Are anti-depressant medications addictive?

[BigToque]

If I start myself on anti-depressant medication, will I have a hard time giving it up if I either feel it doesn't help or if I don't like the side effects?

I'm seriously starting to consider taking something. I know my dad and my sister both have very similar problems and need to take medication to control it. I've tried to be stronger and try to convince myself that I'm doing alright, but it has become obvious to me that my temper and feelings are not just because I'm just saying or doing the wrong things all the time.

I don't want to lose my girlfriend because I can't control myself (note, I'm not talking about violence or anything like that. I just have a problem with saying stupid things that start big arguements and I usually end up yelling).

Do you guys have any thoughts?

 

[Reel]

You form a dependency on it. It is advised not to stop it cold turkey but to taper off your dosage. You can stop though given the conditions you suggested but it would be best to discuss this further with a doctor more familiar with the medications or your psychiatrist or a family member's psychiatrist.

 

[Yossarian]

if by "start yourself" you mean start taking medication without consulting a doctor, that is a very foolish thing to do.

 

[GeekDrew]

This isn't the best place to ask. On ATOT, in general, the responses you will get is "I'm on it and swear by it" or "I'm not one it and will never be on it because it's horrible!"

 

[Optimus]

The Seratonin ReUptake Inhibitors (like Paxil) are not, as far as I understand it.

However, Reel is correct that you can't just stop taking them cold turkey as that wreaks havoc on you.

One reason people can be 'dependant' on them is that they feel better on the meds, so they do not work on counselling and addressing the root causes of the issues they face - and expecially that they do not form coping mechanisms and techniques because hey, they feel better now.

Then once off the meds, the problems are still there and they are no better at coping with them.

Best bet is that if you need to be on the meds, spend that time researching and developing coping methods and going to professional counselling. Work on changing yourself so that you are ready to cope once back off the meds. Then wean off the meds under your doctor's supervision and engage the new mindset and techniques.

This is all just my opinion though - I'm no doctor and have no deep understanding of these things really. WHATEVER YOU DO OR DON'T DO - TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR AND FOLLOW THIER ADVICE.

 

[Alex]

YES they are addictive... and they take a while to kick in, a couple weeks of continued use... and you can't just quit them cold turkey cause you'll prolly end up in an ER somewhere...

 

[feelingshorter]

google, do the research...as the population of ATOTers with experience first hand is little im sure.

 

[pibb]

Originally posted by: franguinho
YES they are addictive... and they take a while to kick in, a couple weeks of continued use... and you can't just quit them cold turkey cause you'll prolly end up in an ER somewhere...

Nah! you'll defanitly feel like you would wanna rip off someones head though...

 

[BigToque]

I'm very weary about starting the meds, as you said, I don't want to avoid learning coping techniques.

I don't want to be dependant on any drugs to make me feel good. I just don't know if my problems are only psychological, or if they are phsyiological or both.

Edit, I know that I have to talk to a doctor. I can't get perscription meds without seeing one.

I think my sister is taking Paxil IIRC.

 

[minus1972]

The best (and only) advice I can really give is to read a book called Listening to Prozac (I'll even link it for you). It's a good read and may help you out more then drugs in the long run...or, it might convince you that medication is what's right for you. Check it out.