Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to help mitigate the symptoms of depression. But are they addictive? If you regularly take antidepressants or are considering talking to your doctor about them, learn whether these medications are addictive and what the potential side effects are so you can make an informed decision.
At Right Step Hill Country, we understand how crippling depressive disorders can be and how tempting it can be to self-medicate your symptoms. If you or a loved one has developed an addiction due to self-medication, reach out to us at 1.844.675.1628. Our substance abuse treatment programs offer the advantage of dual diagnosis treatment to address depression and addiction simultaneously. Call today to learn more.
Are Antidepressants Addictive?
While opioid prescription drugs do carry a potential for addiction, antidepressants do not. However, your body can become dependent on them, meaning you’ll likely experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking your medication. This is why it is never recommended to stop taking antidepressants on your own.
Instead, consult with your healthcare provider about weaning from your medication. This process involves slowly tapering your dosage until you eventually quit altogether. Discontinuing an antidepressant in this way helps minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Side Effects of Antidepressants
In addition to developing a physical dependence on antidepressants, there are other side effects people may experience. Common antidepressant side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Indigestion
- Low libido
In rare cases, some people may have an allergic reaction to their antidepressant medication. If you believe you might be allergic to your prescription, reach out to your prescribing doctor immediately for guidance. Again, it’s best not to abruptly discontinue the medication without the approval of your healthcare provider.
It is also important to note that some antidepressants have adverse interactions with other medications. Before beginning an antidepressant regimen, be sure you notify your doctor about any other medications you’re taking. Since some nutritional supplements may also cause issues when taken alongside antidepressants, bring along a list of any supplements you take as well. Having a full picture will help your doctor to create the best plan for you.
Tips for Managing Depression Symptoms
Whether you decide to medically manage your symptoms or not, there are other things you can do to help take charge of your depression symptoms.
See a Therapist
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an immensely helpful therapeutic modality for depression. Many people with this condition experience distorted negative thoughts that can make them feel sad and hopeless each day. A therapist can utilize CBT techniques to help you question those thoughts and replace them with healthier thoughts that serve you better.
Try Holistic Therapies
There are many different types of holistic therapies that can benefit your mental health. Meditation, yoga, qigong, journaling, music therapy, nature therapy, and equine therapy are just a few examples. Experiment with different activities like these in order to find the one that makes you feel best.
Implement Healthy Habits
It may sound overly simplistic, but adopting healthy habits is more important than ever when your mental health is suffering. Getting plenty of sleep, eating a variety of nourishing foods, drinking plenty of water, getting outside, getting regular exercise, and avoiding excessive alcohol or caffeine can all support your overall health and well-being.
Call Hill Country Today to Get Help for Depression and Substance Use Disorders
Substance use disorders and mental health conditions can go hand in hand; that’s why Hill Country provides dual diagnosis treatment that addresses these conditions together. Our team provides a comprehensive approach that considers all the factors in your life that are impacted by both mental health and addiction. To start healing today, contact us online or call 1.844.675.1628.