Sertraline for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Lilli...
• July 14, 2011

Zoloft (sertraline) "First, I will admit I am at my wits' end with PMDD. I was on Zoloft 100 mg about 1 year ago for about 3 months, and it was like a miracle pill. Then I started to research more about it, and there was so much negativity toward weight gain while on it, and I did gain 10 pounds, so I started to panic because I am already 50 pounds overweight. So, I went against better judgment and went off of it. I went around the mountain over and over again, trying to find a better solution. Nothing was successful for me. I would rather be fat and happy than skinny and miserable for the rest of my life. I am going back on it in about a week. I am also going to be put on birth control pills to help with the hormones."

• Molly...
• February 12, 2018

Zoloft (sertraline) "I took this for 7 days right before my period. Wow. The nausea and drowsiness the first 3 days were tough (horrible the first 24 hours, then got better). But this was the first month I didn't cry at the dinner table with my family in ages. My general mood was totally normal and not overly sensitive or aggressive. I didn't have any sexual side effects and no menstrual cramps when my period arrived. I'm going to try it again next cycle, hoping that the side effects diminish."

• Anonymous
• February 5, 2012

Zoloft (sertraline) "I just started Zoloft 3 days ago and am encouraged by those of you who say the drowsiness goes away after a while. I am on the one week prior to my period regimen, due to PMDD. It is amazing already how calm and patient I am with my kids and husband. I had been on other meds in the past for depression, but hadn't taken anything in a few years. I have to say for the last post, the Yaz can make you depressed and gain weight. I would have just done the Zoloft. Loving the Zoloft. Excited to see how I feel when the side effects go away."

• SARAMB
• February 16, 2011

Zoloft (sertraline) "After, I think, years of suffering from PMDDs and it coming to a head this month (as I am in a highly stressful ongoing situation), I self-diagnosed and went to a psychiatrist who was super and put me on Zoloft - first pill last night, and I already feel a difference, although have to go through the first week's adaptive side effects (drowsy and slight nausea). I am going to be also fascinated to see if the Zoloft will positively affect my over-alcohol consumption, which I, of course, now realize was me self-medicating against the depression, trying to find a good mood feeling each day."

• Anonymous
• January 12, 2009

Zoloft (sertraline) "For the past 5 years, I have been suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It affected my life in all aspects. I finally found a solution to my disorder. I take Zoloft 1 x 50 mg pill every day, and 2 weeks before my period, I take 2 pills (100 mg). I have never felt better."

• nadin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2015

Zoloft (sertraline) "I primarily started taking Zoloft for panic attacks. But I also suffer from PMDD. I stopped being crazy prior to my menstruation because of birth control and Zoloft. Until 6 months ago, every two weeks I was breaking up with my boyfriend. We get along on my period and one week after, and then it will usually start. The third week of my cycle, we didn't see each other, and after that I usually get my period and calm. It is a surprise we didn't break up for good, and I can't even describe what that does for our sex life. I had terrible fights with my mom, and I felt like I was the most miserable person in the world. Not anymore. I was scared when I stopped taking birth control that I would again start acting nuts, but now Zoloft is taking care of that."

• Anonymous
• April 18, 2008

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have not been taking Zoloft for very long, but for the little time I have been on it, it has truly made a difference in how I handle stressful situations. I am calmer about situations that I generally get angry about, and the headaches I used to have have decreased dramatically."

• JeanBrz
• March 26, 2015

Zoloft (sertraline) "I was put on Zoloft to regulate my moods as my hormones were very off-kilter with extreme highs and lows. The medicine started taking effect within a week, and now I feel very calm and relaxed all the time. The only side effects are that it leaves me extremely tired, and also with a bit of cotton mouth."

• Chels
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "The Zoloft worked amazing for me for PDD! This was my first cycle and I am extremely happy with the result. I took 1 week before my period, and this alleviated any anxiety I had been feeling the last 6 months."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 13, 2014

Zoloft (sertraline) "I'm 18 years old and was diagnosed with severe PMS/PMDD about two and a half weeks ago. It was a relief to finally have a diagnosis because I had developed progressively worse physical and physiological symptoms in the two weeks before my period. It had started to interfere with my schooling since I'd miss two days per cycle at least (which is a lot for a high school senior with AP classes). I was prescribed Beyaz a month ago and quit after 3 days because I was an emotional wreck. Another week or so went by and my symptoms got worse again. My doctor finally prescribed me a low dose (25mg) and upped it a few days later to 50mg. It took a few days to take effect (it was a hard time), but now I'm better than I've been in months."

• Ttano
• June 23, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "My Doctor switched me to zoloft I was taking bupropion for about 5 months, but it was causing me to be snappy and a lot of anxiety. So he switched me to zoloft, its been 3 weeks and the first week and a half was the hardest I had nausea, diarrhea, tiredness. But it went away now I'm only tired at times but feel way better. I recommend it."

• Martely
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "I had high hopes for zoloft to helpomy Fibromyalgia, PMDD, PTSD. The first week I took this I began having the worse anxiety attacks of my life. Too nauseous to eat, diarrhea, and migraines. I waited it out a month suffering from extreme anxiety which it was suppose to help me get rid of in the first place. Made my usual anxiety seem like nothing. It did nothing at all for my chronic pain, made me feel as if I was going crazy and not able to function."

• Mummy...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 13, 2017

Zoloft (sertraline) "Took this for anxiety and depression but found out later that I actually had severe PMDD. I had to stop taking Zoloft after six months due to bad vertigo but it definitely helped the PMDD symptoms. Switched to venlafaxine and found that to be great, but first three days are so hard. Headaches, low mood, heavy feeling in head and body. It worked though. Zoloft also fixed my restless leg syndrome which had not responded to any other treatment."

• JeanieK
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "SSRI’s are totally different for everyone so this is just my personal experience. But I was started out on 25mg of Zoloft following manic episodes after I quit birth control cold turkey. Zoloft made me feel worse than a zombie. Not only was it hard to even speak, it was hard to *think*. I felt very loopy and out of it all the time and it did nothing for my anxiety except make it slightly harder to think about, because thinking of anything felt like a feat. I went off of it and immediately felt better. I switched to Prozac and my doctors and I are trying to find the dose that’s right for me. Just pay attention to how you’re feeling and monitor things carefully, especially on SSRIs. Everyone has different and specific needs."

• shelter
• June 3, 2008

Zoloft (sertraline) "For years I suffered migraines, and I swore they were menstrual-related, and no one believed me until finally a nurse practitioner discussed Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) with me. My severe moods and migraines were relieved as long as I stayed on Zoloft. PMDD is worse than PMS, and I find it not as easily diagnosed. I have been having more migraines lately, but I am not sure if I have missed doses or need to increase. Zoloft has definitely helped me."

• Queen
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2022

Zoloft (sertraline) "For a few years now I have been experiencing severe PMS. High irritability, anxiety and mood swing. I am 42 years old and it started around 38 years of age. Around that time I also became a mom, so that was an added stressor. Coping became extremely difficult during PMS time. I would have severe mood swings which caused me to have fights with family, friends and co-workers. I tried therapy but it was pretty useless. A doctor prescribed me zoloft but I have always stayed away from pharmaceutical drugs because of the long list of side effects. I finally decided to take it as it was hurting my family life and my anger and anxiety were becoming unmanageable and the guilt would throw me into severe depression. So far 4 months on the lowest dose, 25 mg, I haven't had what I call a "psycholotic episode ", which usually means a severe outburst and mood swing. I haven't experienced any side effects thank goodness. I only had a lot of sweating in the start and that was it."

• KCano
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 23, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "I had to share my experience because it has been awful. I’ve taken zoloft on and off for years for PMDD. While it did help regulate my moods, I’ve had the worst gastrointestinal issues ever since I was prescribed this drug. I finally put 2 and 2 together. I would be out shopping/at a football game/in my car driving and have to find a bathroom IMMEDIATELY. I would have a sudden and very intense urge to use the restroom. (Think Dumb & Dumber) It was so embarrassing. I would start sweating from the pain. Do you know how many unnecessary invasive tests I’ve had done trying to figure out why I can’t control my bowels and they whole time it was this drug? What good is regulating your moods if you feel like you’re going to poop your pants several times a month???"

• pmdds...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 19, 2017

"I suffered from PMDD for years before I knew it was a real thing. Finally went to the Dr 2 yrs ago, she diagnosed me & prescribed sertraline. I thought this was something I would have to endure for the rest of my life in anguish & hopelessness because people don't understand it (I barely understand it but I certainly feel it) but this medicine has helped TREMENDOUSLY! I was told to take it 2 wks/month but that many times is not necessary as my dosage is strong enough to lift my mood & quiet my anxiety & suicidal thoughts for the duration of the 2 weeks. I do experience headache, nausea, and a touch of sleeplessness BUT it really helps. Thank you GOD for this discovery, I feel like I can live. *happy tears*"

• Luna
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 15, 2021

Zoloft (sertraline) "I tried quite a few antidepressants, but only Zoloft deserves my review. I have been taking Sertraline for almost a month and I am so happy that I didn't give up on changing from my previous Escitalopram, Prozac, Citalopram. I suffer from PDD, then from PTD and anxiety. First two weeks were hard, but I started to have interest in activities again (week 4). Don't worry about weight gain, I was that's why I stopped Escitalopram, Zoloft does not make me feel ravenous at all. So glad"

• Bee
• May 31, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "I was put on 25 mg, lowest dose mind you, personally, it destroyed my stomach. The first day I took it, I was so nauseated and had the worst diarrhea which is a common side effect, especially first taking it. I have been on celexa in the past, never had such stomach problems like I did with Zoloft. After 1 day, never again. To each their own though. Wouldn’t recommend - especially if you have a stomach that is sensitive or if you have IBS."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2015

Zoloft (sertraline) "Awful side effects! Caused me to feel very uncomfortable in my own skin, confusion and dizziness, severe anxiety, jaw clenching so tight it hurt, muscle pain and stiffness, sent me into a panic attack, which was what I wanted to prevent in the first place!"

• Ashle...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 2, 2017

Zoloft (sertraline) "I feel very difficult when taking Zoloft at 25mg. for about ten days then 50mg. afterwards. I primarily take it for stress, anxiety, and depression. Once I was told by a psychiatrist that I could have PMDD even though I haven't been diagnosed with the condition by a gynecologist, it's because I would have severe crying spells days before my period so severe that I wouldn't stop crying, and I would feel extremely sensitive emotionally. I still cry a little before I get period sometimes, but the medication I take seems to work well to keep my nerves calm. In addition I have bipolar depression, PTSD, social anxiety, and ADD/ADHD. Ritalin is another medication that I also take."

• Anonymous
• December 6, 2011

Zoloft (sertraline) "I was diagnosed with PMDD about 9 months ago, after tracking symptoms with my Gynecologist. We tried the Yaz/Zoloft treatment (25mg) for three months, one week prior to your period. The first month, it worked like a charm. The second, I started feeling off, almost numb to things. By the third, I was a basket case. This is also when the weight gain kicked in - I gained almost 15 lbs in 5-6 weeks. If I wasn't depressed before, this definitely did the trick. My Doctor then took me off the Yaz/Zoloft regimen and opted to stop my periods altogether, to stop the monthly hormone fluctuation. I have been on Seasonique for three months and it has been amazing! I am finally feeling back to myself after almost a year."

• ZimboK
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2020

"I have only just recently started taking this anti-depressant, sertraline. A week to be exact, and I cannot tell you what a difference it has made, I am sleeping really well, actually quite tired come the end of a day albeit early evening I'm ready to go to bed which isn't normal for me. So that seems to be the only downside right now, but otherwise, from being super sensitive, angry, emotional, cranky you name it, my mood has changed dramatically, to feeling elated, almost high *I don't take drugs either*, calm and composed. I have had a couple of anxious moments during this time where l would have previously freaked out, however in this case I was calm and passive, which even surprised me! So this may or may not work for all but if you do feel the good side effects with a little fatigue etc don't give up on them completely I believe they work."

• Meg
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2023

"I personally had an awful experience with Sertraline but I know many others who have had incredibly positive experiences so I wouldn't want to put people off trying it. Just because it was bad for me doesn't mean it would be bad for someone else! Either way, I only took one dose (25mg) and within 6 hours developed the worst anxiety of my life followed by panic attacks, headache, nausea and shaking/teeth chattering despite being boiling hot and drenched in sweat. I felt incredibly jittery, like I was full of electricity, and was sick multiple times. I also completely lost my appetite. It was an awful experience and I didn't take the second dose. I am now on Citalopram and experiencing minimal side effects aside from increased anxiety (which I can cope with temporarily!)."