What Are Antidepressants?
Antidepressants are prescription medications used to treat depression and other mood disorders like social anxiety disorder or seasonal affective disorder. While there are at least 5 main types of antidepressants, they all work to balance chemicals in the brain related to mood and behavior. The 5 types of antidepressants include:
- serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- noradrenaline and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NASSAs)
The most commonly prescribed antidepressants are SSRIs. Brand names include Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and Viibryd. These drugs ease depression by increasing a chemical in the brain called serotonin, which is thought to lift the mood and reduce stress.
People may use antidepressants to achieve a stimulant-like effect or to increase energy or alertness. Normally, doctors recommended taking antidepressants 1-2 times daily. Taking more antidepressants, or using them in ways other than directed, like taking larger doses, is suggestive of use. Antidepressants can be used by crushing the tablets and snorting them, taking them orally, or dissolving tablets in liquid and injecting them.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Antidepressant Use
Taking more antidepressants than directed may result in an increase in side effects. Common side effects include:
- abnormal thinking
- agitation
- diarrhea
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- a headache
- insomnia
- loss of appetite
- nervousness
- restlessness
- sedation
When a person uses antidepressants, they may experience extreme mood elevation to the point of mania, or intense excitement and euphoria. There have been case reports of people opening and “sucking” on Prozac tablets to achieve stimulant-like effects. If a person becomes manic on antidepressants, they’re likely suffering from use.
Those abusing antidepressants may also suffer from another substance use disorder (SUD) or mental health condition. Many cases of antidepressant use involve people with other addictions or mental illnesses, and they may experience confusion, seizures, and psychosis (losing touch with reality).
The Dangers Of Antidepressant Use
Mixing antidepressants and alcohol can be dangerous and may worsen symptoms. Mixing alcohol with antidepressants can cause:
- a dangerous spike in blood pressure
- impaired thinking and alertness
- more side effects
- sedation and drowsiness
- worsening anxiety or depression
Taking antidepressants, especially children, and adolescents, may lead to severe and unexpected mental health changes. This can occur when changing the dose of an antidepressant, making it dangerous for those who use the drug. People may risk harming themselves when taking more antidepressants than usual, experiencing:
- aggressive behavior
- extreme worry
- suicidal thoughts
- panic attacks
- worsening depression
If a person experiences any symptoms relating to suicide or harming themselves, call a doctor immediately.
Overdose is also possible when a person takes too many antidepressants either on purpose or by accident. Symptoms of overdose may include fainting, confusion, fever, pounding heartbeat, unsteadiness, and unresponsiveness or coma.
Are Antidepressants Addictive?
Antidepressants are not considered addictive because an addiction implies long-term chemical changes in the brain that cause intense drug cravings and harmful consequences. Antidepressants usually do not lead to these issues, but may still cause symptoms of withdrawal when a person stops using.
Abusing antidepressants, or taking them for longer than 6 weeks, increases the chance of experiencing withdrawal.
Symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal may include:
- anxiety
- chills
- dizziness
- flu-like symptoms
- a headache
- insomnia
- irritability
- nausea
- return of depression
- tiredness
Withdrawal symptoms, also called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, can onset within 1-2 days and may last for up to 3 weeks. Depression may worsen during this time, and certain antidepressants may cause withdrawal symptoms to last longer than others.
A medically supervised detox program can help for severe withdrawal, ensuring a person stays safe and comfortable. It may involve a process can tapering, which slowly decreases the dosage of the drug over time. Medical detox may be especially useful for those experiencing any dangerous side effects of antidepressants, such as suicidal thoughts or aggressive behavior.
Antidepressant Use Treatment Options
Although antidepressants aren’t addictive like other drugs, abusing them may indicate another drug or alcohol problem. In many of the case studies reporting antidepressant use, people suffered from a substance use disorder or co-occurring mental health condition.
Inpatient rehab centers are generally capable of treating both mental health and substance use disorders. Behavioral therapy is the most common form of addiction treatment, which aims to change a person’s thinking and attitudes towards drugs, promoting healthy lifestyles and the skills needed to remain sober after treatment.
Teens and young adults battling suicidal thoughts as a result of antidepressant use may best be served at an inpatient treatment center, which ensures maximum safety and support during recovery. Many centers can provide 24-hour care and observation, while also treating other mental health issues like depression. Treatment plans are highly individualized and implemented by a host of professionals to offer the best quality of care.
Call now for more information on antidepressant use and treatment.
