Robert F. Kennedy has been sworn in as the US Secretary of Health and Human Services. He divided opinions even before taking office, making some controversial statements.
During his Senate confirmation hearing, he claimed that some people find it harder to get off antidepressants as compared to heroin. Kennedy has been open about his decade-long heroin abuse in the past. The 71-year-old told the senate that he has been in recovery since the past 42 years.
He referred to SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), the current generation of antidepressants.
“I know people, including members of my family, who’ve had a much worse time getting off of SSRIs than they have getting off of heroin,” Kennedy said in the hearing.
What are SSRIs?
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin, a chemical that regulates our mood inside the brain. This increases serotonin availability in the brain, helping reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Are SSRIs addictive?
A research study published in the National Library of Medicine lays down “SSRI discontinuation syndrome.” Individuals who stop taking SSRIs can face symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, lethargy, and headaches. This could make them think that they’re feeling depressed again and might once again start taking antidepressants.
Though, such symptoms are mild and short-lived. Studies indicate that the percentage of people suffering from the syndrome varies depending on the type of SSRI. Short half-life SSRIs like paroxetine can cause it in 7% of people. While long half-life ones such as sertraline cause it in around 2% of people. 65% of the cases of SSRI discontinuation syndrome come from the use of paroxetine.
The reason for this syndrome is the rapid reduction in serotonin in the brain following the stoppage of SSRIs. As high levels of serotonin make an individual happy and relaxed, lower levels of negativity impact one’s mental health.
What about Heroin?
Heroin is an opioid drug derived from morphine. When injected, it affects the opioid receptors which control pain, emotion, and breathing. It also triggers a surge of dopamine, the chemical responsible for pleasure and reward, making it highly addictive.
According to a study published in Science Direct, 85% of heroin users experience severe withdrawal symptoms, making it more addictive than antidepressants. Individuals often need treatment with drugs that can activate the opioid receptors when they try to come off heroin.
Is Robert F. Kennedy Jr right?
While antidepressant withdrawal can be challenging, research does not support Kennedy’s claim that quitting SSRIs is harder than quitting heroin. Heroin withdrawal is significantly more severe, often requiring opioid replacement therapy, whereas SSRI withdrawal symptoms are typically mild and short-lived.
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