anti depressants and addiction

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Im posting here because addiction is an intellectual topic i suppose.

So the question is:
How come anti depressants arent considered addictive when you form a dependance on them? Seems a bit of a contradiction to me.

It depends how you define "dependent".

Are diabetics addicts because they are depended on insulin?

I would say no.

I've never taken antidepressants for longer than a year at a time, but I feel like taking something to rectify a chemical imbalance in my brain to get me back to a functioning level isn't the same as taking a substance that stops you functioning if you stop taking it.

I wouldnt call a diabetic on insulin an addict, no. My own opinion on anti depressants is they are addictive, even if I know the accepted wisdom is different.
I wasnt functional when I have tried to come off, I had to go to hospital for my own safety one time because I hurt myself and the other time I didn't eat or got out of bed for 2 months. I have been on them for 4 more years than I wanted to be.

Last edited by jimmyjazzuk on 02 Oct 2022, 4:22 pm, edited 3 times in total.

If the medication or treatment was required in the first place, it's not an addiction.
It means that you need it.

Otherwise I'm addicted to my glasses, and my blood pressure medication.

Those don't have the psychological and chemical elements of dependency though

Doctors can also mistreat someone.

I have a chemical dependency on my BP meds.
Without them I get raging migraines and can't function except in pitch dark silence.
I've had strokes from not taking them.

I know what you're trying to say and I'm not a big fan of SSRI myself.
I know they can be hard to quit.
Some people really need them, though.
They've saved lives.

Im sorry to hear that Isabella, that is rough!

I know that they help some people, they helped me through a horrendous period of my life.

I'd like to focus on the debate of whether it is or isn't addiction.

I just can't quit them and I've quit everything else in my life.

Can I ask which one you're on, out of curiosity?

Have you tried ADHD meds?

I did lots of different SSRI over the years.
They didn't really help, with the exception of two times at low dose.

When I started ADHD meds I was able to wean off SSRI.
Problem is ADHD meds raise my blood pressure .

My daughter had a hell of a time getting off Pristiq.
I think Paxil was a problem too if I remember correctly.

Yes I'm on paxil. I think I'm not the only one to have trouble coming off it.
Never tried ADHD meds.

I think I've tried all the SSRIS by now!

Some Gp's dont prescribe paxil/paroxetine now

Ouch. Yes, I've heard that about Paxil.
I think my daughter switched slowly from Paxil to Pristiq.
Then to ADHD and Trintellix (Brintellix).

That's interesting that they don't prescribe it anymore.
I have a couple of bottles worth here, that she never used.

Bit of a catch 22 with the ADHD meds and bp meds for you!

The GP said that while Paxil is effective, it is very hard to come off. I even found that I was getting ready to snap by the time of my daily dose.. just quite volatile In mood, especially if I was a couple hours late!

It's ironic because I don't think the ADHD meds help my ADHD at all.
They wake me up about as much as half a cup of coffee.
My executive function and ability to focus haven't improved at all.
I can't fall asleep until about 5 or 6 am.

The reason I stay on them is that they help my mood.

What triggers you to feel like snapping?
Anxiety?
Sensory?
Social?

All 3 of those for sure. But I honestly feel like it's a chemical withdrawal as medication time approaches. It's like a barren and harsh feeling in my head. (perhaps my dose is too low, but I'm aware that if I go higher, it becomes more difficult to come off)

I also have a lot of repressed anger so when meds have put me off kilter, my mental armour is then compromised and emotions affect me more