I'm a 22 year old student that has been on paxil for three and a ...

I have been on paxil for eight and a half years. I can't imagine every wanting to stop taking it. It changed my life. My doctor put me on it when my mother was diagnosed with cancer and I couldn't quit obscessing about it. My mother died six and a half years ago, but i continue to take Paxil because I finally feel like I am the person I was always meant to be. I use to be very short tempered and mean, and I disliked people. Now I am a very kind, loving and helpful person who lives to work with people, especially those in crisis.

I have dealt with the memory issues by stimulating my brain. I play memory games and do cross word puzzles, I play sudoku constantlly. I find that it has really helped my mind function at a superior level. I think much clearer and must faster.

Whatever you do, do not just stop taking Paxil. It's the worst experience EVER. years back I had forgotten to take my pill for several days and thought I was coming down with the flu - it was just Paxil withdrawl. It's easy to get off of, you just have to do it gradually, no cold turkey!!!

Also, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE if you are a young person and take Paxil, (especially if you are male, imo) watch for signs of depression and thoughts of suicide. I hate to have a great drug ruined because of a bad reaction and worse, I hate to have someone take their own life.