Sertraline for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• Wor...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 22, 2023

"Sertraline gave me my life back after being diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I was started on 25 mg, and I slowly increased my dose to 75 mg under the care of a qualified doctor. I started off with anxiety attacks day and night, which kept me from going places, from eating proper meals, and from sleeping well. I was also unable to complete basic tasks such as showering daily. I was very tired and depressed all the time. After around 4 weeks of taking sertraline at 75 mg, I was sleeping again, eating 3 meals a day, and getting along with my family. No more anxiety attacks. No more stress. Surprisingly, sertraline also helps with my migraines and mild epilepsy. A major side effect, one that doctors will not tell you about, is weight gain. So. Much. Weight gain. Other than that, this is an awesome medication. It works!"

• bre...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 12, 2014

"I have been taking Sertraline for 6 months due to anxiety and mild depression. I am a naturally happy and outgoing woman, but due to pressure and high expectations, I guess, I started feeling anxious and sad all the time. I used to feel chest tightness, rapid palpitations, and fear of failing or not doing well in life and eventually becoming a failure. I remember I used to get horrible headaches on a daily basis and even stomach issues. Mind you, I even had a colonoscopy and endoscopy done due to the severity of the digestive problem, although the results were okay. Also, I had insomnia and fatigue. I must confess that all those terrible 'symptoms' went away once I started taking this medicine. My mood has improved, and I've noticed that I am much happier."

• Lod...
• October 6, 2019

"After suffering with anxiety and depression for years, it finally got so bad that I could barely leave the house. I quit my job and used to spend day after day just lying on the sofa, getting worse and worse. I was reluctant to take any sort of medication at first, but thought there was no other option, so off to the doctor's I went, and they recommended sertraline. I started on 50 mg. Had the usual side effects of feeling sick, headaches, but no more anxious than I already was. After a couple of weeks, they passed, and I started to notice a difference in how I was feeling. My mood was lifting, and slowly I started to do things I hadn't been able to for a long time. I did up my dose to 100 mg, and now I've gone back to work, socializing with my friends, and generally feel so much better in myself. It's not a miracle drug by any means, but it does keep me on an even keel, and I now enjoy my life as I should do. No plans to come off it either. If it works, then why change it?"

• Han...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 1, 2021

"I’ll preface this by saying I struggle with severe anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, and mild depression. I tried sertraline when I was 14 at a low dose for 4 years. I then tried other medications as I didn’t feel like it was working. After around 10 medications that sucked, at age 21, I went back to Zoloft. I now take it at 150 mg, and it’s great. I feel like a new person. I can talk without much anxiety or overthinking. I just say things, which is new for me. I laugh genuinely. I feel my range of emotions more strongly instead of being numb. My disturbing OCD thoughts and obsessions have reduced significantly, and when they’re there, they’re easier to handle. I used to think about death constantly. Now I barely do, and it doesn’t bother me as much. I still have anxiety, but it’s easier to deal with. I’m very glad that I decided to try it again. Plus, I have almost no side effects. I’ve been in therapy too, but I believe that Zoloft contributed a huge amount to my improvement."

• GPm...
• August 22, 2013

"I started Zoloft 3 weeks ago, very skeptical about how effective it would be for me. My anxiety was through the roof every second of the day. I was also taking Ativan 1 mg twice a day to be able to function. 3 weeks later, I am a new man. The first week will be tough as I experienced nausea and completely lost my appetite. Lost 10 pounds in a matter of a week and a half. Trust in the medicine and let it work its magic. I am currently tapering off Ativan because Zoloft is doing its job."

• n23...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2023

"This is a miracle drug! It gave me my life back. I was a happy, outgoing student with top grades and was in the gym 5 days a week. Suddenly, I started to develop panic attacks and anxiety - I couldn't eat properly, couldn't sleep, and was scared to go out without a chaperone. I honestly didn't recognize myself, it was like a dark cloud had come over me, and I was crying all the time. The first 7-10 days on this drug were horrendous. It increased my anxiety so much, and one night I had the worst nocturnal panic attack, which I never used to have. I also had waves of palpitations and dizziness, which made it super hard to even walk around my house. However, I am so glad I stuck with it. After around day 10, it was like a switch had flipped. I was able to sleep again, focus on my work, and go out without panic. I feel 90% like my normal self, and I only get situational anxiety now. Also, I don't really have any long-term side effects now. Please stick with it for 2-3 weeks before giving up!"

• Evi...
• March 28, 2013

"I was prescribed sertraline 50 mg a day for my general anxiety and depression. I was reluctant to take it, but did so, only kept the dose to 25mg. At first, I felt so uninspired and tired, but also saw my anxiety levels go down and my mood go up. Suicidal thoughts decreased dramatically and I became much easier to get along with; no more getting all worked up over minor issues, less intense and hyper-reactive to every little thing. Less worrying and fretting. Huge increase in ability to focus/concentrate, especially ability to read again without my mind distracted and reading the same sentence over and over. Initially gained 9 lbs, but lost it all and with a diet plan. I'm thankful for sertraline."

• bri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 22, 2025

"I used to come to this forum daily and read reviews for hours in a desperate attempt to find any kind of hope. To the person reading this: you will get through this. For me, it took much longer than the 6-8 weeks they say. My doctor paired sertraline with Wellbutrin, and I was able to decrease my sertraline to 50 mg when I got on the Wellbutrin. It isn't perfect, but I feel alive again. And more importantly, I have hope again. Aside from the medications, I have been doing a lot of work through therapy and reading, etc. If you are looking for a book and are struggling right now, try The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk. Do not give up. Things will get better."

• Chl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2024

"I was suffering with severe anxiety and obsessive rumination after complete work burnout. I didn't realize how bad it got until it was too late. Just before Christmas, I went to the doctor and was prescribed sertraline 50mg. I had never taken any sort of antidepressant before, however, I was desperate and knew I was spiraling. The first week was hell - I couldn't eat, I was dizzy, being sick, I was severely anxious, had diarrhea, and would wake up sweating. I honestly thought something was wrong until I started reading reviews about how this was normal. I pushed through to week 2, and I slowly started to feel a little better. I was a lot more anxious in the morning than later in the evening. The reviews kept me going, knowing I wasn't losing my mind. Week 3, still couldn't eat, bad morning anxiety, and diarrhea, but no more dizziness, sweats, or sickness. I was not ruminating as much. Finally, week 4 was like a light switch came on - I felt back to myself."

• VIX...
• January 6, 2015

"I am on day 16 of 50mg and I am starting to feel the benefits. The first few days I had heightened anxiety and low mood, headache, jaw clenching, no appetite, tummy upset but this has now passed. I still feel a bit anxious every now and then but I can actually now think positive thoughts and think about the future, which for the last 4 months I was a nervous wreck. I couldn't go out, I couldn't move off the sofa, I couldn't eat (lost 4 stone in 2 months). My anxiety was so bad I thought I would be better off not being here. I didn't want to see or be around anyone from the way I was feeling, but I can now see light at the end of a VERY DARK tunnel. It took me 3 weeks to pluck up the courage to take them and I'm so glad I did. THEY WORK!"

• Cke...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2016

"After at least a year of worsening anxiety, I tried essentially anything I could think of to manage it, but resorted to something I never wanted to: medication. I started off taking 25 mg once a night before bedtime, and it made me have some really vivid and bizarre dreams (I probably dreamt more in the past month than I have in the last three years combined) and kind of felt like I hadn't slept at all the next morning. The day after I started taking it, I felt really exhausted and depressed. The second day I felt almost manic, but every day after that, I've felt amazing. No sickness to my stomach at thoughts that used to rule my life, and I've got so much more energy. Give it a shot and keep in mind that it can take a few weeks to help. :)"

• glh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2016

"I have to say I was terrified of taking meds. I didn't know what was going on with me. I had been feeling awfully for about 8 months. I finally went to see a doctor and was diagnosed with anxiety disorder. I feared medication, but my doctor talked me into trying it, and I'm glad I did. I will say there are side effects, but just keep taking it, they will pass. I've been on Zoloft since June 1st of this year, and I feel so much better. So if you're terrified, don't be, it's worth a try."

• Gir...
• December 19, 2019

"Xanax worked for my GAD until a stressful situation raised my anxiety. My psychiatrist recommended Zoloft, I was afraid, but I agreed to try it out because I was barely functioning. Due to the side effects, I wanted to start on the lowest possible dose. I started with half of a 25 mg pill for two weeks, so 12.5 mg. Then I went up to 25 mg. I stayed on that for 3 weeks to get my body used to it. I then upped the dosage to 50 mg, and that has been my sweet spot. I'm still on the Xanax, the 2 meds are working to keep me calm. My advice is to start at the lowest dose to minimize side effects. You may find a low dose of just 25 mg works for you. I would also recommend finding a generic that works for you and sticking with that. For me, the CIPLA generic works the best, and I have my doctor write CIPLA ONLY under the comment section of the script, and I then take it into my pharmacy and let the pharmacist know that particular generic works for me, and I stay with that one brand."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 11, 2012

"I am on 150mg of Zoloft (Sertraline) daily. It has been a lifesaver. My GAD is under control, and I am enjoying life to the fullest. Gone are the days of constant worry and irrational fears. I also experienced few side effects as well."

• emi...
• February 3, 2017

"I highly recommend anyone suffering from anxiety to try this drug. I am 19 years old and in my second year of college, and I started experiencing anxiety attacks. My anxiety got to the point where I did not want to leave my apartment and was affecting my daily life. I did have a few side effects the first few weeks, but now I feel like my normal self! Highly recommend!!!!"

• Fay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 14, 2015

"My 16-year-old daughter began this medication in October, and it has been a blessing for her overwhelming anxiety. She is now able to function normally. She has joined the swim team at her high school and began taking piano lessons. She is getting out and spending time with her old friends and making new ones. Prior to the medication, she was so anxious that she could not speak in class or raise her voice above a whisper outside of our home. The anxiety she experienced prior to the sertraline was completely debilitating. She is getting talk therapy, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet along with taking the medication. I was initially very opposed to 'drugs.' Now I feel I denied my child necessary medication. Don't be afraid to try it!"

• 1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2022

"I have been on sertraline for 10½ weeks now, 2½ weeks at 50 mg and 8 weeks at 100 mg. This drug is amazing, though the initial side effects can be rough (increased anxiety, insomnia, hand tremors, nausea, headaches, bruising more easily). The worst for me were the anxiety uptick and the insomnia, but my G.P. gave me clonazepam (0.25 mg twice daily or as needed). I used the clonazepam for about 6 weeks on and off, and they were a great help. The side effects are only temporary, so please hang in there. Give sertraline time (at least 8 weeks) to build up in your system before deciding whether to continue or not. I am so glad I constantly read and re-read the positive reviews on here when I was battling through the first few weeks. I feel like a different person now. Anxiety is practically non-existent, I am calmer, more able to cope with stress, and generally happier all around. This medication made me realize that God can and does use 'big pharma' to help people with chemical imbalances."

• Fis...
• December 5, 2016

"I have dealt with severe panic attacks for over ten years. Recently, they stepped up in intensity to the point of hospitalization multiple times. I was originally given Buspar, and it worked for about two weeks, but then my attacks overwhelmed the meds. I recently met a doctor that put me on sertraline. The first two weeks were very rough due to the transition, but then I woke up one day with a literal smile on my face. I take it in the morning because I have insomnia without the medication and have no side effects besides a prolonged effort to finish during sex and a decrease in appetite. This medication is what has brought me back to the person loved ones know and miss."

• cre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 30, 2019

"This has transformed my life. I have suffered from panic attacks and anxiety for 25 years. I now feel like a new person, loads of energy, and, dare I say, really HAPPY. One point, though: the first 3 weeks were the worst. But once through that, my life has turned around. In the first weeks, I thought of coming off them because I felt terrible. I’m just so grateful I stuck it out."

• Nov...
• 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."

• Anx...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2016

"I'd struggled with anxiety all throughout my 22 years of life, and it started to get quite debilitating the last 6-10 months. My obsessive thoughts started to get uncontrollable to the point where I felt like I was in a trance/not there almost always. My psychiatrist suggested sertraline, and after hearing all the horror stories of the initial anxiety, I was quite scared. I started on a quarter of a 50 mg pill, so 12.5 mg. I've been on it for over a week now, and already my symptoms have improved immensely. Surprisingly, I haven't had any negative side effects at all (apart from a loss of appetite). I have control over my thoughts, and they are rational again. I'm already feeling like my old self. Give it a go, good luck!"

• Ste...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 1, 2017

"I've now been on sertraline for over 8 months. These 8 months have been some of the best months of my life. I no longer wake up filled with dread, but rather I feel vitality to get on with my day. My grades at university have improved as I feel more relaxed and able to focus. I have made many great friends and had plenty of good times. That being said, it is also crucial that you do more than just take the drugs. Getting plenty of exercise, eating healthily, and meditating also helps, and of course going outside! Although some of the side effects can be frustrating, I find them well worth it compared to a life without the medication. For anyone suffering from anxiety and reading this, go see a doctor, there really is a way out."

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 8, 2019

"I was put on propranolol (beta blocker) for panic disorder, but after a few weeks, it made my blood pressure and heart rate really low, so the doctor suggested sertraline 50 mg once a day. The first week, I experienced increased anxiety, hot flashes, sweating, dizziness, feeling stoned at times, just really strange. I started having panic attacks again, which I had not had for a month. I also had this weird thought that I had physically hurt my flatmate the night before, but I imagined it (paranoia maybe?). It was stressful, but the doctor told me it would get worse (the anxiety) when you start taking this medication, before it gets better, so I stuck it out. Omg, I'm so glad I did! The 2nd week, I realized I felt relaxed for the first time since I can remember. All the side effects were gone. I was able to think about other things other than my impending doom. I'm on the 3rd week now, and I almost feel completely back to normal. They say 6-8 weeks to feel the full effects."

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2019

"The medicine works well, but you need to be patient. I started 25 mg ten weeks ago, and the first 4 weeks I had side effects (nausea, fatigue, sweating, and sleep issues). At 6 weeks, I noticed my anxiety was greatly reduced and almost completely under control at 8 weeks. So the medicine seems to have worked well for me."

• Ben...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2019

"Been on sertraline for 4 months now, my mood and anxiety have vastly improved. Back at work now and coping with the days. Started on 50 mg, did have headaches for about a week, but they have subsided now. GP upped the dose to 100 mg as I was still having some bad days anxiety-wise. A lot better now, did have headaches again when the dose was upped. Can’t believe this medication has given me my old self back."