My doctor says that he doesn't prescribe Paxil to any new patients. If they are already on it and are doing OK, he will keep them on it, but he takes them off if they are having problems. I am continuing to take the Buspar for anxiety, but I take Wellbutrin for depression. The Wellbutrin works well, though I'm taking 400mgs per day.

My husband's psychiatrist suggested that he consider an antidepressant. His family physician (whom he's only seen twice before) put him on the Paxil without even asking a single question about the kind of depression he was having. Now, like with many others, the side effects of this drug are causing worse problems in our marriage than the original depression. They range from impotence, inability to remain erect at the height of sexual peak, inability to reach orgasm and ejaculation, extreme sexual desires to pure frustration from wanting to enjoy sexual relations but not being able to perform.

Not only is this drug causing a problem for my husband, but for me as well. It has definitely had and effect on my self esteem. I would like to see him quit taking the Paxil altogether. His psychiatrist says to stay on it for a year and our physician says go off it and see how you do. If things don't improve with the depression, he can always go back on something else. I am really worried after reading so many articles and watching 20/20 reports about the withdrawals. Is there a better alternative and what can I do to help?. Too many doctors are feeling the pressure to prescribe these wonder drugs without doing the research or finding out what is best for their patients' particular needs.