"paxil works consistently to alleviate my lifelong depression. i did have to bump up levels after the first 6 months of treatment. i have tried to stop treatment twice now but eventually overwhelming depression returns, particularly initiated by allergy seasons. so now ,  i  will just take it for life or until the doctor and i decide otherwise. i am statistically at an elevated risk of reoccuring depression so i just take the medicine. weight gain is a problem but at least that doesn&#039;t depress me."