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Zoloft for Social Anxiety Disorder User Reviews (Page 4)

Zoloft has an average rating of 7.3 out of 10 from a total of 281 reviews for the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder. 66% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 19% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Zoloft

  • Ydunvme
  • July 17, 2015

"Honestly, I feel guilty for feeling great... But I've been taking Zoloft for 6 months now and I feel totally different. I was diagnosed with GAD, generalized anxiety disorder. I had serious issues with social anxiety, irritation, nervousness, constant worrying, and seldom depression. After taking the medicine for about 3 months I felt like a I've never felt before. I started to worry alot less, I started to avoid confrontation, and also was able to talk to people without feeling intense anxiety. This medicine really works well. The only negative side effects I've experienced was nausea in the first month and consistent fatigue. Working out and mid day naps have subsided the fatigue. My suggestion would be to take your dose in the evening."

9 / 10
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  • Sillkie
  • July 20, 2017

"I have suffered from severe anxiety punctuated by depressive episodes all of my life. At 58 having been prescribed many medications, this is the best ever. Before this prescription I was feeling so anxious I thought I would break. I am now feeling what I think is 'normal' for the first time ever, by which I mean I feel 'normal' amounts of anxiety in 'normal' degrees in appropriate situations- I feel I am in control of situations instead of them controlling me. I feel so much better, calm and relaxed, and it worked quickly. I wish I had tried it years ago."

10 / 10
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  • Cathy
  • July 12, 2015

"My 15 year old daughter was practically a recluse. She is bipolar and taking seroquel, lamictal and intuniv but she was depressed and had such social anxiety that she couldn't even leave her room. After 3 weeks she is the daughter I knew to be . She still has issues but going outside of the house is not one of them. I am so happy with this medication . She started at 25 and is now at 50mg. What a godsend ."

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Holde...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • August 30, 2018

"I suffered from social anxiety for as long as I can remember and I fell into a depression that left me unable to function when I was 22. I had problems with concentration, memory and I was suicidal in the end. I started using Zoloft 50mg and it made a huge difference after a couple of weeks. My head 'cleared', I could finally think and I started to be more outspoken. I actually liked being the centre of attention and I didn't find speaking with guys a problem anymore and started a relationship soon after that. Public speaking was still a problem but at least I could go through it quite clearheaded and not black out. It has been 6 years that I'm on Zoloft and my life is completely different. I am a little scared of the idea of taking it my whole life but I'm more scared of the life without it. I had minor side effects, like the shakes and vertigo but nothing else, I was lucky."

10 / 10
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  • Jdano
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 15, 2020

"I started experiencing anxiety/panic attacks/social anxiety last year, and then towards the end of the year it became general anxiety. Zoloft was the very first antidepressant I have taken. Honestly, taking this medication for the first time, you need to be prepared for every possible side effects. I’d recommend eating before taking the pill and taking a non-drowsy, anti-nausea medicine eg Dramamine. So luckily I did not experience any nausea. I did experience tunnel vision, head felt cloudy, it was almost like I was in a dream the first 3/4 days but it was manageable, I was very jittery and energetic but at the same time my muscles became weak when lifting almost anything . My anxiety increased a lot the first 3 days. So I recommend starting this pill when you have a few days off from work. I gave the pill a chance though and waited a month and a half for it to be effective and I can say that it was definitely worth the wait."

9 / 10
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  • frances
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 24, 2015

"I've been on Zoloft 50 mg once a day for social anxiety disorder/generalized anxiety disorder and it has worked great. After trying several other medications, I'm happy that I've found the one for me. It took about two weeks for the effects to become noticeable, and fortunately I have not had any negative side effects. I've noticed quite a few changes thanks to Zoloft. For example, I used to hate making phone calls for work and would always feel serious anxiety, now I can do it with no problem. I also find it easier to speak in front of people, and in general my thoughts seem more organized and calmer. I would recommend Zoloft to someone trying an SSRI for the first time, as it is the only one that hasn't caused me a negative reaction."

10 / 10
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  • aweso...
  • July 17, 2008

"I have been on Zoloft for about 1 year now. I have severe anxiety. I dont know why I used to constantly think of bad thoughts, which would give me the anxiety because they seemed so real to me. My mood is much better. I don't get so mad all the time either. Now I feel so much better and I am a better wife and mother. Didn't have any side effects either."

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More FAQ

  • ACR
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 21, 2022

"Just give it a try. I have wasted so much money picking up various prescriptions and never taking the medication due to fear of side effects after a bad reaction to a medication years ago. I finally had the courage to start Zoloft. I started out taking 12.5 for a few weeks and had very little to no side effects. I had a slight headache and no appetite. I increased to 25mg after about 3 weeks and did not notice any side effects. After about a few weeks I started to notice I just didn’t overthink the things I once had. Slowly after each passing day I started to notice how less reactive and calmer I have become. Certain situations have came up where I would normally be an anxious mess didn’t even pass me anymore. It wasn’t an overwhelmingly everything is better all at once. It was more of a “Oh hey, that didn’t even phase me.” I find myself joking around and smiling more than ever. I am forever thankful I just took the first step and took the first dose."

10 / 10
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  • Frank
  • April 29, 2021

"I started three years ago as an analyst at a high pressure job. I work for one of the top banks in the country. The pressure for me was incredible. I felt unable to speak and interact properly with my coworkers. Had lots of racing thoughts, afraid to lose my job, and constantly ruminating. I take Ritalin and was afraid to take anything else. Finally my girlfriend convinced me to call my doctor. He prescribed Zoloft 50 Mg. At first, I didn’t see much of a difference. Around the three month mark, I completely let go of all my anxiety and I started doing amazing at my job. I don’t care what anyone says as this miracle drug has changed my life!!!"

10 / 10
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  • MMH
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 29, 2013

"31 year old Female. I was on Zoloft for 4-5 years in college and then tapered off. After being off it for 5 years or so, my daily anxiety gradually started creeping back into my life until I reached a point last year where I would have horrible panic attacks everyday. I've been on 75 MG a day for the past 7 months and I feel better than I have in years! It took a while to find the correct dosage for me, but once I have it's been amazing. Along with the Zoloft I also take 15 MG Buspar daily and Lorazepam as needed."

10 / 10
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  • Type...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 15, 2016

"This medication has changed my life over the past 5 wks I've been on it. I take zoloft for severe anxiety; I have always been a high stress, high functioning over achiever. I started having all kinds of odd stomach issues, heart palpitations, I hardly slept, etc. With this medicine I feel MUCH less stress and anxiety with every day things. I am more patient more relaxed. I started on 50mgs for 2 wks and asked to increase to 100mgs and been on that for 2 wks too. I take ativan and hydroxyzine as needed. This medication has changed my life!! I have lost about 10lbs on it. I think some of my appetite was anxiety driven. But I love this med and this has made me a better person!!"

9 / 10
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  • Calmer
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • July 22, 2021

"I have always super disliked the idea of antidepressants, but needed to end the panic attacks and the anxiety which made me come across as an angry person. They have changed my life for the better. I am back to the person I was years ago. Calm happy and feeling better about myself. I thought with the side effects the first couple of months that I couldn’t do this, but wanted change so badly I did persevere and have never looked back. If you persevere with the horrible side effects at the start of the treatment things get better and you take the tablets daily without any problems and emerge a much more relaxed person. This treatment helped me turn my life around and am so grateful"

10 / 10
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  • rob
  • November 19, 2013

"Been on 50mg for 2 days now (started for a week on 25mg) and now that I take the higher dose my mood is a bit better but my social anxiety it loads better, the feeling of making people laugh is amazing when you are not afraid to speak, although maybe not drink on this? I had 3 drinks and became so upset and depressed."

8 / 10
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  • Aliyah
  • June 10, 2015

"I've struggled with anxiety & depression my entire life, & I was wary of starting sertraline(at age 20) but 50mg a day has changed me for the better. I'm happier, less anxious overall, I got a job, I can do all the things my anxiety wouldn't allow, like answering the phone, going shopping alone, making small talk with people. There have been some unpleasant side effects, alcohol puts me right to sleep now. I have no appetite (lost about 15lbs) and my sex drive is noticeably diminished. Whatever you do, do not stop cold turkey. 50mg is a very small dose but the withdrawals are hell. I ran out and couldn't get a refill for a week, I was cold sweating through my clothes 24/7, shaky, suicidal, dizzy, and my anxiety was worse than before"

8 / 10
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  • babys...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 29, 2013

"I am 15. I have been on Zoloft (25 mg) for over a month now. I was prescribed through my gastroenterologist for social anxiety and generalized anxiety which was causing ongoing digestive trouble. I have suffered through severe anxiety disorders and depression for most of my life. Since the first pill, I have cried only once. My overwhelming loneliness and hopelessness has gone away also. I haven't had any side effects that I've noticed. The only downside to this medicine is that it hasn't worked well for me in social situations when I am nervous. It does not prevent me from shaking, turning red, tensing up, etc. It might be necessary for me to move up to 50 mg, but that isn't urgent as of right now. I would recommend."

8 / 10
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  • Anon
  • November 26, 2014

"Did NOT want to take meds, but I am so glad I finally hit rock bottom and decided Zoloft was an option worth considering. Seriously, it has completely changed my life. As long as you have a reputable therapist/doctor giving you the meds, there should be no major issues. Had some problems with sleep at first, but I started taking melatonin at night and now it's all good."

10 / 10
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  • Nick...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 5, 2015

"Zoloft is wonderful, this antidepressant has made me feel so lucid for the past 9 months. It's helped me fight social anxiety, and anxious depressions after I had a neurotic breakdown, and had to be admitted to a hospital. This medicine has made things so clear for me, I absolutely love my life now! Recently I had not been taking it for about 6 days, DO NOT DO. It completely drained me.. but I continued taking it and the side affects dispersed completely after 3 days of taking 150 mg again. Zoloft has completely leveled out my S.a.d., g.a.d, and major depression. No, it did not work immediately, but it totally works in the long run and waiting for it to take affect. Zoloft you've truly helped me become lucid in my consciousness :)."

9 / 10
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  • Lovin...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 10, 2022

"This is my second time on Zoloft for Generalised Anxiety Disorder. I didn’t give it enough time on the first go. It’s been an absolute godsend this time around. I’m currently on 75mg (1.5 tablets 50mg tabs) and have been for about 6 months. It has toned down my anxiety which is manageable now, along with my OCD. It quite literally allows me to see the light again - I can laugh and let things go. I still get anxious and pedantic but it’s in a more logical and rational sense and I can work through it quickly, rather than dwell and go down the anxiety rabbit hole. The first few weeks were tough in terms of heightened anxiety, weird dreams, and mood swings but stick it out. Sunsets, sunrises, clouds and the wind are just magic to me now. No side effects really other than some agitation if I delay taking my tablet or miss altogether. Every SSRI is different for everyone but this has honestly been the best thing for me."

10 / 10
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  • Cephas
  • December 16, 2016

"I've been meaning to post my positive review of Zoloft for a while. This past summer I suffered probably the worst social anxiety I had ever encountered in my life. I had started a new job where I was expected to speak to others on a daily basis. It was gut wrenching. I fell apart, crying, screaming, and forcing myself to go to work. Even when I was at work I would hide in the bathroom and pee incessantly out of nervousness. Finally I found a good psychiatrist and got back on Zoloft. I had been on Zoloft 50mg earlier in the year, but stopped because I feared it might affect my fertility. After meeting with the shrink I was upped to 200 mgs gradually. Since then I have been so happy and full of life. This drug really has worked for me."

10 / 10
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  • Croatia
  • August 23, 2016

"Been suffering with anxiety since Jan this year, tried natural products,CBT also citalopram. Citalopram made me worse, sick, crying just feeling awful. Doctor suggested Sertraline to which I was very nervous to try, started 25mg for one week then increased to 50mg, no side effects at all. Day 18 on 50mg feel more myself, feeling better daily. My advice don't read any negative reviews only the positive, give them a go. Def working for me."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • October 3, 2010

"I am 46 years old and have been on Zoloft for 11 years, yes 11 years. I originally took it for anxiety and my life has changed so much that I continue to take it. I am on 25 mg and will go to 50 mg during hard times (went through a hurtful breakup). I am have had zero side effects. My Doctor tells me I am the poster child for Zoloft and I agree."

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  • Anony...
  • August 8, 2019

"I've suffered from general anxiety and social anxiety my whole life. I recently started Zoloft at 100 MG and experienced side effects like diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and an increase in anxiety. I thought the side effects would be worse, but surprisingly it wasn't that bad. My birth control medication affected my hormones way worse. It's been a little over a month now and I don't wake up anxious anymore, I am able to socialize better, look people in the eye, and talking more in meetings. The only down side about this medication is that it completely got rid of my sex drive. My boyfriend does not pressure me and is very understanding of my mental health journey. I'm going to see my doctor and discuss possible alternatives. It actually terrifies me, because I'm scared that there is not a better alternative that will bring back my libido. For once in my life, I feel normal. I highly recommend Zoloft. If you're a single person suffering from anxiety, this would help."

9 / 10
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  • Trish
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 19, 2019

"3 months into Zoloft. Started on 50mg. Every weird feeling side effect that you can imagine - i had it. I felt very high first few days which was fun. But also paranoid from the light, tingles etc but it was fine. Stuck it out and love it now. I've had to go up to 75mg because on the third month now I have began to get side effect feelings again but mild ones. 2 days ago Doctor said 50mg is a low dose I need higher. Been a bit hyperactive and wide awake till all hours but it will settle in a couple days. I'm calmer, happier, less obsessed with thinking etc"

10 / 10
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  • Zolof...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 17, 2022

"I told myself I would post on here after I felt Zoloft had helped me. I'm a 28 yr old female that has never been on medications before or treated for anxiety. Currently I’m an RN that works in a high stress area. This summer I experienced severe anxiety (21/21 on the GAD scale) and was very distraught by it. My GP started me on Zoloft in conjunction with therapy. I started at 25 mg for a week and increased by 25 mg until my dose now at 100mg. The Zoloft onboarding for me was HARD. Increased anxiety first couple weeks, loss of appetite, insomnia, diarrhea, loss of libido. I think if I would have known before hand and received better education on Zoloft it would have been less distressing. BUT I’m here to tell you I’m over 3 months on Zoloft and feel 90% better. I also supplement with cbd gummies when I feel stressed, or hydroxizine and propanolol when required when I feel even more anxious. Also exercising, meditation, decreasing my caffeine and alcohol intake has helped. GAD score is now 6"

9 / 10
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  • Larks...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 18, 2013

"When I first started taking it I had a lot of side effects, like nausea, sleepiness, insomnia, muscle twitching, decreased sexual interest, headache, nightmares, need to move legs and others I can't remember but I was desperate to get rid of the anxiety so persisted. Most of the side effects went away after several days. I still have the leg movement and insomnia and but it's manageable. It took about 5 1/2 weeks before I noticed any effect by when I feel happier, like I can't even think in a depressed way, and I can talk to people online with ease. Still panic about the outside with strangers everywhere and conversing one on one is still hard. Nut now after 6 weeks my doctor has put me up from 50mg to 100mg so I'll see how that goes."

8 / 10
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72 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

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