Antidepressant Addiction

Antidepressant addiction is a scary disease that impacts many people in America and around the world. Because antidepressants are prescription medications and not illegal narcotics, many people think that it is not possible to become addicted to these substances. Sadly, nothing could be further from the truth. Antidepressant medications can create feelings of calmness and euphoria, which many people can find addicting. If you or a loved one suffer from antidepressant addiction, call us at to discuss your treatment options.

Even though antidepressant medications are not often thought of as addictive, the body can become dependent on these medications. According to Psychology Today, some experts estimate that approximately 50 to 80 percent of patients experience some symptoms of withdrawal when discontinuing Paxil without a weaning-off period.

There are lots of reasons that someone taking antidepressant medication may stop taking it without a weaning-off period. For example, if someone is taking the medication without a prescription, they may not have the ability to obtain additional medication after the initial supply is used up.

Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms of antidepressants vary from person to person and drug to drug, but there are a variety of symptoms that are common, including:

• Insomnia
• Problems concentrating
• Panic attacks
• Slurred speech
• Muscle cramps
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Abdominal cramping
• Chills
• Hot flashes

Just like antidepressant withdrawal symptoms can vary from one person to another, so can antidepressant addiction symptoms. The most common antidepressant addiction symptoms include not being able to wean off antidepressants, taking too many antidepressants, taking antidepressants without being under the supervision of a physician, or partaking in irresponsible or risky behavior to obtain antidepressants. You don’t have to suffer from antidepressant withdrawal symptoms. Treatment is available and a safe, comfortable, medical detoxification can be arranged. Call us at to discuss your options.

Many people think that antidepressant addiction is not a serious matter simply because antidepressant addiction symptoms are not always as severe as those associated with other drugs. The reality, however, is that antidepressant addiction can be a very serious matter.

Although becoming suicidal as a result of the use of antidepressant medication is relatively uncommon, it is a very real risk associated with the use of antidepressants. The good news is that if you or a loved one are experiencing antidepressant addiction signs and symptoms, treatment is available. You don’t have to live with antidepressant addiction symptoms forever. Antidepressant addiction treatment is readily available and extremely effective.

Why People Resist Treatment

Many people hesitate to pursue antidepressant addiction recovery. Fear is one of the biggest reasons that people who are addicted to antidepressants do not obtain addiction treatment. Some people are afraid that their loved ones will find out about their addictions and feel differently about them. Some people are afraid they will lose their careers or suffer other negative consequences as the result of obtaining treatment. Other addiction sufferers are fearful that treatment won’t work for them.

“It is important that you don’t let fear stand in the way of you or your loved one obtaining the care you need. “It is important that you don’t let fear stand in the way of you or your loved one obtaining the care you need. Once in recovery, you will likely find that your worst day in recovery is truly better than your best day when you were addicted to antidepressant medication. Addiction symptoms don’t have to run your life. Instead of worrying about where you’re going to get your next dose of antidepressant medication, recovery will allow you to start living. You can start using the energy that was being drained by your addiction to spend time with your family, pursue your hobbies, and enjoy life.

Don’t wait to get help. If you suffer, or a loved one suffers, from addiction to antidepressant medication, give us a call today at . We will ensure that you or your loved one find a rehab program that will meet your needs.

Unsure where to start? Take Our Substance Abuse Self-Assessment

Take our free, 5-minute substance abuse self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with substance abuse. This evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are designed to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of a substance use disorder. The test is free, confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result. Please be aware that this evaluation is not a substitute for advice from a medical doctor.