Having had long and many bouts of major clinical depressive episodes throughout my life (now almost 76 yrs of age), I was prescribed quite a few antidepressants (and attempts to find help via cognitive therapy). From my experiences, what I can say to you is that you must consider that you are UNIQUELY YOU, and what works for one person without nasty side effects may not be an advisable journey for another. In search of relief/control, I was prescribed several antidepressants over a period of about 25 years. I unfortunately was unable to tolerate any of the myriad and often frightening effects that threatened me more than the condition they were supposed to help with. And the arduous journey of weaning (with assistance from a trusted, knowledgeable neurologist) from each did seriously drain me, not just psychologically but also physically and emotionally. I do NOT agree with people who decide to attempt dropping a medication on their own. So many potentially harmful problems, in some cases even death from major heart effects. And I don't offer advise on tapering/weaning either. That should be attempted under the guidance of a medical professional.

With that being said, if you are considering antidepressant therapy, I recommend that you keep a detailed journal with entries for each drug. Important to document the side effects, etc., since that journal will prove highly important when conversing with your doctor(s). Be meticulous: name of medication, date started, dosing, notations of effects (including dry mouth or tongue burning, sense of over sedation, etc.). Then also document what doctor(s) recommended/adjustment of dosing, etc. Also include detailed schedule for weaning before commencing another prescribed med. Sounds tedious, time consuming? Yes, it is, but so very important. You may be given a few different drug (over time), and you want to keep track of each and every one that you take. It's your life, your health. And you are the most important component within that doctor-patient relationship.
Paxil is just one of the copious antidepressants that were initially prescribed to me. I refused Prozac altogether, but Serzone, Effexor XR, Zoloft are in my history. Each one has its own story of how every aspect of my life was affected, and not in a positive manner. I have not taken an antipressant in way over a decade, since my struggles with ditching Effexor followed by Zoloft. I was encouraged to take Cymbalta and also Lyrica, and I emphatically refused each. Again I say: EACH PERSON IS UNIQUE. Evidently, my system was unable to tolerate the medications, and instead inflicted horrid issues. From what I've read here on this site, numerous members have experienced serious problems as well, while sometimes I've read of people who have obtained substantial relief from their particular medication. YOU AND YOUR DOCTOR MUST WORK TOGETHER.

I struggle with depression on a daily basis, exacerbated by quite a few deeply painful life experiences and health issues. I was just recently hit with one more that will take me on yet one more difficult journey. For me, there has not been a "magic pill." I wish there was, but wishing can not make it happen. I immerse myself in my writing, creating GF recipes, and extending myself to my adult children, grandchildren (4), and my husband of almost 53 years. And I pray, for that brings an element of spiritual comfort. But when I need to, I allow myself the release of crying. It does create a sense of release and relief. And then I move on.

I hope you can obtain a medication that works for you. But I do strongly urge you to keep a journal.
I wish you success.