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Are Antidepressants Addictive?

By Nancy Schimelpfening, About.com

Updated: July 9, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

Question: Are Antidepressants Addictive?
Answer:

Antidepressants are not considered addictive. They do not create cravings nor are they associated with drug-seeking behavior. Although people sometimes refer to the symptoms they experience when stopping an antidepressant too rapidly -- such as fatigue, nausea and dizziness -- as withdrawal, it is not considered a true withdrawal syndrome. These flu-like symptoms are more accurately referred to as discontinuation syndrome.

Source:

Warner, Christopher H. et. al. "Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome." American Family Physician 74.3 (2006): 449-56.

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