Sertraline for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews

• Evaly
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 23, 2020

"First off if you’re reading this and you are in a dark place and just started taking this I want you to know that you are so strong. I was once where you were and I was afraid the medicine wasn’t going to work or make a big difference and that I’d be stuck like this forever. The side effects were bad and it took a couple months for it to fully kick in. About 4 months went by and it worked to its full potential one day out of the blue. It really saved me life bc I couldn’t function and didn’t want to live. Life seemed so hopeless but with this medicine I actually enjoy getting up certain days now. You are so strong and you have to hang in because the light at the end of the tunnel will be so rewarding. You may not see it right now but I promise you it works and you gotta hang in there for a while. You got this❤️❤️❤️"

• Debbie
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2021

"I was given a prescription for Zoloft starting at 12.5 mg and increasing it in seven days to 25 mg, after a week of taking 25 I did not feel good I dropped it back to 12.5 and I can honestly say my anxiety is almost gone, and I have had zero panic attacks, it’s been a full week again of being back on 12.5 Mg. I am going to be cautiously optimistic that this is actually going to be a game changer and I will start to feel better after years and years of trying so many different medication. I always felt that they were giving me much too high of a dose. Hope this might help somebody."

• Hopps
• July 8, 2021

"I’ve always dealt with anxiety which I’ve dealt with on my own until a stressful job and the COVID pandemic I started getting panic attacks and just cry hysterically out of no where. Finally after day two of my husband calling out of work to stay with me, I told him I needed help. My PCP started me on 50 mg sertraline after diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. The first week was awful. I had every side effect under the sun. Sleep was hard to come by. I pretty much was bed bound the first week except to get up and shower. I had to push myself to take care of the dogs or eat. My anxiety was 100 times worse. I knew that it was to be expected and the medicine takes weeks to feel the effects. I was determined to stick with it. I’m glad I did. After a week each day I felt better. It’s been a year since I started it and I feel amazing. I never realized how crummy anxiety made me feel until now! If you are having a tough time starting it, don’t give up. It will get better."

• Spooky
• May 22, 2020

"I’m an anxious person and self managed for many years. After 12 months of struggling, I finally decided to take meds. Beforehand I poured through all the side effect information/experiences, worrying! I just want to say... wish I’d done it sooner. Side effects lasted 4 weeks, worst in the first 2. Make you feel a bit rubbish: headaches, nausea, jaw tightness, insomnia...brain Fog and brain fizzes that feel a bit like an anxiety/panic attacks (come in waves and pass in an hour) It *all* goes away eventually! I worked whilst starting this drug & didn’t need any time off - don’t worry. You will feel back to normal by week 4! On my 5th week and I’ve begun to notice the difference. There’s still a bit of rumination, but the restlessness is gone. The last week I’ve felt happier and dare I say it braver than before! If you’re reading this, worrying about the side effects...Trust me, it really isn’t that bad. Be patient - you will get there!"

• lisalee
• February 3, 2021

"I was so worried about side affect as my anxiety is based around health anxiety. I have been on them 12 weeks so here is my side effects I had a week of needing a number two and needing to go immediately it was very loose. I had extreme tiredness which last 2 week and for the first 2 week I didn't have much of an appetite and I had night sweats which lasted the longest of all the side effects. At 5 week the only side effect I have is I find it takes me longer to climax. I sweat more that I used to. I have had 3 times were I have talk my self down from a panic attack - which is great considering before I was having a panic attack a day and I couldn't even talk myself down from one. Week 5 was my turning point felt amazing the things I worried about seemed a distant memory and I could function properly with out this worry on my sholders or working my self up resulting in a panic attack. Please be kind to your self I wish you all the best in your journey to better mental health"

• megabs
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2021

"I suffer from anxiety and derealisation. This medication is a life saver. I rated it a 9 because the side effects are horrific. If you are just starting off please give it time. It took me 8 weeks to start to feel normal again. I would read all the reviews trying to find an answer but instead I put myself down reading the negative ones. Be patient and be kind to yourself, it is hard and you do feel like its never going to get better. I promise it will, hang in there. I was in such dark place but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Don't expect to feel better overnight it is such a gradual thing and it will take time but you will get there!! One thing I would say is don't bottle it up, if you are having a bad day, speak to someone don't let it feel like you are going backwards because everyone has bad days."

• Mark
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 19, 2023

"I started suffering from anxiety in my teens. I am now 54 and managed to have a good life and hold down a good job. But when I got into my 50s, it became really difficult to deal with and I was forced to seek help about 18 months ago. My doctor prescribed me 50mg of sertraline. I was in a right mess and struggling to function. But after about 6 weeks, I went out for a meal with my wife and realized I had felt slightly better and my mind was a bit quieter. And that was the first glimmer of hope. I went back to the doctor and he increased it to 100mg. And the better days increased. I would say I was 75%. Then the doctor asked me if I wanted to try 150mg. I did and this is where I am now, and I would say I am 90% and I am really enjoying life. I would sit on the edge of my bed every night reading these reviews and tried to get some hope and promised myself that when I was better, I would leave a review to give others hope. Don't give up, take the medication and try to stay busy. Sertraline works!"

• Theres...
• October 29, 2014

"Just a few weeks ago I was reading all these reviews in tears. I am a 36 yr old mother of two & suddenly I started having panic attacks. I was so scared to start taking Zoloft because I thought it would "change" me, or make me feel "off." This was SO not the case! I tried everything natural I could first-- but I was still having anxiety regularly. I was also having negative thoughts that I could not stop, I would have to actively try not to think about certain things, and I really struggled with that. I have been on Zoloft about 2 weeks and all of that has stopped! I feel happy! I didn't even realize I had been in a funk, I feel so so SO much better now. To anyone reading this, you're not alone, it can and will get better!"

• Ciaran
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2024

"Sertraline literally did everything I wanted it to do. In December 2023, I went through a severe bout of anxiety for no apparent reason. It may have been after a stint of the flu I had. My mind went into overdrive, and I was in a panic for literally 6 weeks. When I started sertraline 50mg, I was so, so, so skeptical. Granted, the first 2 weeks were hardcore difficult with side effects (didn’t take benzos as I wanted to fight through myself). Fast forward to 3 months in, and I feel absolutely incredible! Incredible meaning, I am back to my good old self - anxiety went from 10/10 to literally 0/10. I haven’t had intrusive thoughts or any, I mean any, anxiety symptoms since week 6. Will I stay on it long term? Who knows... I will do a year on it as it has changed my life for the better without a doubt. If anyone is going through the wringer, give it a try. It has brought me back from the brink, and I couldn’t be more delighted with life! :D"

• Madkat
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2021

"I am on 50mg of sertraline. It did take a long time for the medicine to fully level out. I experienced some of the initial side effects: increased anxiety, insomnia, headaches, shakiness, jaw pain and dizziness. But all eventually went away after a month or so of use. My husband noticed a difference in me around week 4, but I didn’t really notice much of a change until week 6/7. Honestly, I wasn’t even sure the medicine was truly working until about 12 weeks in. I have had a lot of ups and downs, but the downs have been less often since about week 4. Now at a little over 14 weeks, I feel like things have really leveled out for me. I still feel emotions. I cry, I laugh, I joke around, I get excited for family outings. All of the normal feelings are back. I don’t feel emotionally blunted. The side effects can be tough in the beginning… and from my experience, the doors and windows don’t start to open very quickly. But once they do, it can feel really incredible."

• neris...
• June 7, 2021

"I am a pharmacy technician and been one for over a year now. I had developed GAD due to my job and it was then taking over my life and mental health. I started losing weight fast. Second time having an anxiety panic attack at work and got sent home early due to my body going to fight or flight mode. My doctor then quickly prescribed sertraline 25mg. Finally read all the reviews and it gave me so much hope that I wasn’t alone. For the first few days I had the runs every morning bad, increased anxiety all the time, insomnia in the morning, hot flashes during the night, some jaw clenching for the first two days. By week two all the side effects lifted. By week three I didn’t notice too much but my mood was so much better, I finally started eating happily, playing with my family more, sleeping well, and even working out! I finally feel normal again BUT better. Please know that you are not alone, and keep pushing. I am only taking 25mg and it really does make a difference!"

• Nols
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2024

"Hi everyone, Firstly for anyone who has ever left a positive review on this drug, thank you! Along with lots of others on this forum, I have read and reread the positive reviews on the harder days, and they really kept me going. For anyone just starting—please please stick with it. I had every side effect but I expected this. Things that really helped: snacking on ginger biscuits when I couldn't eat, reading to distract my mind, and I borrowed the family dog for 2 weeks to force me out into the fresh air! The anxiety and intrusive thoughts were bad in the first week and would come and go between week 2 and now, but on the more wobbly days, I am patient with myself and remember the good days I've just had! I also spoke with my doctor for reassurance during week 1. Asking for help is always difficult, but well done for starting the journey. We should all be proud of ourselves! Take each hour as it comes, and then it moves to days, and before you know it, weeks. You've got this!"

• Woo
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2020

"I have health anxiety due to illnesses in my family. When I get symptoms that mimic these illnesses, I tend to spiral into anxiety. In January 2019 my doctor prescribed Zoloft. I started at 25mg then bumped up to 50mg. I actually felt initial relief from my anxiety and only dealt with a few days of feeling numb. I had CT scans that showed nothing so I decided to stop the Zoloft after 1.5 months. I did great until the last few months. I decided to go back on Zoloft, remembering how well it worked last year. This time has been very different. My anxiety increased greatly for the first 23 days. Finally on day 24, yesterday, the anxiety is much better. I read reviews daily to remind myself that most people have this reaction and it will subside. Bonus, this has completely stopped my IBS symptoms, which I would have daily. My advice to those going through the same thing is to stick with it. Give it at least 4 weeks before you decide to discontinue. Well wishes to you all!"

• rambo...
• March 2, 2021

"To all the people reading the reviews, hesitating about taking the medication and looking for a valid reason to (or not to) start: 2 years ago (at 32 y/o) I had crippling anxiety - constant panic attacks, going to the emergency room on a weekly basis for over a year because I was always so sure that I was having a heart attack. I sat with the medication for 4 months, worried about starting it. Afraid of the side effects, that it would alter my mind, the stigma, the possibility that it wouldn't work and that it would make my irreversibly depressed.. I had no reason to be afraid of the side effects - I experienced slight headaches and perhaps mild dizziness for the first couple of weeks. 2 years on and I have my life back. It takes a while to start working with your body and it's hard to notice it working it's magic; but if you stick it out...you too could find yourself looking back and thanking this little pill for letting your mind think clearly again. Best wishes to you all!"

• Eilidh
• December 16, 2019

"I was started on 50mgs sertraline four weeks ago and now increased to 100mgs. So far I have been delighted with the response I’ve had. I feel so much calmer and happier (although feel I’ve still a way to go) and to be honest the side effects have not been bad at all. A bit of nausea which was bearable and a little increased anxiety. My GP said that the fact I am getting some positive results by week 4 is a really good sign and she gave me the choice of staying on 50mgs to see how much I improved in the next couple of weeks or just bite the bullet and try 100mgs - which I’ve done. I have also been drinking some alcohol some nights which is absolutely fine. There is no interaction at all. I just want to be back to normal. I’ve had so much stress in the last few years that I’ve lost my personality, and I can’t wait to get it back and to be happy and fun again. Definitely feel like I’m on the way! "

• Nova...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 8, 2024

"I am a 77-year-old female. I retired from work 2 years ago, so I was very lucky to be able to enjoy work until then. After a while, I started suffering from bad anxiety. I went on 50mg of sertraline, then 100mg, then 150mg. I am now on 200mg going into my 3rd week. I have felt really ill, but I read these reviews and it stops me from giving up."

• Cano
• May 22, 2020

"In my 20's, I started experiencing debilitating anxiety, onto panic attacks which then looped into depressive episodes. I thought I was losing my mind & wasn't sure how long I'd be able to hold onto this life for. I started fantasizing about dying & realized I really needed help. When I was first prescribed this medication I was in the darkest, scariest point in my life & I spent hours reading this thread. I was scared to take the medication for a month & finally convinced myself it was time for me to take my mental health seriously. Side effects for the first 3 days were definitely present but I did not feel worse than I was already feeling. I was dissociated, slightly dizzy, decreased hunger, increased in tiredness, dry mouth and emotional near the evenings. Now that I am on week 3 and the side effects have mostly subsided I can safely say I feel more control over my life & I am hopeful this medication continues to work for me as I enter therapy in the near future."

• AmberV
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 7, 2024

"I have OCD and generalized anxiety disorder. I was on paroxetine for 4 years, then back in June I quit because I'm trying to have a baby. It was okay and I thought I was off meds. Then the end of December came, and I was back to my daily panic attacks, worrying, and being restless. I went to the doctor straight away because I know myself and I did NOT want to go into that dark place again. The doctor immediately prescribed sertraline 50 mg to me. I'm not going to lie, the first week of taking it my symptoms worsened times 100. I could not sleep for a week, I lost 9 pounds and couldn't even take a shower because of my anxiety. It was horrible. I had to take Xanax every day to slightly function. After the first week, things started lifting up. I'm now on day 12, and I feel SUCH a big improvement. I call this the miracle pill, it's truly amazing. If you're reading this, know that this drug will work amazing and really help you. Just hold on a little longer, one hour at a time."

• dben
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 3, 2013

"I have always been an anxious person. I have done okay with life's normal challenges, but the underlying anxiety was always there and I was constantly struggling against it. I just lived with it. If it got especially bad, I took Xanax or Ativan, but you can't use those long term. Finally I let the doc prescribe sertraline. (My husband had been set against it-he thought if I exercised more, all this would go away....but I couldn't exercise more....my anxiety made me tired all the time). Once I got past the first three weeks and started to see the difference, I was amazed. No more repeating thoughts, mantras going around in my head, no more feeling lonely and like I have no friends, no more dread of simple things."

• a...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 30, 2015

"Hi people, I've been following these comments for a couple months, they helped me so much. I had to write in about my experience with Zoloft 50mg for panic and anxiety. First, you have to stick with it for ***8 weeks*** minimum. I had terrible side effects for 4 weeks, increased panic and anxiety and insomnia. I also lost 10 lbs, felt like my metabolism increased. At just about 4 weeks, side effects-gone. At 8 weeks I feel so relaxed and panic-free. It is AMAZING, wow. So this is what you are supposed to feel like! If you have a stressful job like me, I don't have time for anxiety and panic. I am also doing talk therapy and meditation. I sleep great..I do use medicinal herb for sleep every night. I am completely off of benzos!"

• Mollie
• November 15, 2019

"Sertraline/Zoloft has saved me. I can get out of bed in the morning and not feel completely anxiety ridden. Prior to Zoloft, I could not get out of my own head, I would go out to dinner with my family and could gaze off into the distance, completely depressed and anxious and stress about work, kids, chores, LIFE. When you have GAD, you are anxious about everything. People tell you “it’s not a big deal, snap out of it, etc.” BUT to you - everything little thing is everything and could have a ripple effect and the worst case scenario is always possible. I went on Zoloft at a point where I reached a breaking point and needed help. The first few weeks, I noticed little change. By week 3, something switched. I was able to LIVE. I explained to my Dr. that I was feeling much better but having trouble concentrating so I was upped to 50mg. I felt like the person I wanted to be. DON’T give up if it doesn’t work in the first few weeks - give it a month! Almost gave up, glad I did not."

• Spooky
• March 27, 2021

"An update - started sertraline 12 months ago (50mg) after my anxiety started to interfere with my ability to work. Triggered by my brother dying and then me getting Covid. Avoided pills like the plague up until then for fear of them changing me. The first 4 weeks were tricky - but manageable. After 3 months I felt settled, if not slightly numb. Still a few up and downs along the way, but 12 months down the line I feel... stronger. I respect myself and the journey I’ve been on a lot more. Sertraline is my little coat of armour - it makes me feel braver. I speak up more, I second guess my emails less, I rarely ruminate and I’m much more open about my experiences - and that helps others around me. I’ve thrived at work because of this and been promoted - please try not to worry about the side effects and go with it. You won’t look back :-)"

• Ivyrae
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 3, 2021

"Hi Where to start !! I had been diagnosed at 55 with GAD had it since I was 7 I am now 60. I had a meltdown in mid September akin to a breakdown I wanted to die the hole was so deep and dark . Doc prescribed me sertraline and over 3 weeks increased dose to 150mg, believe everything you read about this drug the side effects were horrific, mind like a washing machine, intrusive thoughts, grueling insomnia, no appetite for 8 weeks , diarrhea, sweating , I truly thought there was no way out and because you don’t have a GP on speed dial reading and re reading forums about this drug to comfort me in the knowledge that it works… Good news !! It appeared to kick in, for hours at first, then a day here and there, nothing permanent but I found myself humming to the radio or watching the Telly with no intrusive dark thought, for me it did take the 12 weeks and if you are willing to persevere it is TRULY worth it … you’ve come this far reading my experience YOU CAN DO IT !!"

• Sleep...
• February 18, 2021

"For me, a life saver! Yes, I had the night sweats, the vivid dreams, the urine frequency, the dizziness and nausea for the first few months. But here's the rub, I would do it a thousand times over for how well I feel now. I started taking 50mg sertraline for crushing anxiety in December 2019. I am a 37 year old female and my confidence and my judgement in my work was rock bottom. I over analyzed and panicked about everything for over a decade. But I hid it very well at work! I would've tried anything to not feel so exhausted and ground down by incessant worrying. My body took about two months to get used to the drug. But things, me, my mind, started to feel calmer and I felt more in control as the months progressed. Now, I feel together, content and at peace I have not felt since I was a child! In truth? I wish I had started taking this medication years ago. Anxiety robbed me of my sense of peace and sense of self. Will I come off it? Within the year hopefully, but if needs be, I will stay on it!"

• Bspann
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 6, 2020

"I have been dealing with generalized anxiety on and off since I was 10 years old. I finally decided to take medication for treatment. My doctor started me off with 25mg sertraline (Zoloft). The next day I felt normal but it was weird to me because I didn’t know what normal felt like. The only side effects I experienced were vivid dreams, they weren’t bad dreams just vivid, nausea the first two days but after that no nausea. No dizziness. I experienced little to no side effects however the anxiety hasn’t completely gone away but it’s come a long wayyy only because I refused to take the 50 mg she prescribed. I just feel great where I’m at taking the 25 mg and I don’t want to over do it. This medication has changed my life completely. I haven’t taken it in a couple of days and I can tell the difference."