Advice, please (SSRI)

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Prozac fixed me many years ago.
These SSRIs are good nowadays.
I have learnt coping methods without using drugs (proscribed) since.
But don't worry too much. You get the odd horror story and there are plenty of drama queens round here.
May as well give them a try though. If they dont work for you, then fine. Try something else.

I agree that you would do well to do LOTS of homework on all of your possible options before agreeing to take an SSRI.If and when you do decide to start a course of medication,take it every single day exactly as prescribed and examine your responses every single day.Even keep a diary,if that helps chart effects.Unless you are obviously having an adverse reaction,give a med a fair chance but be prepared to alter dosage or switch meds.

I took Paxil for close to two years and it temporarily gave me a happy reprieve from certain anxieties.Side effects weren't as bad for me as some report,and I had a fairly comfortable year with it's assistance.I still felt like "myself",just much more relaxed in general.That was both good and bad,though I think I did begin to learn about myself a that time.

Most notably,when the Paxil stopped being effective and I decided to stop taking it,the withdrawals were absolutely horrid.Not much was known then abut Paxil withdrawals;I do not know if the med community is better informed these days,or if there are safer options.

Little is known about exactly how and what these medicines do,so know beforehand that you will be engaging in somewhat of an experiment for yourself and the medical community.It will be on you to decide if that is acceptable and promising or not.This is your life,your body/mind,your health and wellness.Best of luck.

While I've found some drugs to be lifesavers, others can make things much worse. I recommend being very careful when taking any brain altering drug. These drugs are prescribed based on studies where the desired effect is seen in the majority of test subjects, but everyone's neurochemistry is unique. If you're asking the question here, chances are that yours is atypical. I would work with a psychiatrist that is experienced with your condition and full understanding of the atypical responses to these drugs. Educate yourself as well on what reactions to expect and keep a close account of any changes you feel. If things seem to be going the wrong way, get back to the doctor immediately.

Watch out for the discontinuation syndrome. It happens to 30-40% of people who either go off intentionally or who have taken it long enough to build tolerance. It's scary. Even after the serious withdrawls disappear after a few months, you still could feel damaged after several more months or even years.

Paxil Progress link was a good call. This place helped me get through alot of it.