The problem with SRI's are that they are too often given to people who dont need them, my case in point. I was given Paxil after being depressed for a year after returning from Iraq. At first I noticed a markedly improved disposition and increased energy levels, however they didnt stop over months of taking that drug I slowly decreased sleep and appetite also decreased, finally I hit a wall where I didnt sleep at all and didnt eat for about a week( I even made a post about it here, I was lost). Now I am on Carbamezipine and Clonzepam to control my sleeplessness and agitative states, those are both anti-seizure medicines, Paxil essentially re-wired and damaged my brain ever so slightly. Even one day of skipping Carbamazipine I will lose my appetite and become fully restless, my short term memory is horrible, however it seems my left brain work better(sometimes). I feel that Carbamazepine is the proper drug for me right now, I can tell there is an improvement. Now I need to slowly work myself off this one over time and I will be a-ok.
...yes you will be....Paxil is the shortest acting of the SSRI's and has the most side effects and have known of people having problems for a year or so off them...once you stablize and do whatever you need to do for PTSD or whatever you are diagnosed with....a slow tapering should do it...your brain will return to it's genetic disposition...I wish you success...you will make it... I've known benzo sufferes take years to recover..took me about 4 years....in bed for almost 2 years....and I"m not a wussy....it was horrific....but most doctors and lay people have never heard of it........take care