I had a similar, but more positive experience on Paxil, and I think my experience is more typical than the author's, which is why it is in widespread use. I wa

I had a similar, but more positive experience on Paxil, and I think my experience is more typical than the author's, which is why it is in widespread use. I was always very shy, and had problems opening up to others. I was isolated and depressed, so I saw a psychiatrist. I took Paxil and had intensive (and expensive) therapy, and over the course of a year I opened up and learned to enjoy other people. After that I did not require the Paxil, and I am much more outgoing. The side effects were not much fun: sweating, inability to orgasm or to feel orgasms, insomnia, etc. and yes Paxil made me love alcohol too. The side effects of depression however were much worse, and Paxil addressed those. In combination with therapy it totally changed my life, and probably saved it. Its not a recreational drug, however, and the author seemed to use it as such.