Are antidepressants addictive?

The short answer

Commonly used antidepressants, such as SSRIs, do not cause addiction in the way alcohol or sleeping pills can. People do not crave them, do not need higher and higher doses to get the same effect, and do not feel a high from them.

Then why can stopping feel difficult?

If an antidepressant is stopped suddenly, some people get discontinuation symptoms such as dizziness, irritability, poor sleep, flu like feelings or electric shock sensations. This is the body adjusting, not addiction. Reducing the dose gradually with your doctor usually prevents or reduces these symptoms.

How long they take to work

Antidepressants usually take two to six weeks to show clear benefit, and some side effects can appear before the benefits do. This is why follow up visits matter in the early weeks.

How long you need to take them

Once you feel better, doctors usually recommend continuing for several months to lower the chance of the illness returning. How long depends on your history, and it is a decision you make together with your psychiatrist.

Medicines that can cause dependence

Some sleeping pills and anti anxiety medicines, such as benzodiazepines, can cause dependence if taken for long periods. These are different from antidepressants and are generally used for short periods under supervision.

Common questions

Related care

More articles

• How much does a psychiatrist cost in Mumbai?
• Psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor: who should you see?
• When should you see a psychiatrist?