A member asked:

Are there antidepressants that are addictive?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Alan Ali answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

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.

Answered 8/2/2013

5.7k views

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Dr. Dheeraj Raina answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

No. : People often ask this because of the withdrawal symptoms linked to abruptly stopping antidepressants (ad). Keep in mind, the hallmark of addiction is not physical dependence- it's compulsive use of a substance w/o regard to consequences. As a result something can be addictive without causing physical dependence (e.g.Cocaine), while ad discontinuation can lead to withdrawal. Hope this helps.

Answered 1/23/2014

4.5k views

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