Sertraline for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder User Reviews (Page 5)

• dj...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 7, 2014

"This medication has been a God send for me. Since I have been on sertraline, my mood swings and anger problems caused by post traumatic stress disorder, have significantly been reduced. They still happen, but not nearly as often as before I started sertraline."

• Survi...
• June 29, 2018

"In January 2018 I was depressed. I suffered from daily panic attacks, and order compulsions from OCD. I walked around like a scared cat all the time. Thoughts in my mind swirled like tornado. Worse case scenarios about my future. No appetite. Not able to concentrate. Horrible triggers due to underlying and unknown PTSD. After no success with Lexapro, my practitioner changed me to sertraline at 25 mg for two days, then 50 mg for two weeks, then 100 mg for two weeks, then 150 mg which I have taken since April 2018. Each increase on the medication helped the panic, OCD, anxiety, and depression gradually. The depression lifting was what I first noticed, then the panic went, then the OCD dissipated, and finally the anxiety and fear left. Today I am feeling so much better. My confidence and self esteem are back. My appetite is great. There is no OCD, haunting, fear, depression, and I have a very good outlook for myself and my life."

• Anna
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2022

"I had a pretty severe reaction day 1. I was prescribed 25mg. I had a severe reaction on Prozac, didn’t sleep for days. I took it around 6pm. Within a few hours the headache started and I started having trouble focusing. My puppy was trying to get me to play but I didn’t have the energy to. The next day I felt heavy, my body, face, thoughts, all had a weight over them. I couldn’t think and when I tried they felt very far away. I had a therapy session that day, but could not focus or visualize anything. Accidentally drove through a red light because I was trying to remember which turn to take. A task at work that normally took 2 minutes took half an hour because I just couldn’t think. I felt completely shut down."

• VPano
• April 25, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "Started taking Zoloft on September 8. The first month was very tired with headaches. October: headaches and no appetite that persisted until third month. Had some hair loss and diarrhea for a month or so in December. Then I had nausea and bad brain zaps around February 9. That was when I was fully off for a week. Jan: I was taking half dosage whole month. Now it’s April and I still have a few dull brain zaps when I’m really tired or if I cried. Plus the sexual side effects did not go away. Decreased libido and I don’t feel horney anymore. There’s literally not the same feeling as before I started taking the medication. Not as much natural lubrication either. The doctor that gave this to me told me nothing about but gave me a print out. Always ask what medications that your doctor is supposed to be upselling before accepting ANY. ALWAYS look at the warnings. Sadly this did not work and it’s taking me a long time to try to get back to a normal libido and mind again."

• Biker
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 25, 2021

"I've been on sertraline 100mg for over 2 years now, I've not been able to walk out the front door for a walk every day ever, since I've been 18. I'm now 41 years old and my dogs have made it possible, on top of meds and although still have symptoms I can fight through them easier. My dogs happily have a walk pretty much every day now, I also suffer PCOS which increases symptoms of CPTSD"

• Diddle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2014

"49 yo female with post traumatic stress disorder..severe anxiety, crazy obsessive compulsive thoughts...led to depression. Started at 50 mg, start ups were horrible increased anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder, night sweats, waking up in a panic when I could sleep, lethargic, feeling stoned and like a walking zombie....skin was hot and tingley shaking on the inside. Feeling flat and NO motivation to even brush my teeth. Went down to 25mg for a few days and now back to 50mg. On day 11 now and most of the depression has lifted. OCD isn't as bad, its more controllable, anxiety still there a bit. If this is the beginning of the future I'm happy. It was worth the initial start! Can see the light at the end of this dark tunnel and I feel a bit free now."

• ptsd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2017

Zoloft (sertraline) "MIGRAINE SUFFERERS BEWARE: this medication took my migraine condition to another level of pain and frequency. The worst part is that my doctor did not share with me that Zoloft can make migraines worse before I started the medication. I had at least 2-3 days every week that not only was I completely incapacitated by the pain of them (something typical with migraines) to the point that I could not go to class, but the vomiting and nausea was relentless. I lost 15 pounds on this medication after taking it for just 6 weeks because of the vomiting from migraines. I went to the hospital toward the end of trying Zoloft because of dehydration and the worst pain I've felt in my life from the migraines this caused. be careful if you have migraines"

• Jamie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2020

"Originally when I first started taking Sertraline I felt I was more mentally able to deal with PTSD, with flashbacks I was more able to distract myself and felt it easier to stay away from upsetting thoughts. My initial problem was I couldn’t stop shaking or sweating and I was completely unable to sleep, I was lucky if I got 30 minutes a night. I came off the tablets but after a consultation with a doctor went back on them with sleeping medication - I felt a constant pressure of sadness and couldn’t feel happy, I literally felt like I had voices in my head telling me I’m worthless and had to remain sad. I’ve tried Citalopram, Fluoxetine and Sertraline and all have given me suicidal thoughts - I don’t believe antidepressants can actually help me."

• Leamo
• January 18, 2019

"I was told at the onset that sertraline would take 5 to 6 weeks to take affect. I'm now into my 4th month and its been brilliant but it did take time to start to see the improvement. I admit that it has made me feel quite flat emotionally. But its much better than the anxiety, panic attacks and visions that I had been experiencing. Also that buzzing and light headedness that you experience at the beginning does go away."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 17, 2016

Zoloft (sertraline) "Take this with a grain of salt, only took it once, but that once was enough. Took it at night, few hours later became very restless and only got 3 hours of sleep that night. Next day, it was still there and came with fury. Muscle aches everywhere, body twitches, everything. Had to take 10mg hydro to take the pain away, but still felt it even with that. Never taking it again, that pain was unreal."

• CMan
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2016

Zoloft (sertraline) "Alright so I've been on 100mg of Zoloft for a while and I'm supposed to start 200mg tomorrow and I'll be honest, it's done absolutely nothing for me personally so far.. I'll be starting Risperidone and coming off this one. I've had no side effects as well as no positive effects what so ever, it's a very weak medication, basically like drinking water. I guess if your symptoms aren't bad at all and you want an easy way out of your problems, then this could be the drug for you. These are the symptoms I experience and trying to medicate: Hypervigilence, jumpiness, sensitivity to sudden noises (like a door slamming shut), only experience emotional ''numbness'' or anger/rage, cloudy mind, disconnection/dissociation/depersonalization, etc."

• Ninja
• May 5, 2020

"This Zoloft is the WORST medication I have been on. I strongly advise against taking it. Day 4 of taking it and I had to be rushed in via ambulance to the hospital. I had a headache, shortness of breath, dizziness to the point where I was almost fainting, racing heart, tingling and cool burning sensation on my face, neck and arms. I was convinced I was having a heart attack and that I was going to die. The doctors told me they think it's a panic attack, brought on by a reaction to the Zoloft. Stopped taking it that day. I have since had about 10 other visits to the hospital and the same amount to my doctor. Severe panic attacks (which I had never had before), anxiety and depression. I am in a constant state of anxiety, constantly feel dizzy and foggy, even when I'm not having a panic attack. It has severely affected every aspect of my life. This all started from the Zoloft and it's still going on over 2 months later. Stay clear of this medication if you value your health."

• Aandrew
• December 14, 2021

"After taking Prozac for many years on 40mg was increased to 60mg. After 3-4 months my anger and anxiety was through the roof. I have PTSD, chronic depression, panic attacks, BED ( binge eating disorder) which has lead to me becoming obese. Last week I was ready to throw the towel in, suicidal, dark thoughts took me to dark places. Today, I’ve began Zoloft 50mg, to be reviewed in 2 weeks. I’ve read all the reviews and the positive is outweighing the negative. I’ll post again in a few weeks to see how I’m coping."

• Angel
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 28, 2022

"I was on Zoloft/Sertraline for about four years for PTSD/depression. The first time I took it for about 3 years straight, it helped a fair amount with my depression and energy levels and I slept better (the sleep on Zoloft was pretty good overall). I got off of it because of issues with libido and my suicidal ideation not subsiding and ended up going back on because of even worse suicidal ideation. The second time I felt numb, disassociated and got no respite from the suicidal thoughts. It was almost as if it affected me like a completely different drug. I also experimented with different dosages and found that the higher dosages caused me more anxiety and issues sleeping, so I pretty much stayed on 50 mg most of my time on the drug. I got off of it and have been on Prozac for about 5 months now and it's been much better. Zoloft is really helpful for a lot of people though so maybe don't knock it til you try it for a couple of months. Everybody is different."

• Lexi
• August 15, 2019

"This medication sertraline was not helpful for me long term or even short term in fact it threw me into insomnia, upped my severe PTSD symptoms and even made me feel like I had a flu. I struggle to eat due to anxiety & anorexia so it made me pretty ill and relapse into anorexia malnutrition. It screwed me up completely. My GP wouldn't refer me to a Specialist for psychiatric meds & thought I just need a mood lift. I am getting off of it and already feel better. I was on 50 mg & I couldn't even drive from sertraline upping my anxiety. My doctor wouldn't even listen to me when I told her I wasn't sleeping and going nuts. It was so rough for me. Really get a psychiatric nurse if you can. I'm looking for new care after this mess. My GP ruined 2 months of my summer I can't get back & I missed a vacation and seeing my father because it made me so sick from insomnia. I went psychotic. Be so careful. Gp's set bones and give flu shots. Don't let yours prescribe you with out special care. Good luck."

• Lorie...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 23, 2023

"Life-saving. Stops my depression, anxiety, stress, and panic attacks, stops the feeling of being stalked, and my thinking clear. Makes me be able to be functional. I started at 25mg a few years ago and I am on 175 mg currently. It takes a while, a few weeks to build up and see results. Don't instantly stop this medication. Slow withdrawal with doctor awareness is important."

• CMan
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 14, 2018

Zoloft (sertraline) "I've been taking Zoloft 200mg every day for about 1.5 years now. I was lucky because I've never had any real side effects from it and I jumped up 50 mg at a time pretty quickly. It took at least 2 months for me to notice any changes in my unstable mood. Recently unfortunately it feels as though Zoloft has lost it's effectiveness and I'm feeling pretty awful again. I don't feel depressed, I just feel unbelievable anxiety, paranoia, stress, rage, disconnection from reality, etc. which is why I was taking it, although the stuff is like water for me, it barely does anything, although initially it helped take the edge off a little bit. Everyone's different so you'll react differently, there's no way of knowing unless you try it."

• porkc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2023

"I have been on Setraline for nearly four months now and can say with certainty that this drug makes me feel like a zombie most days. Ever since I've taken it my ability to care about anyone has diminished significantly. Also according to my doctor my liver health has steadily declined since using this drug. Be very careful if you use this!"

• Shatt...
• August 29, 2018

"I've had PTSD since I was an infant, but didn't recognize/accept/understand my functionally challenged life (as PTSD driven) until I was 44 (I'm now 54). I have tried antidepressants, mostly Prozac. I remember hearing that Prozac was the goto drug for PTSD (it wasn't for me) I've since tried Effexor (a few years ago, which may have made it worse) and most recently about 2 months ago (I'm up to 150mg/day) Sertraline. I have chronic pain in my lower limbs and I think that sertraline is even helping me with that. I was prescribed clonazepam for triggers/panic at the same time as the sertraline, but I think the sertraline is making that drug unnecessary. I've lost 10 pounds since I was prescribed sertraline - probably because after being sedentary for a decade I'm doing things again, leaving the house, making things happen, sweating and even laughing on occasions. Its not a magical pill that changes your life overnight. Once you are saturated though the results are remarkable."

• Erik
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2017

"I'm in my 40`s. I grew up in an abusive alcoholic family. My dad was the alcoholic and my mom a crazy liberal. I developed PTSD, social problems, and severe anxiety. I set a new year resolution to try to resolve my issues. I'm not at all depressed or unhappy but the anxiety was overwhelming me to a point where I could not sleep. I finally caved in and went to a doctor and was prescribed Sertraline 25 mg. For about the first 3 weeks I felt like a new man but I think I need to increase the dosage a bit because I still feel a little jittery. Overall this medication has helped me tremendously! I feel much better and I'm not bothered by stress any more."

• Upsta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2017

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have IBS so meds are a problem. I suffer from complicated grief and PTSD as a result of my loss. I finally consulted a psychiatrist because primary care Dr. Not knowledgeable enough. We tried five meds, at least. The best by far was Lexapro but it made the IBSD so bad it became dangerous. Now on 50 mg Zoloft generic after starting with half a 25 my pill and slowly working up. Just had flare of IBS so can't increase another half as Dr. Prescribed until it settles down. At first I thought it was working, not any more. I can't sit still, a foot is always rapidly shaking, even if I wake up during the night. I feel really hopeless and like underneath the drugs effects I'm ready to scream. Have to talk to my psych Dr."

• Zebotoo
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 16, 2012

"I've felt much less depressed and it has slowed down my panic attacks considerably - BUT - my concentration and memory have been drastically affected. Thinking of going off the medicine because I'm making so many mistakes at work."

• Anony...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2019

"Started Zoloft 50mg 8 weeks ago. Have previously been on citalopram for 2 years. Side effects I have experienced are headaches, not sleeping, trembling hands, random outbursts of excitement, sleeping a lot at the start. At around 7 weeks I began noticing I had become emotionally numb (emotional blocking). Unable to feel any emotions for example laughing, crying, empathy for other people. I feel like this could be to high of a dose or the wrong med for me personally as I haven’t felt any benefits from it 8 weeks later. I just remember with citalopram (20mg) I felt that moment when you realise your anti depressants are working! That genuine feeling of hope and excitement! I feel worst than I did a few weeks ago so back to the doctors for me."

• Danni
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 13, 2021

"I started Sertraline 4 weeks ago after I ended up in hospital twice because I couldn't cope anymore after coming off endep worst thing ever. I've battled mental health for a long time and have had many meds changes and a lot of issues with medication. Changing meds scare me so bad that I was fighting against taking new meds. I finally gave in a took them and so far they seem to be working well. I've been on 50mg for 4 weeks need to go up to 100mg now. I haven't had any side effects which is a change considering I have reactions to most meds. So far all is good I haven't had a panic attack since starting it still a long way to go but I would suggest trying it if your doctor prescribes it may just help. PS my issues are Ptsd, anxiety disorder,panic disorder,health anxiety, depression,social anxiety and agoraphobia"

• Happy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2022

"I started feeling better within the first 2 days. I started off at 25 mg. My constant mental chatter calmed down, and I woke up this morning wanting to wake up…I haven’t felt that way since I was maybe a small child. If you start at a low dose, the side effects are definitely avoided/minimized. I recommend this medication for PTSD and anxiety. It really helps decrease the hyperarousal."