Antidepressant induced gambling addiction

Hi gettingon  I've looked into this quite a lot if you read any information about any SSRIs (what you took is one of these) there is mention of increased risk of " impulsive, compulsive" behaviour. They will not specifically say gambling etc as that leaves the company wide open. Problem is those drugs are v important for depression and work v well for a lot of people. I'm on a different drug to you but also I've noticed impulsive behaviour over a few years not just related to gambling but other things as well but equally so it's helped massively with my depression, it's a fine line !!

Hi Charlieboy

Thank you for your reply. I agree with what you say, and it is a fine line. Needless to say had I known or been informed that Duloxetine would or may impact me in this way (among other unwanted side effects) I would not have taken them at all. 

Yes. Were you very depressed as far I'm aware duloxetine seems to be reserved for severe depression. I take sertraline controls my depression well had it not worked the next step up would have been duloxetine my gp said. I'm so sorry that this has happened to you, I'm still taking sertraline as I can't deal with the depression/ acute anxiety and now I'm a couple of months without gambling so things are going good,hope things continue to go ok for you . Best wishes

Yes I was, but I didnt know it was reserved for severe depression. Its just crazy how strong my gambling urges were whilst on it but are now non existant. Thank you. I'm glad Sertraline is working well for you and congratulations on being two months gamble free! You can do it! 

I’m dealing with this right now. Currently weaning off, but I would have also avoided this med if I knew about the risk of impulsive behaviors.