Question 1

i am about to start methadone for a herion addiction. will it make me tired and depressed? what antidepressants are safe to take while on methadone?

Accepted Answer

Discuss w/ provider: Fatigue does appear to be a frequent complaint and some mood effects are reported, but not depression  (major?) specifically. Most anti-depressants warn about risky interaction w/ Methadone but leave it up to the provider to determine how to deal w/ the issue. So, make certain to have a good conversation w/ your provider and work together on decisions about treatment. You can succeed! Best wishes.

Question 2

are there antidepressants that are addictive?

Accepted Answer

Antidepressants: In general, if they are used to treat depression/anxiety, no. If used to get reaction from side-effects of these medications, such as sedation, they can be.

Question 3

could antidepressants be addictive/do people abuse office visits to get them?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on the antidepressant--some do give people feelings of euphoria that is strong enough for a patient to develop an "addiction"--to make someone lie to his or her physician and abuse office visits to get them.  I would think this is relatively rare, though.  Especially compared to the abuse we see in regards to pain medications, add (adderall) and anti-anxiety medications, like xanax (alprazolam).

Question 4

multi infarct stroke dementia patient, will stopping ssri antidepressant have a negative impact after some time and patient has shown improvement? is it addictive or have a downer. any alt antidep's?

Accepted Answer

Worsening of symptom: Patient with chronic conditions like dementia and conditions like stroke will most likely develop depression. Adding the ssri helps. Taking it away will most likely produce a recurrence of there symptoms making them depressed or agitated again. Ssri have no addiction potential. In regards to alternative, mood stabilizers are also used if presenting with symptoms of aggression.

Question 5

can anti-depressants be used to reduce smoking addiction?

Accepted Answer

Antidep.: A brand of wellbutrin (bupropion) called zyban is.

Question 6

do anti-depressants help most or all people with drug and alcohol addictions?

Accepted Answer

Antidepressants: About 50%of drug and alcohol users also have a psychiatric problem, depression being the most common.  Antidepressants will help reduce the symptoms of depression, reduce the need to self treat with drugs or alcohol, and reduce the chance of relapse to using drgs or alcohol.  Yes, very helpful for many.

Question 7

if 1mg xanax (alprazolam) has proven to work for sleeping due to severe back issues and no addiction in the past, why is new dr. anti xanax (alprazolam)? why antidepres instd?

Accepted Answer

Xanax (alprazolam) for sleep: I will tell you that I have used xanax (alprazolam) for that purpose in the past and with good success and without abuse as you as you have noted. You need to ask your psychiatrist about the risk benefit ratio of the switch. I'm sure that your psychiatrist has a rationale. He may be prescribing an antidepressant that helps both insomnia and pain. Amitriptyline would be one such example. I'm sure that your psychiatrist is acting in your best interest but somehow did not convey to youthe rationale the change. Please ask him or her directly.

Question 8

is valerian root addictive as an antidepresant?and also does it have any tolerance like xanx?thanks

Accepted Answer

Not usually: But, have found St John's Wort to be a better anti-depressant.  Valerian root seems to work a bit better for tension and anxiety, and may stabilize sleep.  I do not think either is truly addictive, but tolerance may develop over time.

Question 9

hi, my cousin has been diagnosed with anxiety, but she refuses to use anti-depressants. is there a natural, non addictive medication she can use?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety Treatment: You are a caring cousin.
Have Heart to Heart talk with her to share about her  nervousness, tension, effect on sleep, appetite, energy; restlessness, irritability, her functioning in relationships and at work.
Express your concerns and discuss Breathing and Music relaxation, Meditation, Yoga, and Tai Chi classes; join her in these.
If her anxiety continues, she may be open to take medication.

Question 10

should i take an antidepressant?

Accepted Answer

I don't know: There is not enough information here to provide a very specific response. Antidepressants can be helpful for treatment of anxiety disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, depressive disorders and some forms of pain.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Antidepressant addiction

A member asked:

I am about to start methadone for a herion addiction. will it make me tired and depressed? what antidepressants are safe to take while on methadone?

A member asked:

Are there antidepressants that are addictive?

A member asked:

Could antidepressants be addictive/do people abuse office visits to get them?

A member asked:

Multi infarct stroke dementia patient, will stopping ssri antidepressant have a negative impact after some time and patient has shown improvement? is it addictive or have a downer. any alt antidep's?

A member asked:

Can anti-depressants be used to reduce smoking addiction?

A member asked:

Do anti-depressants help most or all people with drug and alcohol addictions?

A member asked:

If 1mg xanax (alprazolam) has proven to work for sleeping due to severe back issues and no addiction in the past, why is new dr. anti xanax (alprazolam)? why antidepres instd?

A member asked:

Is valerian root addictive as an antidepresant?and also does it have any tolerance like xanx?thanks

A member asked:

Hi, my cousin has been diagnosed with anxiety, but she refuses to use anti-depressants. is there a natural, non addictive medication she can use?

A member asked:

Should i take an antidepressant?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?