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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Long term effects of Paxil and other antidepressants
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Long term effects of Paxil and other antidepressants
by Sheri Lien, Jan 29, 2000 12:00AM
I have severe crying spells during which, I want my husband to baby me. I cry in the fetal position nonstop for up to four hours. I`m worried the effect this is having on my two and three year olds. I have been on paxil before but am afraid of the long term effects known. Could it cause brain or other cancers? If it is personality disorder, is there any way of treating it without medication? I`m a recovering alcoholic and prefer not to use medicine if possible. I had one diagnosis of Borderline Personality Traits. I`m not sure what that means either. Thank You.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS M.D.-SW, Jan 31, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Jill,
It must be difficult having so many complaints and concerns.
Crying spells may be a symptom of depression, which may be treated effectively by medication and psychotherapy.
Regarding Paxil, there are no know longterm side effects such as brain disease or cancer.
You mentioned you may have Borderline Personality traits. Traits imply, that the person has some of the signs of the disorder without having the full disorder.
In Borderline Personality Disorder the sufferer may present with mood swings (similar to but not as extreme as bipolar), impulsive behavior (spending sprees, substance abuse), self mutilating or suicidal behavior, difficulty maintaining longterm relationships, alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation, feelings of emptiness similar to depression.
I recommend you discus your concerns with a psychiatrist in order to better decide the best treatment options.
Best Wishes,
HFHS M.D.-SW
It must be difficult having so many complaints and concerns.
Crying spells may be a symptom of depression, which may be treated effectively by medication and psychotherapy.
Regarding Paxil, there are no know longterm side effects such as brain disease or cancer.
You mentioned you may have Borderline Personality traits. Traits imply, that the person has some of the signs of the disorder without having the full disorder.
In Borderline Personality Disorder the sufferer may present with mood swings (similar to but not as extreme as bipolar), impulsive behavior (spending sprees, substance abuse), self mutilating or suicidal behavior, difficulty maintaining longterm relationships, alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation, feelings of emptiness similar to depression.
I recommend you discus your concerns with a psychiatrist in order to better decide the best treatment options.
Best Wishes,
HFHS M.D.-SW
