[Ghost On The Highway]

I have not taken Paxil, though it is quite the interesting drug. My psychiatrist was always hesitant to prescribe either Paxil or Effexor (Venlafaxine) because they are very difficult to stop taking (both cause physical withdrawal symptoms). I am now on Effexor 150mg and find that I cannot go more than a day without taking it. If I run out, I start getting nauseous, vomit, have a strange "rubbery" sensation in my skin, etc. That being said, it's the only drug that worked for my anxiety and depression. Have you been on other antidepressants before? Seems strange to start with Paxil.

Klonopin, on the other hand, is a commonly-prescribed benzodiazepine anti-anxiety sedative. It is long-acting and, for me, not as pleasant or effective as Xanax (Alprazolam). But it did help me sleep and took the edge off my anxiety.

Usually, a new SSRI antidepressant takes a few weeks to begin working, but side effects are present immediately. These side effects can be distressing and interpreted as a "worsening" of your condition. It usually gets much better with time. That said, if it's really bad I would talk to your doctor about another medication. For example, I took Zoloft for one day and had freaky homicidal thoughts. Not for me.