These can include headaches, dizziness, or flu-like feelings. However, dependence does not involve the intense cravings or compulsive drug-seeking behavior that define addiction.
In other words, dependence is a physical response to long-term medication use, while addiction is a behavioral condition marked by loss of control and harmful use. It’s important to work closely with your provider when adjusting or stopping treatment.
Yes you can experience antidepressant withdrawal. Any pharmacologically active agent may result in the development of tolerance to the agent as well as withdrawal symptoms associated with cessation of the agent. Therefore, although antidepressants are not considered to be addictive substances, withdrawal symptoms may occur with abrupt discontinuation of antidepressant use.
As antidepressants work by altering the levels of neurotransmitters, the body grows accustomed to the drug and its effects over time. Discontinuation syndrome can result from abrupt dosage reduction or discontinuation of an antidepressant especially if a medication has been taken longer than four to six weeks.
Approximately 20% of patients who stop or markedly reduce the dosage of an antidepressant after taking it continuously over one month develop antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Certain antidepressants are more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms than others.
Symptoms of discontinuation syndrome are typically mild, beginning two to four days after cessation of a drug and lasting one to two weeks. Common symptoms of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome include
To minimize the risk of discontinuation syndrome associated with antidepressants, the dosage of antidepressants should be gradually reduced over several weeks while monitoring for risks and side effects to allow time for the body to adjust to changing levels of medication.
It is additionally important to recognize that as discontinuation symptoms resolve over time as the body readjusts, symptoms of depression or other underlying disorders may recur. Therefore, it is important to follow up with your psychiatrist, PA-C, or NP for medication management, in order to address any concerns and/or changes in mood during periods of antidepressant medication adjustments.
There are many risks associated with antidepressant misuse and abuse when antidepressants are not taken as prescribed. Misusing antidepressants may lead to uncontrolled symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other underlying conditions that may continue or worsen without proper treatment. Taking an increased amount or dose of an antidepressant can lead to serotonin syndrome, a condition that can be life-threatening if not detected or untreated.
Serotonin syndrome results from the build-up of high levels of serotonin in the body leading to gastrointestinal effects such as:
This can be a life-threatening consequence of antidepressant abuse that needs to be identified and treated as soon as possible.
There are many factors patients and healthcare providers must consider when it comes to prescribing and taking antidepressant medications. Antidepressants are very effective and beneficial in treating a variety of mental health conditions, but it is essential to also recognize risks associated with antidepressant use such as dependence, withdrawal symptoms, as well as dangers of medication abuse and misuse.
Regular monitoring and risk assessment measures should be implemented throughout antidepressant treatment to ensure patient safety is continually prioritized and remains the focus of treatment of mental health conditions.
If depression medications are not working and you would like to explore other options that could compliment your medication treatment plan, Clarity Clinic can help. Our mental health clinics offer the best psychiatrists and therapists near you for depression, to ensure you get holistic well rounded treatment.
At Clarity Clinic, we provide mental health care for individuals seeking support with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other emotional challenges. While we do not offer addiction treatment or detox services, we welcome individuals in recovery from substance use who are stable and ready to focus on their mental health.
For those actively using substances, a higher level of care may be necessary before engaging in meaningful therapy.
We can provide referrals to external substance use treatment centers and welcome clients back once they are stabilized and ready to work on improving their lives post-treatment. Our team is here to support your mental well-being, whether you’re navigating the emotional impact of past substance use, relationship changes, or other life transitions.
Explore our mental health clinic locations below to find the right depression treatment near you! If you can’t make it to our clinics, no worries! We provide access to online psychiatrists (telehealth), online therapy, and even online IOP programs.
Explore our Mental Health Care ProvidersDisclaimer: The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never ignore or delay seeking professional help due to information found here.
Related Readings:
What are ssri withdrawal symptoms?
Dizziness, headaches, nausea, irritability, trouble sleeping, vivid dreams, muscle aches, or sensory disturbances (electric-shock-like sensations or “brain zaps”).
Are antidepressants bad?
No — they are safe and effective when prescribed and monitored by a doctor.
Can you overdose on antidepressants?
Yes, taking more than the prescribed dose can be dangerous and requires emergency care.
Who can prescribe antidepressants?
Psychiatrists, primary care doctors, nurse practitioners, and certain other licensed providers such as Physician Assistants (PA-C) who have had psychiatry training .
References
Schatzberg AF, DeBattista C. Schatzberg’s Manual of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 9th ed. American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2019.
Jauhar S, Hayes J, Goodwin GM, Baldwin DS, Cowen PJ, Nutt DJ. Antidepressants, withdrawal, and addiction; where are we now? J Psychopharmacol. 2019 Jun;33(6):655-659. doi: 10.1177/0269881119845799. Epub 2019 May 21. PMID: 31111764; PMCID: PMC7613097.
1Gabriel M, Sharma V. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. CMAJ. 2017 May 29;189(21):E747. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.160991. PMID: 28554948; PMCID: PMC5449237.
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Our Services
Virtual/Online CarePHP and IOPAdult PsychiatryChild & Adolescent PsychiatryAdult TherapyChild & Adolescent TherapyCouples CounselingFamily TherapyGroup TherapyPsychological TestingTranscranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
