Sertraline for Anxiety and Stress User Reviews (Page 5)

• Suz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2023

"After Covid, I struggled to adapt to life again - panic attacks, which then spiraled into non-stop anxiety and agoraphobia. I couldn't eat or sleep at all, and couldn't relax. I was completely consumed by worried and anxious thoughts, and an overwhelming feeling of fear. So, I went to my GP. She prescribed 25mg of Sertraline for the first two weeks. Even at a low dose, my side effects were horrendous. Like many others, I had awful nausea (especially in the morning), increased anxiety, and horrific vivid nightmares. After 2 weeks, these side effects started to lift - the last thing to go was the nausea and morning anxiety. She increased my dose to 50mg after this, and after a week of 50mg, my life changed. I woke up one day with no anxiety, a feeling of peace, and months later, this has lasted. I'm on the waiting list for talking therapy, but in the meantime, reading books by Claire Weekes has definitely helped. Sertraline has saved my life. Stick with it for a few weeks, I promise it gets better!"

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2018

"I've noticed that the vast majority of negative reviews are from people who took this for 1 day to 2 weeks. For most people the side effects are minor or non-existent if the dose is started low, which is what I did. After week 5, I am just now starting to notice that I'm not constantly obsessing, stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, and negative. You can have major life-changing epiphanies and realizations about yourself and how you got yourself into this state of mind/emotion in the first place. Anyway, I don't feel cured or extra happy. It's almost like I forget to get stressed and anxious, and when I remember, I decide if I want to or not. I'll continue on for 3 months and report back then. Good luck. Don't let anxiety keep you from improving your life. This can help. Don't worry about the bad reviews. Start slow if you're worried and it'll be fine."

• Tri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2019

"Well, I’ve been on escitalopram for many years without much success. Switched to Sertraline 4 weeks ago, starting at 50mg, now up to 150mg, and I am feeling great - no side effects at all. I am feeling normal, sleep is so much better, no doom and gloom feelings, mood has lifted. I give this a 10/10 for me."

• Mik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2022

"I'm 44, and I've been taking sertraline 50 mg for a full 9 weeks now for severe general anxiety and panic attacks. In October, I started to suffer from periods of anxiety, which expanded to the point I was suffering 24/7 by the beginning of December, so I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, and eventually couldn't work anymore and got panic attacks. I've been taking 50 mg from the start. - Week 1-2: Side effect hell, in bed all day, morning anxiety, better in the evenings; - Week 3: Better moments started earlier (afternoon); - Week 4-8: Ups and downs, this instability seemed to last forever; hope was fading; - Week 9: Started to work again, although I was not really feeling 100%; - Now: Finally, I feel great again! Super happy the last 3 days! No 'like a switch' moment for me, but a gradual fluctuating improvement. I had read about being patient, so I was. I saw my doctor every two weeks, and as I was experiencing some positive effects, he didn't want to up the dose prematurely. Hope this helps."

• Bul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 23, 2019

"I have been on Sertraline 50 mg for a bit more than 3 weeks. I feel so sick and depressed. Not sure if it will work for me or not. I've been suffering so much. I wasn't even depressed before. I started to take this med for anxiety, but it makes me extremely depressed with lots of intrusive thoughts. Hope it is just a side effect that will go away soon. Is there anybody out there who had a similar experience and got better with time? Please give me some hope! :("

• Alf...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 10, 2019

"I have been taking sertraline 50 mg for three years. It has changed my life. I still get periods of anxiety, but this tablet allows me to be more in charge, and I can refocus and stay in control. If I have to take it for the rest of my life, I will, as it has been life-changing."

• Rox...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 26, 2019

"I started on these about 3 years ago due to my anxiety with driving, then in Jan 19 found out I got cancer which still has totally floored me. I've gone from 50 mg to 100 mg with side effects, weird dreams, however if my doctors didn’t up my dose, god knows where I'd be now. I’m just living for the moment now and without these meds think I'd be long gone. Don't be afraid to ask for help. I’m glad I have. It's helping me through my battle."

• Ano...
• November 9, 2015

"Suffered quite bad anxiety for a number of years but tried every herbal remedy, acupuncture, etc. as I didn't want to go on meds. After the initial common side effects that lasted a few weeks, I began to notice subtle changes. After a few months, I feel great and wish I'd done it sooner. I spent a long time being like a bag of nerves doing the most everyday tasks, i.e., grocery shopping, work, etc. I'd have palpitations, shakes, fight-or-flight feeling, along with constant I.B.S. I get a very odd 'off' day, which isn't nowhere near as bad as before the meds. Overall, I feel the best I have done in years. I can now do normal things without thinking I'm going to have a panic attack, socializing more, don't get ill so frequently, and generally have more energy."

• Ree...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 9, 2015

"I started taking Sertraline 11 months ago due to anxiety caused through major life traumas and problems but work tipped me over the edge. I felt like I was unable to smile, function, talk, and walk some days. Horrible feeling, so I went to the doctor and started treatment. No side effects, and after 2 weeks, the black cloud lifted from my life! I can't tell you how brilliant I feel. I'm generally happy, calm, and do not overreact anymore. I do not plan on coming off this medication at all... I am 52 years old."

• thi...
• April 30, 2014

"Prescribed Mirtazapine for 18 months for mild depression. I started panicking and depression worsened. I became hyper-anxious. I was lucky to get a different doctor when I turned up hysterical at the surgery. He took me off Mirtazapine and moved me gradually onto sertraline. It was horrific. I couldn't eat or sleep, I paced for hours in circles. For 12 weeks, I was a suicide-focused, unstable, shaking, retching mess. I lost 2 stone. I was given a pre-set dose of diazepam and lorazepam at intervals throughout the day. My husband or mother shuttled me backwards and forwards, so I was never left alone. Gradually, we built up the dosage of sertraline to 200mg and stopped the benzos. I don't feel anxiety or depression, I feel fantastic, confident, energetic, and happy."

• Bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2016

"I have suffered with anxiety and severe depression for years. I had tried group therapy as well as one-on-one sessions with a psychiatrist, but it was not much help. I would sit at a meeting or in a class and look normal, but I would be going crazy inside with my thoughts racing out of control, and this would last nonstop for days. It also made social situations extremely difficult. My doc put me on Sertraline first at 25 mg and upped it to 50 mg after a month. Except for a bit of nausea, I had almost no side effects, and after about three weeks, I started to notice some subtle changes. I've been on it going on four months now, and I feel like a new person! I'm much more in control, and my days now are calm and much happier. If you can relate, please try it."

• Pri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2019

"This medicine is new for me (1 week). Yes, after 1 week, I can honestly say I can feel the effect. I've been on a few medications, but this one is for me. I feel so calm and a little less nervous. I can read in peace. Before, I felt all four sides of my head were reading a different story at the same time. I just knew I was going crazy. I can concentrate. I feel fear-free. I'm even starting to think I can drive again, but one day at a time. After three years of this and not being able to even walk from my house to the corner, I can say thank you Father for touching the hands of my doctors to choose finally a medication that works for me. I pray each day I will come closer to being me again. From where I'm sitting, the road looks clear. I'm feeling happy once again. I will stick with this for as long as it takes for me."

• bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2014

"Please give this medicine a try. I have had some mild anxiety since my 20s, and after I had a child and now I'm in my 40s, it got pretty bad to the point where I would have a panic attack in my car every day, and I developed a fear of driving. I also had very bad health anxiety and ended up in the ER for a panic attack. I was very scared of taking any prescriptions because of all the horrific reviews, but panicking in my car was no way to live either, so I decided to try Zoloft. The first 2 weeks, the side effects were rough: nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, dry mouth, but the anxiety was getting better from day one. I started with 25mg and worked myself up to 50mg. The side effects pretty much subsided after week 3, and now I feel great."

• Aaa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2018

"Probably like many of you, I was ready to give up on this medication, but hey, it was worth it. Feeling like a zombie for a week, constant headache, shaking, paranoia, hungover, no appetite. On day 9, I woke up in the morning and felt like a new person - happy, full of joy, joking, so much laughter. I’ve been missing being my old self. I felt like my life started again. Give it a go! Good luck and stay strong."

• Gab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 31, 2025

"I have been taking sertraline for just over 6 weeks now, and today has been pretty low for me. Anxiety has been at a high again, and I’ve had a pretty negative mindset, thinking I’ll never go back to normal. I’ve pretty much had all the side effects possible since starting, but they’ve definitely subsided, and I mostly just have really bad nerves in the morning. I tend to have more good days than bad, which has made me really hopeful, but during the bad days, it gets harder to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I keep coming back to these posts for some reassurance that I just have to stick with it a little longer to feel the full benefits. Hopefully, that will be soon :)"

• Anonymous
• January 22, 2016

"Starting this medication was the best thing I could have done for myself. I struggle with anxiety and depression, and I also have premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Sertraline has helped me cope with all of them. I haven't been this mentally stable and clear-headed for a very long time - maybe never. I can make decisions without agonizing over them, experience new social situations, do new things, and life seems so much more manageable. All of the hurdles in my life that seemed insurmountable before are now obstacles I know I can climb over. The only side effect I've noticed is a little bit of dry mouth, and I started to noticeably feel the effects only about a week or so after taking it."

• Lov...
• December 24, 2016

"I was suffering with anxiety with constant running thoughts and feeling overwhelmed. I did 1 on 1 counseling sessions then took the next step by trying medication. I've never been prescribed medication nor taken anything even if I have a headache. I was started on 25mg once a day and now have been on it for about 4 weeks. I must say this has been one of the best choices I have ever made. I immediately felt relieved from anxious thoughts and stress. I am more calm and can think clearly without worrying. At first, yes, I experienced very moderate side effects like blurred vision, light sensitivity, and fogginess but it takes time for your brain neurons to adjust. I would say after 4 days of taking it I felt fine. I finally have my life back!"

• Emi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2024

"I'm 24, F, who has experienced anxiety due to personal stresses and burnout, resulting in health anxiety (fear of being sick). I became agoraphobic and didn't want to leave the house at all due to the bad panic attacks I would face, life completely changed. After trying Cymbalta and having a bad reaction, I swore off medication until I decided to give it another shot. However, this time starting on a smaller dose (last time was full dose straight away), I started 3 months ago on 12.5 mg for a week, and continued to increase to half, then quarter, 3/4, and now I’m on 50 mg. Life has started to get so much better, and yes, the anxiety is there, but I can handle it so much better. I’ve even planned a big birthday party for my 25th birthday. I was once reading all the reviews in tears as I was so scared to start, but start slow and build from there. Side effects were mild for me as it was a small dose, so much more manageable! Be kind to yourself and do it scared, you'll be okay! Sending love xx."

• Sco...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2020

"Started Zoloft 15 days ago and have been having a tough time with the ups and downs. The past two days have been bad with lots of anxiety and shaking, with lots of crying on the floor. The doctors warned me of these symptoms and encouraged me to be strong, and that it will get better with time, and to trust the process as it's balancing me out. I’m not having suicidal thoughts anymore, so that’s a relief. My appetite has surely decreased, although it seems that smoking a little marijuana helped me with that, but I would prefer not to have to smoke to eat. I should feel grateful that I’m actually feeling something again, even if it hurts, because nothing is as bad as the place I was at. I look forward to happy days again. Stay strong."

• Rob...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 9, 2025

"One year on sertraline 50 mg, and I can say this drug has truly revolutionized my life. I used to be incredibly anxious in social situations, now I seek out new people. I talk to people, I laugh with them, I don’t see them as a threat anymore. Sertraline made me find the long-lost confidence. Sertraline made everyone and everything look beautiful. You have only got one life, please get the help if you feel like you need it and enjoy existence as we all deserve to! :)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2025

"The last three weeks are a blur. I was constantly reading reviews on here with tears streaming down my face, wondering if I’d ever get better. The only other option for me wasn’t a good one. I started on 50 mg and locked myself away in a dark house for two weeks. My anxiety was like nothing I’d ever felt before: sweating, huge pupils, nausea, crying, and just totally defeated. Onto week three and the side effects have started to lift. No more night sweats or anxiety. I would totally recommend a benzo to get you through the first two weeks to take with sertraline. I took it in the morning if I had to leave the house. I am well on my way to feeling better, not there just yet, but thank you to everyone who took the time to write a review. They helped me get through my darkest days. Be brave, guys, and stick with it, it does get better ❤️‍"

• Pab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2019

"Been on sertraline 50mg for a week, would just like to help some people who have been suffering from the side effects. I'm a 40-year-old male who was very reluctant to start this medication but the anxiety became overwhelming. First of all, I must stress that everybody is different, but for me, the first 4-5 days were horrendous. Nausea, dizziness, insomnia, heightened anxiety - took 3 days off work. BUT on the 6th day, started feeling better, now it's the 7th day, and all side effects have pretty much gone, apart from some tinnitus. Hoping the tablets will work in the long run, but hope this will help you if you're struggling initially with the side effects. Good luck, you're not alone x"

• Rou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2022

"I waited 3 weeks to pass to share with you my review. I suffer from severe depression, anxiety, and PTSD (sexual violence). I started with 25 mg, then now I'm at 50 mg. Here I share my diary with you. 'Day 13: What a drug! I won’t say I already love it, because if we are going to talk about change, then this is really a life changer. Sure, I made some mistakes and drank a couple of times when it’s better not to, but damn, life is back again and that was me opening my arms for a few seconds to say hi. Now I’m back on track and yeah, it’s so great to feel air in my lungs. Now I can worry about real problems. Now I can prepare for the future optimistically. The journey is still going on and this is only the beginning.' Wherever you are, keep fighting, give those pills a chance and be patient. I know it's tough, but you'll be okay. I went through all the side effects, by the way, but now I'm fine. YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 3, 2025

"Been on sertraline for 10 weeks and currently in week 11, for GAD. I was titrated somewhat aggressively to reach my peak dose of 75 mg. Week 1-5 was difficult with robust side effects, most notably, insomnia. I used Zopiclone and Ativan, on occasion, to bridge the side effects as it was hard and I had to show up to work every day. Weeks 6-8, I noticed change. Less side effects but insomnia still rampant. I was advised and told to be ultra patient, that it can take 3 months before feeling the benefits and having your symptoms extinguished. Week 9, I dipped and felt like things were not so good again. Then I hit week 10 and noticed that I was calm, not holding onto thoughts and obsessing over the worst that could happen. I am now in week 11 and I am weaning off Zopiclone and my goal is to phase it out. This is my second time around on this med and I want to urge everyone that it takes time. I mean 2-3 months or more. You may feel benefit sooner but it takes time. Stay with it."

• Gab...
• December 26, 2014

"I'm 16 years old and I've been taking sertraline for about two years now, and it's completely changed my life. Early on in high school, I struggled with anxiety that gave me severe stomach aches. As I started to think about getting one, I would bring one on. I still had a good amount of friends and was very social, but often avoided social situations due to my fear of getting sick. I didn't go on a few class field trips because I worried about having to 'go' on the bus, and my anxiety haunted every aspect of my life, which often made me feel frustrated and depressed. Finally, I went to the doctor and was prescribed 50mg of sertraline. After a few weeks, I was already seeing changes in how my body reacted to situations, and I'm happier than ever."