PAXIL ( paroxetine )
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following an acute distressing period in my life that I found hard to deal with I saw my GP. He diagnosed depression and prescribed Paroxitine. Initially I found the side effects uncomfortable but persevered because I felt so very low and believed my GP diagnosis. I was assured anti-depressents were not addictive. There was an initial follow up with my GP three months later when my dose was increased from 15mgs to 30mgs. For two years thereater I obtained my medication on repeat prescription. I gained three stone in weight over a 15 month period and found this difficult to deal with. I had never gained weight at such a rate before. I researched the medication I had been prescribed and found it may be a contributing factor. I decided not to take it anymore. within a few days I was very ill. Short term memory loss, electric shot sensations, numbness of extremities, loss of balance, nausea.

I researched further on the medication I had decided to stop. I was horrified to discover that not only I suffered these debilitatiing symptoms but that it was well recognised that withdrawl from this medication was a very slow, difficult and painful experience.

I feel let down by my GP, the health service and more especially the FDA.

My relationship is suffering, my career is suffering and the relationship I have with my child is also suffering. I do of course have a choice. I can stay on this medication with all the implications that also has (as my research has discovered) or I can continue to bite the bullet for the next year or so and see what is left in my life. After that I will have to pick up the pieces myself.