A “Dose” of Clarity: Part 2
The ASPET Drug Research Policy Subcommittee is pleased to share Part 2 of the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors installment of A “Dose” of Clarity, an educational campaign addressing medication misinformation.
Considering recent national discussions surrounding SSRI (antidepressant) use, Part 2 of this installment examines claims that antidepressants are addictive. While conversations about antidepressant use and prescribing often include a range of considerations, Part 2 focuses specifically on the scientific literature related to compulsive use, dependence, and withdrawal. By summarizing key findings from the literature and highlighting important distinctions between physical withdrawal symptoms and addiction-related behaviors, this resource aims to provide a clearer understanding of antidepressant safety and to support informed conversations about this evidence-supported treatment option.
For more than a century, ASPET has served as a trusted source of rigorously validated scientific information on drugs, drug use, and human biology, supporting informed decision-making among scientists, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public. We hope that A “Dose” of Clarity will help to spread this timely and vital information in an accessible way. We encourage scientists and advocates to use these resources in their personal outreach whether at the dinner table, in the classroom, or on Capitol Hill!
