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Expert Q&A
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| By Mary Dailey Addictions Counselor | ||
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Can anti-depressants become addictive?
The likelihood that anti-depressants will become addictive is very slim. When properly prescribed and monitored by a physician with knowledge of the patient's progress, the anti-depressant should work on brain chemistry to alleviate the depression.
In cases where an adolescent is involved with alcohol or other drugs, the dosage of anti-depressant may be ineffective. For example, Prozac, in combination with alcohol, exacerbate the effects of the alcohol, making the patient very intoxicated. The alcohol, in turn, negates the effect of the alcohol.
If the adolescent is suicidal, a parent should monitor the administration of the anti-depressant. This is important so that the patient does not take an overdose and so that the patient continues to take a therapeutic dose, despite not feeling "better" soon. Many of the anti-depressant medications require a period of time (a certain blood level) to be most effective."
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