Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder User Reviews

• NP93
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2017

Zoloft (sertraline) "Half the reviews on here are a load of garbage. They range from "the side effects are too awful" to "It gives me more anxiety". Do yourself a favor and do not read to any review from anyone who has taken this drug for less than 8 weeks. If you are serious about reducing your anxiety, then grow some balls and give zoloft time to work. Yes, you're going to have a number of side effects in the beginning, ranging from drowsiness, nausea, sexual disfunction, loss of appetite, and even increased anxiety. Guess what, nearly all of these are going to disappear after the first two weeks. In fact, all of the side effects disappeared for me, and it wasn't until around week 8 that I felt the glorious power of this drug. GIVE IT TIME"

• Butte...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have GAD, I knew I was needing support emotionally. 15 years ago I had used Zoloft and it worked well, so I asked my doctor if I could use it again. So I started on 25mg and after 2 weeks I upped to the 50 mg my doc prescribed. Honestly week 3 and 4 were the worst for me because I couldn't eat and I felt so much worse with anxiety and lack of peace of mind. Because I was working from home, and others mentioned that the first month was bad. I felt like I was being pushed under emotionally. I had to do a lot of self talk like "I am not my feelings, this will pass" etc. I took my Zoloft at night and it seemed by evening I always felt better, but mornings were so difficult. But right at end of week four, a cloud lifted and I felt peaceful and calm. So I appreciate others sharing their experience because that's exactly what happened to me. And I pushed through it and I'm glad I did because I feel much better. Hope that helps someone in week 3. It does get better. Hang in there."

• Sbano
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 25, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "So far so good :) I used to have anxiety attacks over little things like answering the phone or job interviews and definitely missed out on a lot of my college experience because my social anxiety was so bad. I’ve been on Zoloft for about 8 months now for GAD as well as social anxiety and I can say I feel almost like a new person. I now don’t fear going places like the bank or gas station alone. The thought of having to call someone I don’t know on the phone is easy breezy and I now have a job which involves me talking to customers all day, it’s truly amazing!!!! Give it time to work, but remember everyone’s different so don’t be discouraged :)"

• Edman
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "I was in a really bad place. I have had social anxiety most of my life due to trauma in my early life. After experimenting with LSD and having children my symptoms worsened dramatically. I started therapy and after a year I wasn't getting any better. My Dr suggested Zoloft because along with anxiety I had a lot of symptoms of PTSD. I felt it right away. I started at 25mg then up to 50mg and now I am at 100mg. I am a person that couldn't make phone calls , wouldn't leave the house alone, and I am at 0% anxiety. My mind is clear for the first time in years. Someone else used to term fearless and said they could tell people things they never would before. I kind feel that way as well. I had side effects each time I raised the dose but they went away after about 2 weeks each time. It was a little rough at first but I hung in and the last few months have been some of the best of my life."

• redun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2021

Zoloft (sertraline) "When I say Zoloft changed my life, I mean Zoloft not only changed but SAVED my life. It is the quickest acting medication for anxiety I have ever been on, along with being the one with the least side effects. I was having such awful anxiety that it was crippling me and making it unbearable to live. I started taking Zoloft (50mg) and that worked for me but I still had an anxiety attack here and there, upped to 75mg and it has completely changed my life for the better. My body feels calm and at peace."

• 43...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2017

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have dealt with ups and downs, anxiety, social anxiety, depression etc. etc. for years. My life overall is normal and I managed the episodes but I always knew they were there and didn't like feeling that way. I am married we have children combine that with everything else and it times it was just too much. The doctor suggested the Zoloft. I was nervous at first and really didn't know what to expect. In fact I waited a month or two to even fill the prescription. The side effects we're obvious at first. Dizziness, tired, minor confusion. I don't want to scare anyone because I still functioned , Still was able to work, I was able to take care of the kids, everything was pretty much normal but I could tell my mind was a bit off. After about a month the side effects faded away from me. After two months my mind became clear and my attitude towards life improved dramatically. Little things didn't bother me anymore. I started working out and that didn't bother me anymore. My wife would argue with me about normal marriage stuff but I wouldn't yell back. In fact I was able to see how foolish most of the fighting was and how pointless it was to yell back. My work life improved. My conversations with other people improved. I found myself more interested in what the person was saying and focusing more on what they were saying. At a follow up visit with my doctor he asked if I'd like to stay on the medication. I told him that my life has never been better and my mind never more clear so why would I choose to stop. He agreed and was happy with my progress. He initially prescribed 100 mg but I found 50 works well for me at this point. So every night before bed I take my pill and wake up the next morning feeling ready to go instead of wanting to stay in bed. For those just starting or thinking about starting this medication I can honestly tell you it has changed my life for the better. Initially it was rough but after a while all that fades and your left feeling really good. For me it took about two months for others it may take longer or shorter. I hopes this helps as I read a lot about this medication prior to starting and found a lot of the write ups were negative. I honestly think those people may have other issues or conditions that this medication can't help or they may have not been able to get through the initial break in period."

• Heart...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 28, 2016

Zoloft (sertraline) "33 y/o female, 5'5, 125lbs, 200mg/day, 1 1/2 years and will continue indefinitely. Pros: social anxiety gone. Unbelievable. Able to start spontaneous conversations with "strangers", now able to develop and share deep, intimate friendships. Not hyper self conscious anymore. I joke around and enjoy making people laugh. Sexually uninhibited (with my husband)- seriously, the best sex I've ever had, I'm not self conscious at all anymore and I have no problems with orgasm- actually the opposite (best. ever.) Weight loss, 25-30lbs, and I feel light, energetic and happy with my body now. Food! I used to be a horribly picky eater my entire life, now I try new foods without a second thought and enjoy them! Zoloft has changed my life."

• Slayek
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 21, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "some of the reason people complain about zoloft/sertraline and say it doesn't work? 3 reasons: - They didn't increase dosage when it wasn't working - They took it for too short time - They got prescribed drug, that doesn't fit them or their illness I suffered from social anxiety disorder since childhood and for me zoloft started working after more than 1 MONTH, and after 3x increased dosage than at the beginning. When did I know it had started working? It was like a switch, from day to day. I just was this feeling that now I don't have this "everyone is watching and judging me". I still have it sometimes and that's why I'm in psychoterapy (which is also very helpful), but Zoloft changed my life maybe not totally, but it definitely helps but PLEASE GIVE IT SOME TIME, if something doesn't work for 2 weeks, DON'T GIVE UP and increase dosage. If drug doesn't work then increase the dose again, if it doesn't working after 2 months, just ask your doctor for another drug, keep trying and DON'T GIVE UP."

• Anon
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "On Zoloft for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The first few weeks were honestly so bad. I had such bad brain fog, more anxiety, depression, wanted to sleep all the time, etc. I couldn’t eat and lost about 7 pounds within a few weeks. Things were not looking good but I pushed through it. One morning I woke up and my life had been changed. I found out what it was like to feel like everything would be okay. I am so happy I take this medicine and I recommend it for anxiety if you’re willing to push through the beginning. I have a new view on life and it feels so good."

• Thank...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "I feel so obligated to leave a review. I was sitting where you are now almost 4 weeks ago. I was terrified after reading the reviews, however I knew I needed help. I had postpartum depression and let it go unchecked for a long time. When that seemed to subside, I was hit with debilitating anxiety that really started to rob me of my life. I had severe insomnia as a result. I started on 25mg for a week, then went up to 50mg where I am currently at now. It was a very difficult med to get on. I had increased anxiety, panic, still fought insomnia. After about two and half weeks and help from my family, I felt like the world felt brighter. Everyday since has been getting better. I can’t tell you enough that if you can weather the first 2-3 weeks, you will not regret it. I am getting back to my old self and it feels so good. I am so thankful, and feeling so blessed. You got this!"

• fira
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "I was very anxious and used to overanalyse everything. Now I am confident and do not really care much of what people might think. This medication made me also a lot more happier, I've started it for about 5 month now and I've never been as confident and rooted as now."

• Lisa
• February 10, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "I am in my 40s & I suffered a panic attack for the first time while driving. My friend said try Zoloft, so I saw the doctor for it. I kept a log first entry dated May 1, 2018. Day 1 on zoloft: "I felt tired, little dizzy, brain fog - woke up a couple of times feeling weird, not myself. I had stomach upset and diarrhea." Day 2: "I woke up feeling like a zombie. I was very tired, no emotion, but I had to get up, when I was driving & came to a stop light, I felt very anxious." "I hope I'm making the right decision to start meds but do I have a choice???" Day 3 & 4: "...felt tired & having a brain fog. My stomach is rumbling & little nausea but it is manageable." Day 8: "I woke up feeling tired and right now I feel a little anxiety" Day 17: "It's been over 2 weeks & I am driving with little to no anxiety!" I have been on Zoloft 25 mg for 2 years now. Because of reading other people's reviews, I knew what to expect & that kept me going!"

• Happy...
• August 18, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "This Zoloft is life changing stuff for my social anxiety. I tried the counselling, CBT, hypnosis,etc. I take these and a week later my critical anxious voice has disappeared. My social anxiety that has ruined my life gone from a 10 to a 2. Wow."

• Cane
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "I don't see why some say: "I don't recommend this medication." Why dont you? Tell us plz: the dosage, other medications you are taking, age, etc. I am wanting to start zoloft but when I read these reviews I don't know what is better, having these panic attacks or trying zoloft. Every body is unique so it would be a great help if any one would give a better description of their situation. I thank all those who gave a great explanation of their situation."

• water...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2014

Zoloft (sertraline) "Asking my doctor about Zoloft was one of the best decisions for me. I have suffered from anxiety as long as I can remember. I feel like a new person now. I didn't even fully realize how bad it was until taking Zoloft. I didn't want to take meds, I thought my anxiety was just part of who I was and something I would have to deal with forever. Zoloft has changed my life."

• zjohn...
• December 26, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "I started taking this for anxiety and have noticed a huge boost to my mood that I didn't expect. I went from feeling sad all the time to feeling amazing. Anxiety doesn't bother me and I feel happy for the first time in my life."

• MBM
• June 2, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "Hey there. I started with Zoloft for GAD and derealization. I started with 25mg for one week and then I upped on 50mg, but the side effects were too bad so I went down on 25mg. My God was the beginning terrible! Anxiety was soo much worse, feeling terrified, depressed, feeling guilt, crying, brain fog and nausea. I lost almost 8kg in 2 weeks because I couldn't eat. My Psychiatrist told me to take 0.5mg of Clonazepam till the side effects lift. After exactly 4 weeks I can say that all the side effects are gone. I feel a bit sleepy, but I am much more calm, no anxiety at all, no guilty feeling. Derealization is still here but much less, I don't care about her so she will go away with time too. I went back on work and started socalizing again. I take only 1/8 of Clonazepam. I will up my dose in a few days, but slowly. I PROMISE you that the starting side effects will pass. Trust me! I know how hard it is. This is a reminder for me too if the upping bring back the side effects."

• DQano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "I started taking this drug 50mg for social anxiety and depression and this has truly been amazing. At first reading some of the negative reviews and not focusing on the positive one I was nervous about trying it, but enough was enough. For the first few weeks yeah there were some side effects but they were not as severe as I thought. They went away after about a month. What this drug will do is meet you half way and provides a better outlook on things. Do I still have anxiety at times, of course, but its no where near what it used to be. This drug will meet you half way. Its nice going out in public and interacting with people, I didn't realize how normal it was. The meds work, but you have to want to change for you to really notice it. Hope this helps ya'll."

• George
• August 23, 2013

Zoloft (sertraline) "Have struggled all my life with anxiety, worked out 7 days a week to try and control it. Panic attacks- just horrible- no lifts, no planes, no tunnels. Tried CBT, finally I thought I don't want to live this way anymore. Pill phobic, but finally I tried it, a quarter of a tablet for two weeks, then half again, for two weeks. What can I say? It had changed my life completely. I love it. I feel normal! No side effects. It took three months but felt better within weeks. All of you out there undecided, unsure, afraid of what you've read- please do yourself a favour and try it- be positive about it, open and give it a go- you won't regret it. I can fly, drive, amazing."

• Sare
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2015

Zoloft (sertraline) "Headaches and a little nausea at the start, now 4 months in, I don't know how I coped before. The anxious "bad butterflies" that I thought were normal, have gone away. Obsessive over thinking and cringing after I got home because what I may have said, has gone away. Feeling almost hyper active and intense when in a group situation, almost gone. Road rage....work in progress! Hahaha. Sex drive has diminished but this might be a good thing as was obsessive about it before. Less pressure. Wish I had started a lot earlier. Thought my anxiety was part of my personality, but the reality is, without it, I'm back to me again."

• User
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 17, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have been on zoloft now for 7 years. In that time I stopped taking it 2 times. I have diagnosed social anxiety and OCD. Here is what I can tell you. When I started to take Zoloft I was 18 years old. The first month it did little, but after that it changed my life. I became more social. Intrusive thoughts are gone. I have control over my life. I stopped taking them twice because I thought that I’m cured. The withdrawal was both times somewhat manic. But after a few months all my symptoms came back. I had come to a conclusion that I just need Zoloft to function. If it’s for life to be functional then so it be. Life is much better with these medication. For all people that are new to this drug you must know that it takes some time to kick in. But like I said, it is worth it. Side effects for me are occasional - can sleep more than 8 hours, but yet again, I was always a good sleeper. Wish you all the best. My dose 100mg"

• Miss...
• April 6, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "Generalised Anxiety Disorder: 24 year old, never suffered with anxiety, panic attacks or disturbing intrusive thoughts before - I was terrified, didn’t understand what was going on. I initially took time off work, CBT, counselling, meditation, reiki and Propranolol to help myself at first. Nothing took it away, so I made the decision to go onto Zoloft. The first 2 weeks, you HAVE to push through the side effects. I was constantly nauseous and at times I would vomit. But now, I’m completely back to my old self! Zoloft has really restored my mental health to the point where I am free of anxiety completely! I’ve also always had terrible PMT since I was a teenager, I have noticed that Zoloft has sorted this out for me too! When that time of the month is approaching usually, I become extremely angry and often cry about irrational things. Since being on Zoloft, I have noticed I am much calmer and happier around my cycle. It’s been like a wonder drug for me!"

• Nikki
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2016

Zoloft (sertraline) "Maybe my experience can help someone else... I have just completed a 30 day supply of Zoloft. My anxiety has been debilitating since my Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis in October of 2015. It became so bad that I was becoming bed ridden, afraid to leave my home. As a mother of 3 and a wife and daughter, my family needed me and I wasn't able to be there. I finally told my husband and parents I needed to seek help. After a therapy session and a visit with my family doctor I was given Zoloft. I received it on a Tuesday but was so afraid to take it, I didn't take my first one until Friday (I had read a few bad drug reviews, so I knew some things I could expect, but chose to focus on all the success stories for motivation.) For three weeks it was rough. Also must note, during this time we were hit with hurricane Matthew which didn't help and I believe set me back a few days. My side effects were tummy aches, diarrhea (sometimes 4 or 5 times a day), a few hot flashes, a couple days of zombie feeling, and I had 2 bad panic attacks. I know this sounds horrible, however, my opinion is that I felt as though I had hit rock bottom which is why I turned to medication. I already felt bad, so my commitment was to see this medicine through to the 4-6 week mark as instructed. If I had stopped taking it, I still would have felt horrible, that is what my life had become. With the wonderful support of my children and husband, a lot of take out food, and my parents helping to take and pick up my kids from school, I am SOOOOOO thankful I stuck with it and made it to the 4 week mark. I feel like I'm getting my life back. It is worth everything you go through. In full disclosure, some people get no side effects... my 20 year old son has been on Zoloft for a year and never had one side effect. I wasn't that lucky and seemed to have most. Please give yourself the chance. You will read over and over again to stick with it until 4-6 weeks... you must do yourself that favor. Surround yourself with support if you can and just do it! I'm so blessed to have my life back!!!!!"

• Anony...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 6, 2017

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have been on Zoloft 25-150 mg for over 2 years. This has been the BEST 2 years of your life. Let me say that it took at least 90 days to really kick in and side effects to abate. If you have spent YEARS obsessed about your every action and thought, fearful and angry, depressed the 90 days of side effects is NOTHING. NOW if you want to keep living the way you are living because of dreams, diarrhea , INITIAL loss of appetite and weight loss then so be it. Improvement takes time. I was a 10 year Paxil user. Have TRIED lithium, Prozac, Luvox, tegretol, Xanax, Valuim, Alcohol, illegal drugs, supplements, buspar, kolonopin and on and on. ZOLOFT gives me a chance at life. I am still me with growing up issues at 50 plus but man this ZOLOFT is the deal."

• qwerty
• December 5, 2014

Zoloft (sertraline) "I was born 1982 and throughout my adult life I have had problems with anxiety. I only really knew the true extent of how bad I was until I started taking 50mg of sertraline a couple of weeks ago. I went through my life self medicating whether it was alcohol or going for 8 mile runs just so I could relax. I realize now I heard the word "paranoid" pretty often which I now realize is very close to being anxious for obvious reasons. What strikes me about some of these reviews is many say its taken weeks to kick in. I suppose everyone is different but I felt my life change after 1 hour after taking a tablet. I now have an aura of calmness in my life. I feel like I'm at peace and living within the moment for the first time in years."