All psychiatric disorders are managed in three general phases: the acute phase, which focusses on reducing bothersome symptoms (most often anxiety) in a short period of time; the continuation phase, in which, if the patient responds to treatment, drug dosages are changed to provide the greatest improvement; and the final phase, known as the maintenance phase, in which we maintain the improvement achieved and eventually taper the drugs to stop the treatment and provide recovery.
However, the length of these phases varies depending on a number of factors, such as the severity of symptoms, the rate at which symptoms are controlled with treatment, past medical history, related comorbidities, the response to treatment and the response to tapering of mediation, individual vulnerability for psychiatric disorders, etc. The treatment is tailored by the psychiatrist based on a variety of evaluation parameters. In certain cases with the attempt of stopping the treatment, symptoms may reappear with varying degrees of intensity if the illness process is still underway and the patient has not recovered that granular level in the brain.
It's possible that you haven't recovered yet and require additional treatment. I understand that taking daily medications can be difficult at times, but with the right strategy and consistent medication, your symptoms can be effectively managed and your productivity can rise. You should talk to your consultant psychiatrist if you are experiencing weight gain while taking paroxetine. Alternative medications that are less likely to induce weight gain could be recommended. Additionally, along with treatment weight loss through diet control and exercise should be mandated. Each case should be evaluated in terms of the treatment's profit and the possibility of pharmacological adverse effects and your psychiatrist can spill both for you and then you can decide the best approach.
Next Steps
You should continue your treatment till you recover, side effects can be managed by discussing your concerns with your treating psychiatrist.