"paxil saved my life.  i was depressed and could not climb out.  tried effexor but it made my heart beat rapidly and made me really nervous.  paxil has been amazing.  i feel like a regular person.  i have highs and lows, but the lows aren&#039;t as low as they used to be... and they only occur when there is a real reason to be sad.  the bad: the withdrawal symptoms are horrible!  i didn&#039;t try to get off paxil, but i forgot it once on a vacation trip.  got very light headed, dizzy, and i had the &quot;zaps.&quot;  it was like being shocked at random moments.  i&#039;ll probably never get off paxil... but it is worth it.  my quality of life improved in the last 3 years and it is worth any long term effect this drug has on me."