Antidepressant Addiction

Antidepressants come in different types and finding the right one can take some trial and error. Some of the most common include:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

These are often the first choices for treating depression. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin in your brain which can help improve mood and reduce anxiety. Common SSRIs include medications like Prozac and Zoloft.

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Similar to SSRIs, SNRIs also increase serotonin levels but also add a boost to norepinephrine, another mood-regulating chemical. SNRIs include drugs like Effexor and Cymbalta which can be particularly helpful if you are dealing with both depression and anxiety.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

These are an older type of antidepressant that can be very effective, especially if other medicines haven’t worked. However, TCAs can have more side effects so they are usually not the first option.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

These are another older class of antidepressants, typically used when other treatments haven’t been successful. MAOIs require a strict diet to avoid interactions with certain but they can be very effective for some people.

Antidepressant addiction is when your medication goes from supporting your mental health to feeling like a lifeline you can’t cut.

Antidepressant addiction is a bit different from other types of drug addiction. Antidepressants don’t typically give you a “high”, and because of this, the risk of addiction with antidepressants is generally lower than with drugs like opioids or benzodiazepines. However, that doesn’t mean there is no risk at all.

Some people may develop a psychological dependence on antidepressants, especially if they have been using them for a long time. You might start to feel like you can’t function without antidepressants, even if they’re no longer helping as much as they used to. This can lead to taking more than prescribed or staying on antidepressants longer than necessary, which can cause serious problems.

Another challenge with antidepressants is withdrawal. If you suddenly stop taking them or miss a dose, you might experience what is known as “antidepressant discontinuation syndrome”. This can include symptoms like dizziness, nausea, headaches and mood swings, which can make you feel like you need to keep taking the medication just to avoid feeling worse.

Once addicted, your life can become a constant struggle to get your hands on the medication. The worry of running out can add even more stress to your life which is the last thing you need when dealing with depression or anxiety. Eventually, antidepressant addiction can seem like an inescapable condition, especially when you feel like the medicine is both the cause of your problems and the solution at the same time.

Unlike other drugs, antidepressant addiction can be harder to spot because it doesn’t usually come with the same “high” or cravings. If you’re concerned that your antidepressant use has crossed the line to addiction, here are some signs that may confirm your worries:

• Believing that you can’t manage your emotions or get through the day unless you’ve taken your antidepressants
• Using antidepressants long after your symptoms have improved or when your doctor suggests tapering off
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you miss a dose or try to stop – These can include feeling dizzy, nauseous, irritable or having “brain zaps” (sudden, strange sensations in your head)
• Being secretive about your antidepressant use
• Being so focused on taking your antidepressant that you stop going to therapy, exercising or using other healthy coping strategies

If these signs are ringing alarm bells, consider professional advice.

Taking antidepressants in ways your doctor didn’t prescribe can lead to serious issues for your health and personal life.

One of the biggest dangers is that misusing antidepressants can actually make your symptoms worse. Instead of lifting your mood, taking too much can cause you to feel more anxious, agitated or even depressed.

You might experience extreme mood swings, where you’re on edge one minute and completely drained the next. Physically, you could deal with headaches, nausea and sleep problems that weren’t there before.

There is also the danger of interactions with other substances. Mixing antidepressants with alcohol, recreational drugs, or other medicines can lead to dangerous side effects, like extreme drowsiness, confusion or even more serious reactions like serotonin syndrome – a potentially life-threatening condition where your body has too much serotonin.

Over time, the misuse of antidepressants can strain your relationships and make life a daily struggle. You might find it harder to connect with loved ones, perform at work or school or simply get any enjoyment from life. The longer this goes on, the more isolated and stuck you might feel, compounding both your antidepressant addiction and mental health struggles.

At Oasis Runcorn, treating antidepressant addiction involves a careful, supportive approach. It usually starts with a gradual tapering off of the medication to minimise any withdrawal symptoms. During this drug detox process, our staff will monitor you closely to ensure your safety and adjust the plan as needed. In parallel, drug rehab provides therapy, which is key to addressing the underlying reasons for your antidepressant addiction. Aftercare is then crucial, offering ongoing group therapy to help you avoid relapse as you rebuild your life without a reliance on antidepressants.

The road to recovery from antidepressant addiction may seem daunting, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Oasis Runcorn offers a safe and supportive environment where you can begin your healing journey. Our treatment plans are designed to address all your needs, helping you break free from antidepressant addiction and restart your life. Take the first step today – reach out to us now.