Mental Health Doctor Reacts to RFK & Antidepressants

Let's address the elephant in the room...

My DMs Have Been Flooded This Week…

"Doc, can you talk about antidepressants?"
"Are they really as addictive as opioids?"
"Can you respond to RFK’s statements?"

In case you missed it, during his Senate confirmation hearing for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed that antidepressants are harder to quit than heroin, a dangerous opioid drug.

Is that fact or fiction?

As a mental health doctor who treats both depression and opioid addiction, I’m uniquely positioned to break this down.

But first—a quick life update.

Speaking at the American College of Psychiatrists Conference

It still feels surreal to say this out loud, but this week, I was invited to give a Plenary Talk in Kauai, Hawaii at the American College of Psychiatrists Conference.

My talk focused on combating mental health misinformation on social media—and why psychiatrists and other mental health professionals belong on these platforms. We have a responsibility to fight misinformation at its source and provide life-changing, science-backed mental health education.

The talk went great, and I’m now flying back to Miami, feeling refreshed and excited to get back to my patients this week.

Alright, let’s jump in.

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What We Know About Stopping Antidepressants

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—the most commonly prescribed antidepressants—are not physically addictive. However, stopping them too quickly can cause withdrawal-like symptoms in some people, known as SSRI discontinuation syndrome.

These symptoms can include:
✅ Dizziness
✅ Nausea
✅ Headaches
✅ Brain “zaps”

For most, these effects are mild and temporary—lasting a few weeks at most. For some though, the effects can be very uncomfortable and impact their daily life.

That’s why psychiatrists (including me) gradually taper SSRIs over weeks or months when a patient is ready to stop. When done correctly, the vast majority of people come off SSRIs without major issues.

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Addiction vs. Dependence: Why Opioids and SSRIs Are NOT the Same

Unlike antidepressants, opioids like heroin and fentanyl are physically addictive—they hijack the brain’s reward system, creating intense cravings and compulsive drug-seeking behavior.

When someone abruptly stops opioids, their brain struggles to adjust, leading to severe withdrawal symptoms:
❌ Intense drug cravings
❌ Vomiting & diarrhea
❌ Muscle pain & sweating
❌ Increased heart rate & blood pressure
❌ Anxiety, agitation, and insomnia

This is why opioid addiction often requires medical detox and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to reduce cravings and prevent relapse.

What About SSRIs?

SSRIs do not cause cravings, compulsive use, or drug-seeking behavior. While stopping them too fast can cause discontinuation symptoms, this does NOT mean they are addictive.

The key difference? Addiction fuels compulsive, harmful behaviors. SSRI withdrawal, while uncomfortable for some, is temporary and preventable with proper tapering.

I’ve helped countless patients taper off SSRIs safely—without issues—by adjusting doses gradually.

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The Bottom Line

RFK Jr.'s comparison is misleading. Antidepressants and opioids are not in the same universe when it comes to withdrawal and dependence.

✔️ Opioids can cause physical addiction. The body becomes dependent, withdrawal can be intense, and quitting often requires medical detox.
✔️ Antidepressants do NOT cause physical addiction. But stopping them too quickly can cause temporary discontinuation symptoms in some people.
✔️ With proper medical guidance, tapering off SSRIs is safe and manageable. Unlike heroin, which often requires long-term treatment to avoid relapse.

Why This Misinformation is Harmful

RFK’s messaging around SSRIs isn’t just misleading—it’s dangerous. My concern is that people will avoid treatment for depression due to misinformation about antidepressants being "addictive."

SSRIs are NOT addictive. When prescribed appropriately, they can be life-changing. I’ve seen firsthand how these medications help people regain their lives.

That’s why I wrote this—to clear up confusion, fight stigma, and ensure people get the care they need without unnecessary fear.

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Thank you for reading. I’m so grateful you’re here. Thank you for investing in your health and taking steps toward a balanced life. We’re in this together.

Let’s keep the conversation going:
Curious about something or have a topic you’d love me to dive into in a future newsletter? Let me know - I read every comment and do my best to respond to as many as I can. Your ideas inspire the next big discussion!

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Sources:

📖 Chu A, Wadhwa R. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406/
📖 Gabriel M, Sharma V. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. CMAJ. 2017 May 29;189(21):E747. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.160991. PMID: 28554948; PMCID: PMC5449237.
📖 Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) reduces opioid overdose deaths: https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/treatment/opioid-use-disorder.html

Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content shared is based on evidence-supported research and my personal experiences but is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your personal doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before starting new treatments, making changes to your health routine, or addressing specific medical concerns. This content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. While I strive for accuracy, the information may not apply to your unique situation. My views are my own and do not reflect the views of my employer.

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Wishing you balance, health, and peace.

Dr. Jake