Sertraline for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• Alb...
• June 11, 2019

Sertraline "I left my country at 18 and got diagnosed with suicidal OCD. I was having extreme anxiety and thinking all the time. I had never taken drugs, but I saw a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with pure O (especially suicidal OCD, a type of harm OCD) and taught me ERP (exposure response prevention therapy), especially CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy). It's important to combine therapy and medication, OCD is more about practice, accepting, and dealing with thoughts than drugs, but the drugs helped a lot! I accepted my obsessive thoughts and the monster kept getting smaller and smaller. I sometimes had side effects, but they were minimal (sexual side effects and dizziness), and they went away after some time. Zoloft gave me my happiness back, but it was the ERP, CBT, and ACT that helped me live with it. It's important to seek help from psychiatrists who specialize in anxiety disorders. About the best time to take Zoloft: Zoloft made me feel like a zombie when I took it in the morning, so I started taking it at the same time every day (around 22:00), and the results were great."

• imn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2017

Sertraline "I have been on this medication for exactly 20 days now, and believe me when I say it has saved my life! I dealt with extremely disturbing intrusive thoughts, leading to severe anxiety and depression for 4 years. After almost giving up completely on my life, I finally told my GP about my situation. He, along with a psychologist, confirmed the OCD and put me on 50mg of Zoloft for the first week, then increased to 100mg. I finally feel like myself again! OCD is minimal and definitely manageable, to the point where it barely bothers me, and I know it'll improve because it's only been 20 days! It does cause a little diarrhea, but it's so worth it."

• Mac...
• June 24, 2021

"I have suffered with OCD for nearly 4 years. I found 200 mg Sertraline to be the most effective drug. I had been prescribed other drugs, but none as good. OCD is a horrible illness rooted in anxiety. Sertraline definitely helped lower my anxiety and thus make the best use of CBT. For 3 years, I despaired of ever getting better, but the last year has been a turning point. For me, once I had the right drug to reduce the anxiety, I found it was possible to improve. I got to the point where it was a choice to either carry out a compulsion and know how bad I would feel afterwards that I had failed to stop yet again, compared to not undertaking a compulsion and sitting with the anxiety until it reduced. Improving was not all plain sailing, but I was determined to carry on reaching goals I never thought possible. I post this comment to give hope to other sufferers. I don't know if I will ever be free of OCD, but I am now at a point where it does not dominate-something I prayed for but thought would never happen."

• lav...
• March 1, 2012

Sertraline "I suffer from OCD and intrusive/compulsive thoughts that create almost unbearable anxiety. In Oct '11, I was prescribed Zoloft and found it to work incredibly. On 100mg, my OCD is 85-90% gone, and I can easily rationalize and even blow off my intrusive/compulsive thoughts about 95% of the time. I felt better within a week, but it did take 3-4 weeks for me to notice its full effect. I'd describe the feeling it gives as light, airy, and happy/drifty. I haven't experienced any side effects, and haven't gained any weight. On a side note, I also found that one huge factor contributing to my anxiety is too much caffeine, even when taking Zoloft (I still have one cup of coffee to wake up in the morning, but I've found that's my strict limit)."

• Log...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 4, 2013

Sertraline "Zoloft has saved my life. I have been on Zoloft 200 mg for 7 months and the results have been amazing. I suffered from severe OCD, anxiety, and mind racing. Zoloft and Abilify 5 mg have completely eliminated my symptoms. I can now live and enjoy my life thanks to Zoloft 200 mg and Abilify 5 mg."

• Spo...
• June 10, 2017

Sertraline "I developed a very specific form of OCD in my early 50s that is commonly described as 'Ear Worms'. It is where a song or a snippet of a song gets stuck in your head and keeps playing over and over. It got so bad it was literally driving me insane. I would have a snippet playing nonstop for WEEKS! Day and night (kept me awake until I fell asleep from exhaustion). Played at work CONSTANTLY where I couldn't focus. I would be in meetings unable to pay attention because I would have a song blaring over and over in my head. After ramping up doses, I settled at 100mg/day of Zoloft which has SAVED MY LIFE! It works! I can listen to music again and not yell at my wife when she sings. And I have no side effects."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2013

Sertraline "I have struggled with obsessive-compulsive disorder since I was 6 years old, hiding it from family and friends because I had no idea what was going on when I was little. I then got so stressed I had shooting pain through my whole body and went on Cymbalta for 6 months. Then, I got off of it and was back to normal with no pain, just OCD. I then got sick with vomiting, couldn't eat, felt scared to be alone. My doctor told me it was anxiety. He gave me Zoloft 25 mg and started me on it really slow. I am on 50mg and a half once a day now, and I am back to normal, no vomiting or bad thoughts. I still have some bad moments of OCD, but they don't last long. I have recommended this to people! I am 26 years old and finally can enjoy my life."

• noc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 24, 2024

Sertraline "I have OCD since my teenage years. It is a genetic thing. Two years after my mental breakdown, two years after I started Zoloft, I want to share that I have ~totally~ understood how tricky my mind works. OCD makes you lose trust in your mind and thoughts. We have a brain with a malfunction. Some regions are not working well. Bad wiring you can call it. I know that I cannot live without Zoloft. I do not want to go through all that again. It took me time to come where I am now, so I won't quit it. Zoloft helped my mind come back. OCD can become very much real and bring terror in your life. I went up to 200 mg and now I am just on 50 mg and my mind feels clearer. OCD is still there. A daily companion and you have to learn to live with it. BUT - you go on with your life and OCD becomes just a 'bad person' you learn to recognize and ignore. Remember: your brain can create anything. OCD can become a nightmare if you leave it unmanageable. But, it is not psychosis. So - try with medication. SSRI is a must!!"

• Mna...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 15, 2023

Sertraline "Ended my years of mental suffering and torture that is OCD. Zoloft has been a Godsend for me. Taking a high dose of 125 mg daily has helped me get my life and my brain back...thank you times a million for this medicine."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 22, 2022

Sertraline "Medication gives you hope when you are done and desperate and also can help you stay balanced and not let OCD bring you down to the ground again. Zoloft needs time to help you. And you have to wait. I am having pure O since my teenage years. After a period of stress and bad days, my OCD got worse. I had intrusive negative thoughts, lots of thinking all day even when I was trying to sleep. When depression comes and you have OCD, you know it's a big problem. Panic and stress. You feel like you are losing your mind. Zoloft helps chemically your brain to feel better. 50mg is a small dosage, but you have to try it for a start. Raising your dosage might help more. It helps you fight your thoughts, and since chemically your mind is in a better state, this makes it easier for you. You have to let yourself be helped chemically, otherwise, you are alone and struggling. You have to find the right medication and dosage for you. Don't let yourself suffer. We need help to fight it. Good luck."

• Ash...
• September 10, 2016

Sertraline "I have OCD & PTSD. Zoloft is the only medication I've been prescribed. I have been taking it for 3 months, but am overjoyed at the results. I started at 25 mg. It took a month to start working. The first thing that I noticed was that I didn't feel as depressed anymore, and I lost the urge to do most of my compulsions. I am now taking 50 mg and barely have any anxiety anymore, and intrusive thoughts do not bother me anymore, though I do frequently have nightmares similar to the intrusive thoughts I used to have. I also have headaches and occasional diarrhea, but the benefits far outweigh these minor inconveniences."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 15, 2021

Sertraline "It has taken me 2 years to have the courage to write this post. I was incredibly desperate to find help for significant OCD (scrupulosity form mostly, among others), and at my worst was desperately combing this page looking and hoping for answers. It was terrifying. I had indications of OCD throughout my life but had some triggers 2 years ago that left me spiraling. I was very afraid to take a high dose of Zoloft and should have increased much faster. My first therapist did not get it. I then found someone on the OCD foundation website who was a godsend. The combination of working with her on ERP and 100 mg Zoloft has me happier than I’ve ever been. It took about 4 months to see a significant difference. I have virtually no side effects. Zoloft got me out of the thick of it, but my therapist brought me back to my best self. “Overcoming Intrusive Thoughts” was also a great read. Please know it’s a tough road but it’s worth it and you are not alone. You can get through this."

• Bla...
• June 29, 2015

Sertraline "I began taking Zoloft four months ago after being diagnosed with OCD, which I have suffered with for probably 15 years. I started with a dosage of 25 mg and experienced quite a bit of nausea for the first few weeks. I also dealt with a spike in anxiety, which I combated with Clonopin and relaxation techniques. My psychiatrist slowly increased the dosage to 150 mg over the past few months. During that time, with the addition of psychotherapy, I began to slowly recognize that my symptoms were decreasing. It has become much easier to recognize my intrusive thoughts as OCD, and to say 'no' to the multitude of rituals that I engaged in on a daily basis. In fact, since I have reached 150 mg, my anxiety and other symptoms have almost disappeared."

• Jos...
• November 29, 2019

Sertraline "BEST DRUG EVER! Let's start from the beginning. I'm 17 and about 4 months ago I greened out on edibles. Little did I know my family has past mental health problems :/ and sure enough this brought them out. I was high for a literal week and thought the intrusive thoughts/paranoia would soon stop. It didn’t. My life turned into a nightmare. I started to feel extremely disconnected from reality and had anxiety so bad it was debilitating. Me being a stupid stubborn 17-year-old, I thought I could let it pass. It also didn’t. I finally gave in and told my parents. The doc gave me 100 mg of Zoloft to take. The first week was GREAT. I felt high as a kite, numb, and out of it. I can see how people can’t handle it and panic, but I looked at the bright side. The dreams were EPIC. The next day I woke up and I FELT LIKE THE OLD ME! I just felt normal! Another upside is delayed ejaculation lol can last in the bed for 3 hours now. Girlfriend loves it! 10/10 just push through the first week or so."

• Ave...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 3, 2021

Sertraline "I started Zoloft after a period of stress led to me having a mental breakdown that led to weeks of crippling existential angst and depression. Before this, I was studying at university and was extremely into bodybuilding and fitness. I would describe myself before this first breakdown as being a very happy person who definitely was highly strung but nothing severe or that I would classify as anxiety. After this mental breakdown occurred, I was left devastated. I lost 10 kg of muscle, and I couldn’t eat or be bothered to look after myself. I started Zoloft at 50 mg reluctantly and continued to live but barely existing. After a horrible couple of months of side effects, I just woke up one morning feeling normal. The things that plagued my mind just disappeared and didn’t matter anymore. I felt myself again. This drug allowed me to save my life."

• Gp2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2025

Sertraline "I’ve been on this medication for about 5 months now, and I promised myself that I would return to this site and write a review. In the beginning, I was skeptical and really had no hope that there would actually be medication out there that can help ease my OCD and anxiety. I can say that my obsessive thoughts and ruminations have lessened in a big way. I’m no longer consumed with random thoughts and the uneasiness that came with the ruminations. I started at 50mg and increased all the way up to 150mg, and that’s when I noticed a change in my thought process. The first month is definitely not easy… increased anxiety, no appetite, a ton of fatigue. The anxiety subsides and you get your appetite back, but the fatigue lingers a little bit. The change is not drastic, but it’s enough to not want to pull your hair out from not being able to control your thoughts. I am a big advocate for this medication if you’re struggling."

• mow...
• January 30, 2013

Sertraline "I have OCD/general anxiety and depression as a result. I was considered a very severe case. A few months after the worst time in my life, I am happy and healthy. I am managing anxiety/OCD a lot better and I have VERY rare bad days. I have been taking Zoloft with therapy for a little over six months. I experienced about a week of side effects (nausea, increased anxiety, fatigue) but over quickly. I get away with taking 50 mg. Apparently the most common side effects are weight gain and loss of interest in sex. I am happy to say I am experiencing NEITHER! I gained a little bit of weight (5-10 lbs) in the last few months, but I lost about 30 lbs before Zoloft due to anxiety-linked anorexia. Now without depression/OCD, I finally have my sex drive!"

• Fin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 6, 2015

Sertraline "I have always struggled with intrusive thoughts that manifest in various forms (obsession with being 'perfect', eating disorders, social anxiety, etc.). But for several years of my adult life, I wanted help so badly because I was miserable... Just completely uncomfortable and restless with anxiety that would come and go but stayed with me much longer than it would stay away. I tried talking to local counselors and was very disappointed, as they were not educated on OCD. After a year of no luck with counselors, I found one (university counselor) who knew what I was going through and how to help me. Life is so much better! I started at 50mg and currently take 200mg."

• dud...
• March 29, 2017

Sertraline "I started on 25 mg and went up to 50 mg/day for a relapse of pure-obsessional OCD. It took about a month for it to start working, but this drug, in combination with learning the principles of Exposure Response Prevention Therapy (ERP Therapy) - a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), have allowed me to regain control of my mind. The depression that came with the relapse vanished in two weeks, anxiety and intrusive thoughts slowly dissipated/reduced in intensity about a month afterwards. I feel normal again, and I couldn't be happier. If you're one of the unlucky folks who have been blessed with OCD, give sertraline (Zoloft) a shot. Just make sure to combine it with therapy, otherwise, it won't be as effective."

• ocd...
• March 7, 2012

Sertraline "I have been taking Zoloft now for 7 years. I felt almost instant relief for about a week after first taking it, only to come crashing back down again. I guess it was some kind of placebo effect. But sticking it out and upping my dose to 200mg a day, after about six weeks I felt so much better. I could function, and instead of my mind having hundreds of things running through it, I could focus on the one thing and work through my problems. My only side effect was an upset tummy, but that passed. I'm grateful for this medication. It saved my life."

• rey...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 13, 2024

Sertraline "My OCD reared its ugly head at 22 years old at the end of 2018. My doctor put me on 50mg Zoloft, and within a few months, my life felt better than it had in years. In fact, Zoloft showed me I was suffering from general anxiety and some social anxiety long before my OCD. I just didn't notice because I thought it was just who I was. But with Zoloft, I became outgoing, motivated, discovered I'm in fact an extrovert, and excelled in my career. Unfortunately, after feeling better, I stopped them abruptly and my symptoms came back. I tried in the past few years to stay off meds and take a more holistic approach. However, due to increased responsibilities and life stressors, this was just not sustainable. So, I am back on them and 3 weeks in. The first 2 weeks were rough, but I'm starting to feel much better this week. I'm not saying I have to live on them, but the reality is every time I take them, life is much better. I will stay on them for as long as my doctor says. Therapy and psychiatric visits are important."

• lan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 14, 2022

Sertraline "I told myself when I started this drug, 10 months later I would come back and write a review because I remember when I first started Zoloft, how helpful the reviews were. We are 10 months in! I had a baby 10 months ago and suffered from severe postpartum OCD. I also suffered from postpartum depression and anxiety. I cried every day, had very bad OCD thoughts, and it would make me depressed and have anxiety. I started Zoloft, and all the reviews said to give it time. I started out at 25 mg, and I got a little better, but it was still very bad. She moved me up to 50 mg. It was about the same. After she moved me up to 75 mg, I quit crying every day and was happier, but I still was having OCD thoughts, and it was still bad and not where I wanted to be. She put me on 100 mg, and I am so much better. I think I finally found my dosage. I’m very happy I didn’t give up on this drug. I still have OCD thoughts, but it’s 90% better. Zoloft saved me. I hope you decide to give it a try."

• Anonymous
• August 13, 2008

Sertraline "I've been on Zoloft (50mg) for 18 months and the results are wonderful. I had a hard time letting kids be kids, everything had to be done my way or I'd lose my temper, and I dreaded going to social events - I'd much rather stay at home by myself with a drink. Not only is family life better but my outlook on life is better as well. I no longer fret over the little things. Heck, sometimes I don't even fret over the large things."

• jes...
• November 8, 2015

Sertraline "Zoloft is an excellent medication for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and anxiety, all of which I have. Ever since I started taking it, I have been so much happier and worry-free. However, I am 24 years old, and I enjoy going out to the bar with my friends. Let me tell you, if you want to drink on this medication, be advised that it will completely cancel the drug out. Every time I drink, I have severe anxiety the next day. But other than that, I would recommend this drug."

• Sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2020

Sertraline "Zoloft works pretty well after being on it for nearly a month. In the first two weeks, my mood was bad, and I had very jittery hands and whatnot, this was while I was on a 25mg dose. Then I started to feel slightly better, then upped the dose to 50mg. During this time, I felt the side effects all over again, and I believe now it's just leveling off, and I finally feel a shift again, where I am able to appreciate things more, laugh more, etc. The obsessive thoughts aren't gone, but they are way more manageable, and I don't ruminate on them nearly as much."