Sertraline for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews (Page 5)

• wanna...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2015

Zoloft (sertraline) "This med worked for me years ago but this time after taking it for 2 days I'm worse (50 mg). Bad headache, stomach upset, and anxiety. My pharmacy switched generics & that also could be part of the problem. I am a mental wreck & a shell of my former self. I really just want to stay in bed all day. I don't have a psych just a GP. I also have horrible OCD & every decision I make I feel is wrong. I have refills left on my Celexa & that worked a little better but didn't do the trick. I asked my GP for Wellbutrin at my last visit & for some reason she didn't want to give it to me."

• Frank...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 8, 2017

Zoloft (sertraline) "Week 1 and 2 was hell. Week 3 and 4 was a bit better but still hell. I could not function really and I was thinking about death with some insomnia. No appetite that I lost 15 lbs. Beginning of Week 5 I felt the transition in a few hours. I put on the pants and went outside and bought a burger. I was just OK with being and I felt a transformation. I also started Bupropin for smoking a few days ago."

• Anony...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 7, 2018

"Started on 50mg sertraline was in a terrible place severe anxiety, obsessive thoughts and depression. First night took ended up waking to feeling really bad and going to be sick. The side effects can be harsh first few days but had to see it through as didn't feel like I had a choice. I couldn't live with the state I was in. After five awful weeks anxiety greatly reduced, obsessive thoughts virtually stopped and depression diminishing. I am now able to read a book, make tea, simple things that were impossible five weeks ago. Most of all I have hope I'm going to make a recovery unthinkable in my mind 5 weeks ago. It's just a tablet but you must commit to waiting it out for a good no of weeks and putting up with side effects but its helped me to a much better place."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 18, 2020

"The first couple days on sertraline I could not keep food down and actually threw up a couple times. My stomach was upset with diarrhea but after I week these faded and I had energy again. I started talking rather than the way I mumbled and always wanted to be active and positive. This medicine saved my life because before it I was always on edge and suicidal thoughts ran threw my head no matter how good my day was going. Once you get through the side effects you will love life again.If the side effects continue call your doctor because every one reacts differently on it."

• Jenni...
• August 28, 2016

Zoloft (sertraline) "I had a horrible experience with Zoloft. I started on a low-dose liquid form and at first it seemed to be really lifting my mood, reducing my anxiety, and boosting my self esteem. But I soon began experiencing extreme irratibility and episodes of destructive rage aimed at my belongings or myself. I loved the benefits, but the side effects were ruining my life and relationships, so I discontinued. In addition to rage, I also experienced severe prolonged pms (3 weeks duration), constant breast pain and swelling, unrestorative sleep, and awful vivid lifelike nightmares. In terms of reducing depression and anxiety, I'd give it a 9, but the side effects didn't enable me to continue taking it."

• Jujub...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2022

Zoloft (sertraline) "First I wanted to say that I was prescribed it for depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety. I started it 4 months ago and I’m currently on 125mg but just recently changed it back to 100mg. I realized that it was I felt happier and almost manic for the first month. The second month I was on 50mg and it was ok, however I will say that the negative side effects started at 100mg. I have ZERO love for my boyfriend currently and I feel like my libido has decreased. It’s really hard to climax even by myself. All my romantic feelings for my bf are basically gone. However, I am sexual still, as in my thoughts, I am still a sexual person, but I just don’t feel it when it’s actually happening if that makes sense. I know this because I have a huge crush on my bf’s brother which is not good but that means I’m still capable of feeling love and emotions but they’re less intense for sure. Also insomnia is pretty bad. It def works. Almost too well."

• Cheye...
• March 7, 2016

Zoloft (sertraline) "This medication really helped my anxiety and depression. I felt so much better--but it came with a cost. This medication gave me severe Hypoglycemia. I am not diabetic thankfully but on this medication it made my blood sugar drop severely low where I would almost pass out at work (and I work in a factory). So I'm sure you can imagine how awful I felt. It's a catch 22. I felt better with my anxiety but then I got severe blood sugar drops. So I'm off it now and have to start all over again on a new medication. If this medicine works for you then great, I envy you. This made me so sick I couldn't stand it. So if you take this medication and start getting severely low blood sugar (you'll know trust me) stop taking it!"

• Anonymous
• May 23, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have a genetic problem breaking this medication down therefore I was on a very low dose - 12.5 mg. It caused me severe side effects and had to discontinue. I had a hard time standing, was dizzy, nauseous, suicidal, extremely tired, easily angered. It gave me tachycardia, made my migraines worse, and gave me blisters on my face around my mouth/chin. It did help with restless legs. The only other treatment I've had success with are ketamine infusions. Unfortunately they are much more expensive. I know my experience sounds awful but most will not react how I did. Everyone's body is slightly different so it's worth a try!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 31, 2015

Zoloft (sertraline) "I was on Prozac for a month & I got super bad nauseas feelings & sick all the time. I got off & my doctor put me on Zoloft & I feel so much happier. I feel happier, but not fixed. I guess it's a work in progress"

• gecko
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 1, 2015

"I have been on zoloft for OVER 20 years, and am in the medical field myself... As far as someone with extensive experience both as a patient and caregiver I can say this with absolute certainty....If when you first start Zoloft *Sertraline* you have some small side effects that is completely normal and to be expected as your body adjusts to this SSRI medication. its all about finding the right fit for you! You should start Low and slow and not be afraid to try to feel better! =) This medication can be a valuable asset to your life as it has been mine! and most common effects early on was feeling tired little dizzy and nauseous but it was worth those small things to feel better and live better!"

• Gotmy...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 7, 2018

"Has saved my life. Literally. Works very well with the only side effect being a little bit of memory loss. But not major. Very hard to get used to in the beginning. In six weeks had a lot of side effects which they said would pass. They all did. First two weeks I had vertigo, no appetite, sleepiness in the day, some auditory hallucinations, mood swings and paranoia. However they got better as time went on. I would recommend taking time off work while starting this medication. Now I am a different person. My mum says she has her daughter back. I don’t want to end my life anymore. I am confident, less self critical, I am social, no panic attacks, the OCD behavior I had during my breakdown of my marriage has completely gone. I cannot tell you what a difference this drug has made to my life. I have a life. I should be used in its adverts. Lucky me"

• Anony...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2017

Zoloft (sertraline) "The first day I tried Zoloft, I sat and looked out the window all day, watching it snow. All I could think of was how pretty it was. But it also made my heart beat VERY hard. I could feel my blood pounding through my head and neck harder than I'd ever felt before. My doctor had me try smaller doses, but even at 25mg the same thing happened. So no Zoloft for me. Which is a shame, since it really did show promise."

• Helps...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2021

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have been taking Zoloft for a few months now and I can honestly say this has helped me. I was so depressed I could barely take care of my toddler and I had so much anxiety I didn't like leaving my house. Since taking this I do not have panic attacks anymore and I do not feel as depressed all the time. Now my depression comes in waves and does not last for long, whereas before, I would feel depressed for days at a time. I will say the side effects are annoying. I experienced nausea, nightmares, decreased appetite, followed by increased appetite, extreme fatigue and jaw pain (weird I know). After taking this for a few months most of the side effects have subsided. I do still have VERY vivid dreams which I have never had before, but it's not a big deal to me as long as they are not nightmares. As far as dosing, I started off with 50mg after two weeks increased to 100mg and have just recently been told to up it to 150mg to help with lingering anxiety."

• Becca
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 15, 2022

"Zoloft gave me my life back after suffering from major depressive disorder and anxiety. Depression and anxiety is not an option. I literally cannot screw up, I've got nobody to fall on because I am the back up. This medication has helped me get up out of bed and face the day. I'm able to successfully preform everyday activities without panicking or wishing I just wasn't here all together. Zoloft has improved my quality of life. If your doctor prescribes this don't expect it to work right away because it won't, it's not a magic pill or cure all. It took me months to feel the full effect of Zoloft. Trust the process"

• JackieP
• May 3, 2017

"I can truly say that so far this medication has literally saved my life. I have suffered from depression for the past two and a half years . In December of 2016 it got out of control. I hit the lowest point in my life out of nowhere. I tried my hardest to get out of the most horrible depression and anxiety that one could ever experience in life. Thoughts became obsessive and I got insomnia. I prayed, I ate better, I tried and I tried to beat this beast all by myself, but the harder I tried the more I felt that I was sinking . I decided to try antidepressants and the first I was given was lexapro. Lexapro was horrible for me, and then my Dr suggested Zoloft. I was so hesitant, but I'm glad I gave it a try. Don't give up!!"

• Zee
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 11, 2023

"I took this medication for a whole host of things, such as OCD, depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, etc and I found it was amazing. I had no side effects whatsoever, not even a stomach ache. The only problem I have with it is that it takes a very long time for you to get to a therapeutic dose AND my brain is way too quiet. I'm on 200mg at the moment (max dose) and it’s going well."

• Cocco...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 12, 2023

Zoloft (sertraline) "I had signs of depression and anxiety with school and home life from an early age but I didn’t get diagnosed with major depression disorder till I was 15 years old. My Gp put on me Zoloft at 25mg for one week then put me on 50 mg. After a few years, she bumped me up to 100mg and then lowered the dosage to 75mg which had me feeling way better. I saw my psychiatrist for the first time in 20 years who recommended I go to the hospital to get off my Zoloft and put me on Pristiq. I was there for 6 weeks. I’m still currently on Pristiq 50mg. Pristiq is working better for me than Zoloft."

• 3pcie
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 12, 2023

"I began with 25mg for 14 weeks and raised it to 50mg and eventually to 75mg. I really only quit Zoloft because I think it made my symptoms of ASD and psychopathy-like excitability, obsession, and anxiety were far more pronounced than they had previously been. I feel like I became very 'tweaky' and just always on edge. It definitely cured my depression, but maybe my anxiety got worse because I was actually able to get out of my bed and do things! I'm going to be going on sertraline again soon because it's been the only SSRI that actually works to cure my social anxiety and MDD. I'm going to be looking into additional anxiety medication (specifically buspirone) with my psychiatrist because that's really the only thing this medication didn't help with. Great for depression, motivation, and induced positive thinking. My psychiatrist suggests that I could've also needed a higher dose to feel the anxiolytic effects of this med. Only time will tell."

• Lisar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 11, 2016

"I moved out to Arizona 6 years ago. Since then I have had difficulty transitioning from the Midwest to the southwest. I struggled keeping a job and maintaining any relationships due to my depression and anxiety. I tried Prozac , but had to many highs and lows. After 5 years, I finally got relief. Doctor put me on Zoloft. Zoloft has been a miracle drug for me. I have maintained the same job for over a year and have been in a munogonus relationship with my boyfriend. I sleep better and don't think so much. My family is so happy for me that i got the help i needed and we get along better. My thoughts would go into turmoil before and I would think the worst of everything then get stuck in a rut. It was hell."

• syeena
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 15, 2023

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have been taking 200mg of Zoloft for more than a year and still on-going. Even though I couldn’t retrieve the “old-me” that I missed, but I feel much more better than I ever had for last 3 years. With Zoloft, I able to pass a day without crying, I able to control my emotions better and decrease in suicidal thought (With other drug, I couldn’t escaped from the thought for every 1-2 days but with Zoloft, it comes only when it’s triggered. The downside is, my brain ’unscheduled-ly’ fogging and I have a hard time especially during exam but it’s much more better than not taking at all."

• Lilloki
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 1, 2021

"I must say that this medication has saved my life. I have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, Anxiety, OCD, and other conditions. Zoloft has been the only thing I can tolerate, and I have been on/tried most of the major medicines ssi’s ssri’s etc. for most of my life. I highly recommend this for those who are at a lose for life. It has done wonders for me without going into too much detail. I am now able to feel that life is worth living and move on in a positive way. Thank goodness for this treatment and my doc. For those who need help please reach out to a professional, there is hope."

• LMGale
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 3, 2015

"I have suffered from MDD most of my life undiagnosed and untreated, and now in my thirties finally decided to see if dysfunctional patterns in my life might not all be character related. I was diagnosed with MDD quickly and immediately prescribed Sertraline, and it worked so well so quickly my doctor and I thought it was a placebo effect. I have gone on and off the meds over the last six months just to see what other factors are affecting me, and can say without equivocation, these meds have been completely life altering. My doctor helped me understand that mental illness is as real as diabetes. Diabetics can make huge health improvements through lifestyle and still require insulin be cause of a physical malfunction. So too with Depression."

• Alyssa...
• February 9, 2017

Zoloft (sertraline) "I've suffered from all four (Panic/ anxiety/depression/bad thoughts) for 7 years I've never had panic attacks like I do now, I'm finding myself on the internet searching about panic/anxiety attacks how are they cause what causes them, searching more into the answer I got then searching more in to that answer I got and so on, it's to the point I'm scared to eat because I'm scared of having something to spike an attacks, try to avoid leaving my house let along the living room, my doctor gave me zoloft 25mg and I'm so scared to take it, what if it makes me worse what if it don't work, what if something happens while I have my kids alone, can I od, will I get addicted feel like I'm going crazy"

• rose
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2018

Zoloft (sertraline) "I've been suffering from depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember (I began having anxiety at age 5, panic attacks at 10, agoraphobia at 11, depression/panic at 12, and I still suffer from anxiety and depression to this day). Zoloft definitely helped at first, but I almost feel like my body is becoming tolerant to it. Is that possible? It also definitely kinda sucks the life out of u."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 17, 2024

"Read the reviews on here before starting sertraline (my first and only SSRI) in 2019. It helped a lot, and I was able to live a really good life for about 3 years. It definitely made a difference but did not make life stress-free, and I still had to put in the work. Winter of 2022, something changed, and it's been rocky since then. I gradually went from 50 to 100 to 150, and 2 months ago went up to 200. The change from 100 to 150 helped, but 150 to 200 doesn't seem to make any difference. I feel it has pooped out. Will see a psych to get on another SSRI or SNRI, whatever he recommends. Good luck to anyone reading this, I am confident that I can live a better life even though I feel hopeless much of the time."