Sertraline for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 5)

• Mel...
• July 21, 2016

Sertraline "I started taking Sertraline last July for panic and anxiety, and also for severe PMS. It was my last option, and the best decision I could have made. The first few weeks I was very nervous. I wouldn't say it increased the anxiety much, I was just so scared to take them. I was prescribed 50mg. I decided I would halve them, so I did that for the first month. I didn't experience any side effects of the medication. I am still on them now, and I feel I will stay on them a lot longer as it's been the first time in four years that I've been happy and able to live a normal life. It's totally the right decision. If you're prescribed something, take it. Don't let the anxiety take over. I understand it's scary at first, but it's the only way you will get better. Good luck."

• Que...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 31, 2017

Sertraline "Writing a review because I'm just like you scrolling through. I wanted to share my experience with this medicine. First things first, this does not work right away, it takes about a month or two for me, at least, to kick in, so do not stop after just a week unless you have horrible side effects. I started from 20mg all the way to 100mg. It helps a lot with social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, and depression, as well as agoraphobia. Panic attacks are gone, still get anxious but a normal nervousness, not overwhelming. No more crying spells. This medicine won't cure mental illness, but it definitely helps! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Give it a try, and always keep your head up! If it doesn't work, you can always keep trying other SSRIs that will help your everyday life!"

• San...
• October 28, 2021

Sertraline "I would rate Zoloft a 10/10. Zoloft has given me a whole new take on life. Prior to Zoloft, I had struggled with severe anxiety and panic attacks with PTSD and OCD. The doctor started me on 25 mg, and 2 years later I am still on the same dose. I am a 30-year-old female, and they say the starting adult dose is generally 50 mg, but my anxiety had me suspicious of taking anything, let alone a higher dose, so I opted for half of what is recommended. And believe me, my life is better than I could have ever imagined. I haven't had a panic attack since I started on Zoloft. My OCD is non-existent, and as for my anxiety, it is completely manageable, the only time it tries to creep up on me is if I work too much and miss out on sleep. I am on here to give hope to others."

• Tro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2024

"Promised myself that I would come back after a couple of months on sertraline. I can say the first week was terrible. No lie, sweaty, on edge, and always on the toilet, and felt like my anxiety went full turbo. After day 8, I could relax and start getting back into a normal sleeping pattern. I was forcing myself to eat as I had no hunger at the start and lost 8 kg. I felt like it was starting to work and take me back to pre-meds. I'm currently into my 3rd month and I can say this totally works. You just need patience and let your body adjust to the correct levels prescribed. I feel better than I ever have, and I'm not worrying if I will get another attack, or what triggers may happen to cause panic/anxiety. I can function better with my family and kids. I'm not getting worked up at my job and snapping anymore. If you're reading this in your first weeks, believe me it will get better. Don't look at day to day, but rather week to week, then month to month. Stick in there. You will be better!"

• Smi...
• February 28, 2011

Sertraline "I have been on Zoloft for a year and I can honestly say it changed my life. I had suffered with anxiety and panic attacks since I was in the first grade, and I hated my life. I felt cursed. I felt weird because of it. It got to a point of hopelessness and depression. I did counseling, exercise, journaling, all-natural vitamins, everything. Nothing helped. I didn't want to rely on medication to help me get through life, but after talking to my doctor, I decided I had to. My doctor put me on a low dosage of Zoloft and I can honestly say, I've never been more calm, focused, content, and determined. Zoloft helped me relax and deal with problems rationally. It changed my life for the better, and recommend it to any teenager who needs help."

• Ddc...
• April 28, 2016

Sertraline "Zoloft has helped me tremendously! I am going on week 6. I kept going on the Internet reading the terrible side effects. I kept putting it off even though my sister-in-law is a pharmacist. I was scared. Terrified. I'm in my 40s, very fit. I kept thinking I would feel better. I thought it was hormones. I kept having panic attacks which didn't last long, but it still happened. There was a lot that happened over the course of the months, and I believe my body just said enough. So once I experienced the panic attacks, it fueled the fire, worry set in, and it was a terrible cycle. I started it after my friend opened up. I didn't feel alone. The first week I experienced diarrhea three days. No insomnia, no weight gain. I'm calmer for sure!"

• bva...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 11, 2012

Sertraline "Long story short, I've had panic/anxiety disorder for about 4 or 5 years. Lots of things have happened through my experience... I've taken it all: Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, Buspar, Trazodone. Zoloft is the only thing that works for me without upping the dosage every month and then having withdrawals. I've been on Zoloft (50 mg once a day) for about 7 months, and it just works. Other anxiety medications work, but they're not meant for daily use. Zoloft is an everyday medication that makes me smile and proud of what I've been through."

• Dor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 29, 2019

Sertraline "I've been on Zoloft for 8 months for panic attacks and social anxiety. I totally feel the best version of myself! The first difference was at 10 days that I went out on my own! And after 12 weeks, I started feeling myself again! I'm on a 100 mg dosage."

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2014

Sertraline "My 18-year-old son was diagnosed with panic disorder after an episode occurred on his second day of college. The attacks began to come regularly after that, not only in class but even at home. He would panic when he was outside and wanted to just stay in his room. It got very bad, so bad we had to withdraw him from his classes so he could get some treatment. We initially started him on a low dose of Klonopin to help ease some of the symptoms, which helped for a couple of weeks, but he needed to begin increasing and also had some bad breakthrough panic attacks. We switched him to Zoloft 25mg for 1 week and then 50mg the second week. It is truly the best medication ever! He is back to being and feeling like himself and is able to do everything!"

• Fhd...
• October 1, 2018

Sertraline "Be careful while taking this medication! You should start with a small dosage (25 mg) for a couple of weeks, then you can increase it slowly by 25 mg every 2-3 weeks. The side effects can be severe! The first week might be the worst week of your life, but you have to be patient because once your body adjusts to it, you will see the gains. Side effects were severe pressure in my eyes, headache, insomnia, high blood pressure, dizziness, stomach pain, severe nausea, anxiety, and passing out. But remember, although it has very severe side effects, it is worth your patience because once your body adjusts to it, it will change your life for the better and forever. I had anxiety and panic attacks for 7 years and tried dozens of medications (Cipralex, Seroxat, Pristiq, Effexor, Cymbalta, etc.), and this is the most effective medicine I've tried. Now I'm on 225 mg daily and will reduce it to 100 mg. Huge side effects in the first days... and huge gains forever. You decide."

• Mic...
• October 31, 2019

"I was on this medication, sertraline, for panic disorder for at least 8 weeks until I felt like myself again! It was horrible, I thought I was losing my mind. I had racing thoughts, kept thinking I was gonna have a heart attack or that I had a brain tumor, it was strange. I got panic attacks out of the blue. I actually thought I was losing my mind. I quit ALL caffeine, from eating chocolate to drink tea, coffee, etc. I tried everything to make myself feel normal again. Don’t stop taking the medication!! I felt detached from my body and foggy-headed for weeks! Week 8 onwards, I began to feel like myself again. I was up and about, back to work like it was all a dream! I went to the hospital twice because I thought I was dying, but it was just a panic attack. I don’t like taking meds, but when I was feeling the way I did, I thought this was the only option. If you feel weird, just ride it out for at least 8 weeks. Book time off work, go for a walk, read, listen to music, etc., and don’t drink alcohol for at least 12 weeks!"

• ser...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2023

Sertraline "Zoloft has saved my quality of life. I was having severe panic attacks nightly, had to keep waking my mom to stay with me as I thought I was seriously unwell. I have OCD and panic disorder. One thing I will say is not to drink alcohol within the first few weeks as it massively hindered my progress, however, I'm so grateful that it's working for me."

• Gem...
• April 10, 2015

Sertraline "I have had anxiety, panic attacks, and obsessive thoughts for years on and off. About 5 months ago, I started to get horrible non-stop intrusive thoughts. I knew the thoughts, fears, and worries were nonsense, but I couldn't turn them off. I was in a panic attack from the moment I woke up to the moment I fell asleep. I would wake up several times at night in full-blown panic... it was horrible. I never ever wanted to take medicine, I was so afraid of it not working or it making me worse. Zoloft has helped me so much. At first, I had a good day, then a bad day, and I wasn't sure if that was normal. After 2 months, the doctor upped my dose. Then, a month later, I felt better than 100%, still a little anxious during my period but very mild and manageable."

• 4Ka...
• July 19, 2013

Sertraline "I am male, 53 years old, and have been on Zoloft (Sertraline) 75mg for 1 year. My problem was with anxiety, and I became very sick. I first tried Celexa, but I felt worse. After 3 weeks, I switched to Zoloft and quickly noticed an improvement. It took about 3 to 4 weeks for Zoloft to start working effectively. By the 3rd month, I felt even better and any side effects stopped - they are: trouble sleeping. I took Ativan to relax me and fall asleep. After 3 months, my sleep returned to normal. As for sex, maybe slightly longer to orgasm but no sexual dysfunction. As for alcohol, I still drink and feel fine. There was sweating, but this went away. Zoloft works, good luck!"

• Sta...
• January 10, 2016

Sertraline "I am working on a cross-wean from Lexapro to Zoloft after Lex pooped out after ten years. Up to 50 mg now and 5 mg of Lex and feeling so, so, so much better. No more panic attacks, no more waiting in bed until my Klonopin kicks in, sleeping better, depression drastically decreased and feel I have a purpose in life again. Mild GI distress, but I'd take that forever over where I was. Wish I had had the guts to do this sooner."

• Jig...
• December 28, 2019

"I suffered debilitating anxiety and panic attacks in silence for about 7 years. Fear that I was dying of a heart attack, having a stroke, and all manner of catastrophes. Only when I got to the end of my tether and was sitting in A+E at about 3 am did I decide enough was enough, and I needed help. That day, I went to my GP and explained everything to him, how I couldn't go to family gatherings or out with friends because of the fear of another panic attack. He asked me if I would like to try a low dose of sertraline, at that stage, I would have tried anything. So I agreed. I have been on a dose of 50 mg of sertraline now for 5 years and haven't looked back since. I can honestly say I've had one minor setback in that time, and that was due to a family bereavement. If you're struggling like I was and are undecided on whether to take sertraline, just don't hesitate. Do it. It might just save you from wasting any more years to panic like it saved me."

• Nar...
• July 20, 2014

Sertraline "Anxiety spiraled out of control over just a month following 18 months of grief, job loss, and moving. I couldn't leave the house and was prescribed Zoloft 12.5mg. The side effects were pretty bad (no appetite, trembles, and night sweats) but within two weeks these side effects passed and I began returning back to my old self 6 weeks later. I slowly built up to 175mg over 6 months and stayed at that dose for 1 year. Now, two years later, I have almost forgotten about anxiety and have begun reducing very slowly (about 12.5mg every couple of months). I'm now taking 137.5mg and feel good. Thank you, Zoloft."

• ake...
• June 9, 2019

"I write with great pleasure after I was desperate for help when it came to my panic attacks and anxiety. I had always struggled with my anxiety my whole life, having my first panic attack when I was 6 years old. Recently, my anxiety increased to debilitating panic attacks, and this came out especially when I started medical school, maybe due to the stress, not sure, but in hindsight, sertraline saved my life. I'm on Day 14 and have noticed such a significant improvement. My side effects lasted for only a few days, but I did not have any severe side effects mentioned or any issues sexually, thankfully. I want those who are in doubt or in a bad place to not be scared. I was you a few weeks ago and couldn't even leave my home, having panic attacks in my own house. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, stop suffering and start living! Sertraline completely eradicated my panic attacks and anxiety, know that this is curable!"

• Tif...
• May 12, 2013

Sertraline "Anxiety hit following 18 months of anger/grief. I was 36 years old and over a period of just 1 month, anxiety spiraled out of control - developing a fear of driving and being alone - nearing not leaving the house. Shrink prescribed Zoloft, the first week was bad. I remember massive weight loss, insomnia, and excessive yawning. These side effects soon disappeared, and six weeks later, this miracle pill started to kick in. Started on 12.5mg and have slowly increased over nine months to 175mg. Now 1 year later returning back to normal, anxiety did get worse at every increase of dose before getting better. Give it time, it will work. Exercise and CBT also helps heaps."

• Cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2021

Sertraline "This medication honestly saved my quality of life. The first two weeks on it were honestly rough! I thought about stopping the medication because I was having such bad side effects. I would get terrible nausea, stomach pains/diarrhea, panic attacks, and insomnia. However, after about the 3rd week, my side effects went away. I went from someone who had almost daily panic attacks to having none at all. My anxiety has pretty much completely gone away. I feel as though I have my life back and can live normally again. Without this medication, I was unable to function properly and enjoy life. Thanks to Zoloft, I am my old self again. The first 2 or so weeks may be rough, but hang in there, I promise it is worth it!"

• Aar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 7, 2019

Sertraline "I've been taking Zoloft 25 mg for almost 10 months, and all that time I was feeling so good, no problems, no fear. Then, I would feel 100% better, my doc increased my dosage to 50 mg, and now I feel way better. He told me you need to be on this medication at least for 1 year, and he said you can take it for your whole life, no problems."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 7, 2019

"After having panic attacks, nightmares, lack of sleep, loss of appetite, extreme fears, and feelings of hopelessness, I began taking Zoloft 50 mg. It took one week for panic to go away. I am so thankful for this medicine. It is truly a blessing to have these medications in healing. To anyone who is out there struggling, you need to take the medicine. Even if you're scared, it can help you if you give it time. God bless you.<3<3"

• man...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 3, 2024

Sertraline "Zoloft was the only medicine that worked for my general anxiety and panic attacks. I started on 50mg and after a few weeks of mild side effects, I started feeling much better. I was able to sleep and wake up fresh. The anxiety and worry that came for no reason was clearly going away and it was noticeable. After about 2 months on 50mg, I noticed it changing my life but I was still having panic attacks if I was going to a major event. My doctor upped it to 100mg, which is the perfect dose for me. I can live my life how I want without any unnecessary worry. I can plan trips, meet friends, go out, take risks without any worry. The biggest downside for me was decreased libido / sexual functions. The thought of sex didn't arouse me, I also noticed weaker erections and some ED issues. This does improve over time but will linger. There are ways to treat this, so don't let that stop you. The only other downside is you feel a bit emotionless and numb when you start taking it for a while."

• Jac...
• January 22, 2017

Sertraline "Ok, so this is my first review. I had been suffering from severe anxiety and panic attacks for about 5 months. It completely changed my life for the worse. I stopped all the things I used to enjoy. I didn't go to the gym, and I wasn't physically active. I felt safe in my room, not socializing, as this did not cause me to panic. However, it was a downward spiral from there. The reason that I felt safe at first was because my anxiety was from my heart beating fast, and I was always aware of it (weird, right?). I wanted to avoid all things that would trigger my panic attacks. Gotta cut it short, so I took 50 mg of Zoloft, and after the first day, I haven't had one single panic attack and feel 10x better. I still have a little anxiety, but only on my 5th day."

• Den...
• March 23, 2017

Sertraline "These reviews helped me so much when I first started Zoloft over 5 weeks ago that I wanted to post my experience. After several weeks of increasingly worsening panic attacks at work, I ended up in the hospital. A year ago, my psych Dr. switched me from Cymbalta to a mood stabilizer and things were good until November as stress at work increased. I was depending on too much bromazepam to get through the day. My GP started me on 50 mg of Zoloft and my anxiety was so bad, also tremors for 4 weeks. I was sure I would have to quit working or cut my hours. But this Monday on week 5 was amazing. I still have some anxiety, but I seem to be able to handle it now. It's like I have my confidence back. Good luck!"