Emotional Wellness Mary Symmes is the founder of Self Investment Strategies and a life coach devoted to the empowerment of working women. Mary is also a clinical social worker in Alexandria, Va. Visit her Web site at SelfInvestmentStrategies.com Anti-depressants Question: Will an anti-depressant that worked in the past work again? I was on Paxil for 4 years and it was very good for my depression. I tried to lower the dose and it stopped working. Nothing has worked nearly as well since (it's been 1 year). Is it worth trying Paxil again? M. Answer: The ultimate decision about medicine rests with your doctor, of course, but if Paxil helped you once it may well help you again. One of the problems with starting and stopping an antidepressant is that it may be ineffective when you try it again. I urge you to consider staying on Paxil longer this time, since you had a fairly rapid regression when you went off it. (If it does work again). Depending on your physician's evaluation, staying on medicine for the rest of your life might be best for you. Many people hate the idea of staying on antidepressants for many years, or for life, but I think it certainly beats the alternative! And if you had diabetes, would you go off insulin periodically to see what happened? Still, only you know how you feel and what type of depression you have, and whether there is a family history of it. I hope you feel better soon. Best wishes, Mary Other Recent Questions: I just started a business, and I can't stop worrying I'm worried that my husband may be having an affair. How can I find out? Ask Mary your questions The above is for general information only and is not intended to substitute for professional mental health treatment. Individuals should consult licensed professionals as needed.