I've been on the anti-depressant Paxil for about 12 years.
I've gone off of it a number of times and initially I feel
fabulous. After a month and a half or so I begin to feel
the beginnings of depression. I am fearful of being depressed
again and so I see a doctor and start the slow six week process
of gettting back on Paxi. This six weeks is horrible. The first
three weeks my mind is laden with fears and I cannot stop
them. I cannot relax. I cannot read a book or practically anything
to get away from them. Eventually the Paxil kicks in about six
weeks later and I'm so thankful.
Having left Paxil about four times over the last twelve years I
am leary of doing it again, not to mention the stress I believe I
cause my good friends who support me during the six week period.
At age 57, I've never been happier in my life right now. I
have no health issues besides the depression. I'm getting more
and more active, volunteer, have good friends, enjoy life, but
the side effects from Paxil, make me lethargic and I drink a lot
of coffee to stay awake. Paxil also has sexual side effects which
I'd prefer not to have.
I was very hesitant to begin Paxil but the feeling of peace it
brought me was wonderful. My brother is also on an anti-depressant
and my sister was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 60. We
grew up in an alcoholic family.
I'm just beginning to explore what macrobiotics might provide
for me in getting off of Paxil