Going on Seroxat was one of the worst decisions I've (or my doctor's) ever made. At first I felt great, but when I tried to come off it the side effects were horrendous. I completely and utterly believe Seroxat is physically addictive - and have friends with similar experiences.
I craved it while coming off and started stashing pills, which I knew was crazy. For six months after coming off it I would physically shake on a day-to-day basis, felt like I had electric shocks going through my head and, most worryingly, had visual and auditory hallucinations. I also had a lot of problems with my balance, kept falling over and kept falling off my chair at work.
My GP admitted at this point that other patients of his had had similar experiences. It's a tough one, because Seroxat is far and away the most effective anti-depressant I've tried, but coming off it made me suicidal and I started self-harming (which was a first for me).
Getting over what I genuinely believe was an addiction to Seroxat was far worse than any depression I have suffered.
If I were you I'd think long and hard before taking Seroxat and consider Lustral or Prozac first. (Seroxat also made me balloon up in weight, which the others didn't)
After my Seroxat experience I threw away all my prescription pills and decided to tackle my mental health myself. It's not been easy, but I've been 'clean' for four years now. I use a combination of yoga, meditation and hiking. Whenever I feel low I force myself not to stay in bed and to get to the gym or get my butt up a mountain!
Hope this helps - I know lots of people have had good experiences on Seroxat but I know of far too many who've had a terrible time to recommend it. Personally I think it should be banned.
For more info from other users check out the American site:
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