Sertraline for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews (Page 4)

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 16, 2023

"I was prescribed sertraline for bad anxiety, which had hit me after a series of events in my life (pandemic, job stress, traumatic experiences). I no longer felt able to cope and was suffering with spiraling, catastrophizing thoughts that crippled me. I started on 50 mg, and I will admit, for me, the first 6 weeks were hell. I kept reading reviews on here telling people to stick with it, and I’m now here saying the same! Please persevere and give it a chance to work! (You’ll notice quite a lot of the negative reviews are from people who didn't make it past the initial 6-8 weeks). I am on week 11 now and have agreed with my doctor to increase my dose to 100 mg as I feel I just need that extra lift to rid myself of the lingering anxiety. These tablets won’t make your life perfect or promise you zero bad days, but they have absolutely helped to pull me out of the horrible place I was in."

• Mad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2023

Sertraline "I've been a person with high-functioning anxiety for a good portion of my life, but in February of this year, my anxiety reached its peak. I was having anxiety attacks that were lasting for days. I had high blood pressure, constant nausea, trembling, racing thoughts, racing heart, and wasn't able to sleep. After my third major anxiety attack in 3 weeks, I finally sought help from my doctor. I was prescribed Zoloft (25mg) and Propranolol (20mg). The first week was very bad. All of my previous symptoms were amped up. If it wasn't for the reviews on this site, I would have stopped. But I've pushed myself to keep going and I am now almost 4 weeks in and feeling a lot better. I still have issues. My biggest one is the tension in my jaw, which gives me headaches. I haven't been taking Zoloft for that long, so I'm holding out hope that this gets better. My advice to anyone starting Zoloft is to keep at it, even if you don't notice anything right away."

• 0x0...
• July 12, 2019

"I have suffered with anxiety and depression for over 30 years. Due to past events, I've recently suffered a breakdown and tried numerous medications. Mirtazapine made me into a zombie and I put on 20 pounds. This, to me, was pure poison and did nothing for me but make me drowsy, ache, and become more depressed. Then came Duloxetine... day 4 and my heart rate was so fast I was close to passing out. I stopped taking them and my heart rate returned to normal. Then came, from what I can only describe as my savior, sertraline. Within days of taking it, the 'black cloud' felt like it was lifting. Within a week or so, the fear and dread in the pit of my stomach was no longer there. What I couldn’t usually deal with, I could now tackle. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t a 100% cure, but I am beginning to see the light again. I’m not as emotional, I feel more together than I have done in years, with absolutely no side effects, no weight gain, no headaches, with a more positive outlook."

• Lal...
• July 5, 2015

"I have been on Zoloft for about two months, the lowest dose, and have had wonderful help with it and therapy! I had severe panic attacks daily, depression, and I had withdrawn from life and fun! I am improving daily and see the light again, but I believe you have to do your part with therapy and find the triggers to the anxiety to truly heal. However, this medicine has helped me get out of the dark place!"

• Kir...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 28, 2017

"I have not found that I have any side effects from this, but I notice a huge difference in my mental health. Actually, my boyfriend wasn't really a believer in antidepressants, but when he saw the change in me when I started taking these, he completely switched sides. Some people really do need them. I'm so glad I got on this, I feel so much better."

• McP...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 30, 2017

"Since my twenties, I would have anxiety from time to time. In 2003, my mother passed away, and my anxiety came on to the extent that I thought about suicide. My doctor put me on sertraline, a packet to start 12.5 mg, 25 mg, and then 50 mg. While the first 2 or 3 weeks I still had some anxiety, and for maybe a month or so my emotions were flat, eventually I felt normal again. I can even drive on the interstate without fear after years of struggle. I have been on sertraline for 14 years now, and although I still have some issues with sleep, I feel normal most of the time. It takes a few weeks for your body to adjust, so hang in there if you can."

• Z12...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 20, 2023

"Sertraline is a godsend. I have dealt with anxiety since I was a kid. I've tried many medications, therapy, CBT, etc., and while therapy and CBT are absolutely amazing, sertraline was the beautiful cherry on top of the cake. It has changed my life, literally! I didn't even realize I could feel this light and relaxed. My once overthinking, frazzled brain is now quiet and calm. Don't get me wrong, I still get worries and stressors, but they are manageable. Prior to taking sertraline, it was like an avalanche of emotions, thoughts, and fears that would drown me, but now it's a wave that I can just ride. Sertraline I cannot and will not stop taking because of how effective and safe it is."

• ANe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 3, 2015

"I started sertraline 4 years ago, and it has honestly helped my GAD so much! I still get panic attacks from time to time, but that's my mind running away with me, and I'm only on the lowest dose of sertraline. I wouldn't have the confidence that I have today without this drug, and I certainly wouldn't be a good mother to my son, I would have no doubt been a depressed mess. This has helped me see that there is a life outside of GAD and depression, no matter how hard it is to find... keep going. It's there."

• Buz...
• November 11, 2016

"Started this with very low hopes of it doing anything after my last two experiences with anxiety/depression medication. Fluoxetine ruined my life, Escitalopram made me feel awful, so I expected sertraline to do the same. I was very surprised when I started it on 25 mg that I had no issues, no nausea, upset tummy, dizziness, nothing. After some time, I was feeling less anxious, but it still lingered, so my doctor allowed me to up the dosage to 50 mg and my anxiety was pretty much completely gone besides the odd few days. However, it didn't do a whole lot for my depression, which I discussed with my psychiatrist, and the dosage was upped again to 75 mg and then finally 100 mg. Currently on 100 mg every day and I feel great. It might work for you."

• JAS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2019

"Started with 50 mg, then moved to 100 mg. Side effects initially were poor - greater anxiety, sleep disruption, fatigue, dizziness, feeling super down, generally feeling unwell, socially very quiet, etc. After about 14 weeks, I have had no anxiety for about 9 days and feel pretty normal. I think this is the effect of the drugs and not of talking therapy. I am happy to continue taking them as I can lead a pretty normal life, which I couldn't for about 6 months. However, you have to stick with the initial unpleasantness."

• Anonymous
• July 6, 2016

"Thank you guys for posting your experiences on here. I have been suffering with anxiety out of nowhere for the last couple of months. It wakes me up every day, and I have a hard time sleeping. It's been so bad that I literally was so sick I was vomiting for a week. I struggled with the idea of taking medicine out of fear of being dependent on it. After reading everyone's experiences on here, I got up the courage to try it. It's crazy, but I started taking it 2 days ago, and I feel a sense of hope like there just might be another side to it, and I will feel like myself again. Thank you."

• zol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2021

"I’ve always had anxiety, but the pandemic really pushed things over the edge for me, to the point where I spent my days completely nauseous and throwing up multiple times a day. It was absolutely horrible. My first SSRI was Celexa, which made me hallucinate and cry constantly. Cue Zoloft. I had almost every side effect in the book, and I scrolled through these reviews whenever I was miserable in bed to get hope that one day I would feel better. Trust me, the day will come. I didn’t realize how much anxiety affected me. I now take 200 mg after a long process of adjusting the dosage, and I feel fantastic. Life will have its ups and downs, but Zoloft makes it manageable. I’m only giving this 9/10 because yes, the side effects can be insane. I had to have emergency therapy sessions because I felt so horrible sometimes. You can do this."

• Max...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2021

"I started taking 50 mg Sertraline just over 2 weeks ago due to suspected panic disorder and generalized anxiety. The first few days were strange, I felt wired and couldn’t sleep barely at all and kept clenching my jaw, had a bad case of the runs too. This leveled out pretty quickly, however (about day 5), and now I feel much better, I felt a noticeable difference by a week and now into my second week my anxiety is near non-existent. I was shocked how quickly it made a difference for me. The first few days were scary, though, but I tried exercise to get me through it. If I carry on feeling this way, then I highly recommend Sertraline for anyone suffering from the same. That being said, it is different for everyone."

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

"I struggled for twelve months with severe anxiety, and it got so bad that I ended up with moderate depression too. I didn't like the thought of going on medication and tried everything to heal myself ‘naturally’. I meditated daily, ate a healthy diet, read endless self-help books, took magnesium and fish oil supplements, practiced mindfulness…. You name it, I did it! The final straw was a weekend away to our favorite place. Normally being there took all my anxiety away, but not this time. I had a panic attack and spent all week crying. The next day I made an appointment with my doctor, who prescribed me 50mg Zoloft. Day 12, 13, and 14 were the hardest, with increased anxiety and diarrhea. I visited here daily to read the encouraging reviews. Day 15 everything changed, a calm came over me. From then on, it continued to get better. By week 5, I felt completely well. Don’t suffer unnecessarily! There is help."

• Blu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2024

"I have been on sertraline for 10 weeks, beginning with 50 mg. The first week was super hard, I had every side effect under the sun. I was having panic attacks multiple times a day at an intensity I had never experienced. So many times, I considered coming off, and like many, returned to this site to help keep going. I didn’t notice any major improvement until 6-8 weeks in. Still, there were moments where I was feeling worse than before the tablet, mainly in the evenings, having intrusive suicidal thoughts, which is pretty disturbing when you know you don’t want to do anything of the sort! But I was experiencing benefits too! It helped with my driving anxiety, and I no longer have anxiety 24/7. I have now been on 100 mg for just under two weeks. I noticed a couple of side effects, I feel quite disconnected from things and still have the suicidal thoughts, but it has reduced some symptoms. Give the medicine a chance, keep talking to yourself positively, and know the tough bit will pass. Good luck!"

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2024

"After years of therapy and trying basically every non-pharma treatment (supplements, meditation, cold showers, exercise, etc.), I finally decided to try sertraline for my anxiety, which was increasingly interfering with my daily life (mild depression as well). Started at 25 mg for about two months before my doc bumped me to 50 mg. I feel like a new person, truly a miracle for me. I can enjoy life again, am sleeping better, relationships have improved, and I can handle stressors so much better. Had some mild symptoms upon starting: mild headaches, low energy for about two weeks. Some difficulty orgasming for maybe two months. Now, happy to report I have lots of energy, sexual performance back to normal, and I didn’t gain any weight as I was afraid could happen. If anything, my weight has stabilized or gone slightly down since I don’t eat to cope with anxiety or stress anymore. Truly grateful to have made this step. Oh, and no blunting of emotions, I still feel a full range."

• Buz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 16, 2022

"Yes, initial side effects are horrible. I had the lot! The worst one being increased anxiety, which made all the other symptoms feel even worse. But don't let this put you off, they do pass, and the end result is so worth it. This little pill literally saved my life. For the majority, it takes 4-8 weeks to get going on the right dose. I didn't feel better until I reached 125 mg. We're all different. Hang in there, it all gets better x."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2024

"Stopped Paroxetine because of its bad sexual side effects. My GAD and OCD hit again and had me back to the hospital. I was given Hydroxyzine for sleep, which helped. The doctor gave me sertraline, which he raised up to 150mg over the course of 10 days. Effects of the medication started discreetly from day 7 and progressively increased. My sleep got better, I was able to walk again without having the fear of fainting. I could enjoy my time with other patients, get back on my fitness journey, and my mood got better. I went from 10/10 devastating anxiety and hypochondria all day to around 3 to 6/10, which is an incredible relief. Also, make sure to pair this treatment with CBT and regular physical activity for the best results on your anxiety. Sexual side effects are nothing like Paroxetine, and lack of sexual drive is manageable with CBT and Maca. Considering that with severe and debilitating GAD and OCD, my romantic and sexual life was severely impaired as well. Sertraline WORKS."

• Anonymous
• February 16, 2016

"After suffering from GAD, insomnia, and depression symptoms for almost a year, my doctor and I finally agreed to try Zoloft. I had taken trazodone, amitriptyline, and escitalopram separately and in combination without prevail for this long period of time. Sertraline is much more tolerable than escitalopram so far and has allowed me to be myself and enjoy everything about life again. It has also been very helpful in treating premature ejaculation. If you are having trouble sleeping, worrying needlessly, and suffering through everyday, do not hesitate to find the medication right for you. These medications may take much trial and error, but can be a lifesaver. I hope this is helpful to you, as other reviews have greatly encouraged me!"

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 22, 2022

"After quitting Lexapro suddenly without weaning off, due to it causing intense episodes of psychosis, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts after a few months of use, I was in an even worse place than I started off with. Constant nasty feeling inside, paranoid, extremely nervous, panicky, very suicidal, just fed up with having to deal with the intense dread and fear every day. After a few months of this suffering, I finally said I need to go to the doctor to see if there is anything she could do, she said sertraline would be a good option to try. I was terrified of medication due to what Lexapro did, so I didn't take the sertraline until 3 days after it was prescribed. When I took it, my own paranoia sent me into a horrible state of anxiety, ended up in the emergency department. Long story short, after an absolute grind and mental battle, my anxiety is almost nonexistent. Honestly unbelievable. Try it, if it's not for you, try something else. Something will work. Best decision of my life :)"

• Kbo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 28, 2017

"I started on sertraline in April. I have had lifetime high-functioning anxiety, but an early menopause resulted in me having acute severe anxiety. I felt like I could not go out of the house. It was absolute torture. Today, I gave a 3-page speech in front of hundreds of people. I have my confidence back. It has been a rocky ride, and I am still having bad days, but my mind is clearer, and I have not had a panic attack for a very long time. Two weeks in, I thought this was making me worse. I got a rash, teeth clenching, and had vivid dreams, but I hung on (not easy), and with support from friends who had suffered too, I retrained my thinking. Sertraline gave me space to do that. It is not a quick fix, and you have to put the work in too and believe in recovery."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2022

"I took approx 12.5 mg for 2 weeks and then upped to 25 mg last week. I felt like there was no way out before, I had suicidal thoughts and feelings, panic attacks, rushing thoughts. For the first 10 days, I had horrid side effects, but 3 weeks on, life is easier. I still get some mild anxiety, but it is early days, and it lasts about 5 minutes. However, I smile now, I can clean and cook, I’m patient with my son, I laugh more, I catch myself smiling, and it warms my heart. I’ve always had negative reactions to meds, so I weaned in gently and fought through the hard 10 days, and now I’m so happy I did. I feel like a human! I get bored due to not being busy fighting my anxiety! I thought nothing could help me, I was too far gone, no meds could help, etc. But here I am, I am alive and living and not just surviving! Please don’t give up. Sertraline can save lives, I wish I started it sooner. I’m in a refuge, so I had support from staff when it was hard at first. Please have support for the first week or so."

• emb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2024

"I took sertraline for the first time about 10 years ago. Before it, I was miserable, and it took every ounce of energy to get through a day. My doctor prescribed 25 mg of sertraline, and after adjusting to the medication (several weeks later), my life became all that I ever hoped it would! Fast forward to now, my husband and I were ready to start trying for a family. I went off the medication with the help of my doctor. I lasted about 6 months, and then I was crippled with anxiety again. I went back on 25 mg sertraline, and I am now three weeks into the medication. The side effects have been worse this time around: horrible increase in anxiety, intrusive thoughts, nausea, complete loss of appetite, sleepless nights, crying fits, restlessness, dry mouth, trembling, and shallow breathing. Xanax was prescribed to help me through these times. I'm hoping I'm about to turn a corner. This medicine does work! It just takes time. Hang in there, and keep reading reviews as often as you need! It helps!"

• Nat...
• August 1, 2017

"I have been on Zoloft for almost 5 months, and I can honestly say it has saved me and made my life brighter in so many ways. I was really struggling with GAD and panic attacks for about 3 years before I began and was struggling to cope, which felt very isolating. Zoloft has made me feel more at ease, I feel more productive and motivated every day and far less irritated and impatient, to just name a couple of the benefits. I wish I hadn't waited so long to start (I was afraid of side effects), but I'm happy to say I'm feeling so much better. The side effects are difficult, I won't lie, for me, they lasted about a month. I mostly just felt tired and spaced out and not very hungry. They do disappear, however, and it's so worth it."

• Inu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2019

"I have suffered from anxiety and depression for many years. I tried sports and therapy for a couple of years, but my symptoms came back often. My Sunday blues were horrific, and my separation anxiety destroyed my days. I found myself ruminating on the same thing over and over and becoming always more anxious. It was a month ago when my husband told me that it was time for me to get medical help because I was jeopardizing our relationship. We took the decision together, and we sought help. I was put on Zoloft 25 mg for a month and now increased to 50 mg. My first 3 weeks were terrible, especially the first two: dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, heat flashes in the middle of the night, no sex drive, and no climax. But now, I feel so good. I feel I can concentrate and I am not sad. I am also taking 25 mg of trazodone when I need to fall asleep. I wish I had started Zoloft in my teenage years!"