"I took Paxil for 10 years.  Started on 20mg and had intense anxiety, confusion, panic. Doctor insisted it was all in my head.  Therapist told me to cut the dose in 1/2.  Felt somewhat better. Went up to 20mg after a few months and began to get brain zaps. A close friend told me I had lost my personality. Slept 10-14 hrs a night and frustrated my partner because of sleeping, no sex drive and no ability to feel sexual pleasure.  Effects of alcohol intensified-  passed out from 2 drinks or became over-emotional.  Tapered from 20mg to 0 slowly over the 10 yrs.  Each tiny decrease resulted in ~2wk period of increased anxiety. I think overall it numbed the panic but CBT therapy and getting older may have been more or similarly effective. "