Sertraline and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Sco...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Started Zoloft 15 days ago and have been having a tough time with the ups and downs. The past two days have been bad with lots of anxiety and shaking, with lots of crying on the floor. The doctors warned me of these symptoms and encouraged me to be strong, and that it will get better with time, and to trust the process as it's balancing me out. I’m not having suicidal thoughts anymore, so that’s a relief. My appetite has surely decreased, although it seems that smoking a little marijuana helped me with that, but I would prefer not to have to smoke to eat. I should feel grateful that I’m actually feeling something again, even if it hurts, because nothing is as bad as the place I was at. I look forward to happy days again. Stay strong."

• Pab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Been on sertraline 50mg for a week, would just like to help some people who have been suffering from the side effects. I'm a 40-year-old male who was very reluctant to start this medication but the anxiety became overwhelming. First of all, I must stress that everybody is different, but for me, the first 4-5 days were horrendous. Nausea, dizziness, insomnia, heightened anxiety - took 3 days off work. BUT on the 6th day, started feeling better, now it's the 7th day, and all side effects have pretty much gone, apart from some tinnitus. Hoping the tablets will work in the long run, but hope this will help you if you're struggling initially with the side effects. Good luck, you're not alone x"

• Kad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2024

Sertraline "I used 20 mg Lexapro (escitalopram) for 3 years, but I believed that it stopped working after 2 years, so I talked to my GP, then switched to Zoloft (sertraline) with a rapid tapering off. Started with 50 mg for the first week. This transition skyrocketed my anxiety for the first couple of weeks and I lost my appetite, but then started to feel better each week slowly. After being on 100 mg for 5 full weeks, I felt my anxiety and depression reducing slowly but surely. Please try to be patient and give the medication at least 6-8 weeks to see real benefits. Don't check your symptoms daily, focus on weekly improvements. I know how hard it is, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel! All the best to you all."

• cjb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I had been living with CRIPPLING anxiety for around 3 months after a break up. I was having horrendous physical symptoms of anxiety such as CONSTANT nausea. I felt sick all day, every day. I knew I needed help but I was simply TOO ANXIOUS to even get out of bed to go to the doctors. Now onto my experiences with the sertraline itself. I’m not going to lie. The first 2 weeks on this drug were the hardest 2 weeks of my life. One thing I would recommend is taking a few weeks off work or whatever you are doing when first starting this medication. My symptoms were worsened. Around 3 weeks later, I finally started to feel the first ounces of happiness I had felt in months. Every week and every month things got better for me. On days I feel particularly anxious I take a propranolol (a beta blocker) and an anti-sickness if I feel sick from my anxiety. I truly believe this drug saved my life. Also, the reviews helped me so much, so I'm so happy I get to write my experience months later."

• Chr...
• October 9, 2015

Sertraline for Postpartum Depression "Zoloft saved my life after having postnatal anxiety after the birth of each of my children. I had severe anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia which led to depression. I was fearful about being alone. I was hospitalized for 8-12 weeks each time. Anxiety and depression are heightened when you first start this medication, so don't give up on it. Give it a chance to work. It took at least 8-10 weeks to start feeling like myself again, then 12 weeks for symptoms to disappear. Don't be afraid to take a sedative at the start to ease the bumpy side effects. Stick it out. It will be worth it in the long run. I frantically googled reviews on here just like you, so I wanted to write my story to encourage another mom experiencing similar symptoms."

• Anx...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 1, 2013

Sertraline for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have struggled with anxiety for years, and I've improved Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in a way that would increase my quality of life. I've been taking 50 to 250 milligrams of Zoloft for the course of almost 7 years, and I've been getting 5 to 8 hours of sleep every day. I was going from C's and D's in school to mostly A's and B's, and my memory was becoming crystal clear. When I decided to go down to 25mg, I began to experience more anxiety, more depression, more insomnia, and more OCD-like symptoms. Even if I had a good day under 25mg of Zoloft, I wasn't confident about myself and didn't like the person that I was becoming. I'm telling you, this medication does work to treat your anxiety, it just takes time to work."

• Tom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "10 years as high functioning with anxiety affecting all aspects of my life, fought against it and tried everything felt I’d never improve. Dabbled with amitriptyline and recently Pregabalin as well as self-medicating foolishly with alcohol. Finally accepted doctor's suggestion of Sertraline, not happy with prospect of antidepressants, not warned of side effects. On 50mg, miserable first week with massive anxiety, dizzy, sweats, scared, sickly and struggled to function. Only positive was NO BRAIN FOG! Nearly stopped taking them, day 8/9 some threads of joy, day 10 today started well but had to function, things appeared in Technicolor, no anxiety, no fear, felt ok all day, can’t remember the last time I felt like this, lasted all day, long may it continue."

• Can...
• July 23, 2019

Sertraline for Major Depressive Disorder "To those struggling: please try to stick it out! This is my second time on Zoloft - I was on it about 5 years ago and had my depression well-controlled until a recent job loss and move triggered another incident. I dealt with horrible side effects for over three weeks - feeling trapped in bed in the morning with anxiety, incredible nausea, brain fog, the works. I’m only on 25mg (when I was on it before I started on 50 but switched to 25 as 50 made me very sleepy), but the side effects were still a lot to deal with. I’m happy to report that I’ve started to feel normal again this week, and that aside from a bit of morning anxiety, the side effects are gone. While there is no guarantee this drug will work for you, if you are experiencing uncertainty because you are in the throes of med adjustment, there may be relief on the other end. I found forcing myself to work out was really helpful. Anyway, the success stories on this site helped me keep going - maybe they will help you, too!!"

• ano...
• February 2, 2014

Sertraline for Depression "I'm 16, and over the course of a few months, I started becoming more and more depressed and anxious. After trying a few other medications along with none at all (only therapy), I started taking Zoloft as it has helped others in my family. The first 10 days (started at 25mg) were horrible - suicidal thoughts, no appetite, headaches, and terrible anxiety. But once I hit 2 weeks, I felt so much better. I'm now 6 weeks in and on 75mg. I feel amazing, still get headaches but I'm not sure if it's related. I feel almost 100% myself. I'll give it a few more weeks and see if I need to maybe get to 100mg, but honestly, this medication saved my life."

• Tal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "I suffer from health anxiety. I had a pretty scary health scare earlier this year, which kicked my anxiety into overdrive, and I became very ill. My GP prescribed sertraline 50mg. I used this site every day to get me through and promised to do an honest review: Week 1 & 2 - horrific. I nearly gave up so many times, but I was so desperate I stuck with it. Side effects: bad diarrhea, GI issues/pain, shaking, sweating/night sweats, debilitating anxiety, insomnia, no appetite, lethargy, nausea, and brain fog. Week 3 - side effects started slowly to lift. Week 4 - side effects lifting, appetite started to return, and I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Week 5 - massive improvement in side effects, feeling more positive. Week 6 - only side effects are sweating and slight shaking. Anxiety much improved. Week 7 - I feel like my old self, but with a quieter mind. I don’t hyper-fixate on things and go into panic mode like I used to daily. Please stick with it!"

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I started sertraline 50 mg 6 days ago and feel horrible, panic attacks, anxiety is horrible. Nausea and all I want to do is be in bed. I continue reading the forum to give time for the medication to work, but I really can’t take this feeling any longer. I’m taking it in the morning and was thinking of switching to PM, but I’m afraid to get this horrible feeling in the middle of the night."

• Gyp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2020

Sertraline for Major Depressive Disorder "I first tried Lexapro for major depression that came out of nowhere and rendered me useless for 6 weeks. The Lexapro was awful and gave me massive panic attacks, making me unable to get out of bed because I felt so ill. I then switched to Zoloft, and it has saved my life. Within two weeks, my mood has lifted significantly, and I feel so relieved of my terrible depression. I started very slowly as I was worried about having the same response as with the Lexapro. I would recommend anyone do it this way if you want to ease in with minimal side effects. I started with 12.5 mg for three days, then 25 mg for another 3, then 37.5 mg, and now 50 mg. Side effects were minimal, but it did make me drowsy for a while. My anxiety and crying increased slightly at the start, and then gradually I found myself singing a little tune or being more lighthearted with my kids. And now, I feel 500 times better than I did two weeks ago. It thankfully has worked very fast for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "I promised myself that I would come back and leave a review if I noticed improvement. I've been taking sertraline for 10 weeks for severe anxiety. I resisted medication for a long time but got to a point where my anxiety was impacting my life on a daily basis; it was debilitating. As a type 'A' personality, I knew I had to try something. I started very slow: 12.5 mg every other night and went up to 25 mg every night after about 2 weeks. I had about every side effect listed: a LOT of increased anxiety, trouble sleeping, stomach issues, nausea, headaches. The first 3-4 weeks were honestly SO awful. Reading the messages on this board helped me push through and stick with it even though I was far from convinced it would help. After 10 weeks I can honestly say I feel so much better and am SO glad I stuck it out. I may still go up to 50 mg, but even at a low dose I'm feeling more like myself again. I've been there; I promise, it's worth it to stick with it."

• Eli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2023

For Anxiety and Stress "If I can give you advice, stick with sertraline for at least 3 months. It takes time to work. I've finally reached a point where I can talk about my experience, and I feel 90% better! I've always had anxiety, but over the years, I've also been diagnosed with OCD and intrusive thoughts. In the last 5 years, I lost a parent, lost a loved one to cancer, and made a major move. Then, I had a baby, and my anxiety skyrocketed! Along came depression. I was having panic attacks with a long list of other symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, hypervigilance, etc. My doctor prescribed 50 mg of sertraline. The first month was hell! I had every side effect possible. I couldn't do anything. It was really bad. Many times, I thought of giving up, but then I read reviews here and kept going. After weeks, I had a good day here and there and bumped my dose to 75 mg. I felt okay but still had really bad days. After 4 months, I upped my dose to 100 mg. I feel amazing. No more symptoms or side effects. Believe me, it will work."

• Cle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2016

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I am 6 days into Sertraline 50mg for panic disorder and want to reassure anyone who is terrified of starting this drug because they've read about all the terrible side effects, just as I was. I am a 23-year-old female suffering from this for 8 years. Various therapies have helped but I keep relapsing. Last week I gave in and spoke to my Dr about meds. The first night I panicked because I was so scared of the side effects, which turned out to be mild at worst. Insomnia the first night, day 2 mild headache + slight diarrhea, and slight nausea on day 3+4, also loss of appetite. Overall, it felt like a mild hangover. I have felt slight anxiety at times, but it subsides quickly and doesn't develop. I'm feeling calmer already not even a week in!"

• SR-...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2018

For Depression "OK folks, here is my story. I'm a 56 y/o male in good health. I never knew that 'Depression' was my problem. My Doctor put me on a 50mg dose that I take every morning. The first 3 days were awful. Insomnia, anxiety, and some GI issues. I pushed through as my Doctor told me that it will take some time to work. On day 8, I woke up and felt clear-headed. I was happy to start the day. I feel fantastic now! Tons of energy that I can 'turn on' in an instant. I sleep well, I laugh at problems that used to trip my trigger. I feel well and balanced. It's like being a kid again. Everything is magical and new again. My real personality is now showing, and I love it too. I lost 20 lbs, my sex life is 'supercharged too.' I know everyone is different, but for me the results are outstanding. Sertraline (sp?) changed my life. I love being 'me' again. Wonderful ;-)"

• Ali...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 24, 2013

Sertraline for Depression "I went through a bad period of depression after a job loss, and I tried Lexapro first for treating it. The Lexapro made me extremely tired all the time, so my doctor switched me to Zoloft. Zoloft ended up being much better for me. The main things it has helped me with are getting back to actively participating in life and being able to be more level-headed in stressful situations. The side effects I have had are reduced libido and slightly reduced appetite. Also, the first week or two after I started and after a dosage increase, I had more significant side effects, like being more depressed and anxious than usual and being angry. But once I got through that, I started feeling better than I had felt in a long time."

• bro...
• August 31, 2013

Sertraline for Depression "I have major depression for several years. It is worse lately with suicidal thoughts. I started out on 25 mg for four weeks and saw little difference other than typical side effects. The fatigue was overwhelming for 10 days but got better after two weeks. I upped the dose to 50 mg and had bad anxiety and trembling inside for about six weeks, but now I am happy to say I'm much better - no trembling, sometimes anxious, but the sertraline has definitely been worth it. I'm still not sleeping as well as I would like, waking up three times a night and getting up at 4 a.m. wide awake. To all of you who are just starting on it, hang in there - it will get better."

• Fee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "I've been on Sertraline for 4 months, and I have never felt better in my whole life. I have CPTSD, which led to horrific anxiety attacks that would last up to 3 months at a time, I couldn't sleep, eat, barely function, and had to stop working multiple times. Twice these attacks have led to deep depression where I considered taking my life. My two kids kept me from ending my life. I worked my way up to 150mg, which seems to be my perfect dose. I have absolutely no low mood or anxiety, I can still feel my emotions, but the medicine allows me to access my higher self and pragmatism more readily so I can work things through (big and small). The side effects were quite tough (had bad diarrhea for 4 weeks, night sweats, headaches, insomnia/vivid dreams, and the anxiety got worse before it got better). It took 3 months for this to take full effect. I am now genuinely enjoying my life and my children so much more. I feel like I have been given quality of life, whereas before I was suffering so much."

• Ala...
• April 13, 2015

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I had been a marijuana smoker for many years but stopped and then found I was depressed, couldn't sleep or concentrate very well and would get panic attacks. My drug & alcohol physician put me onto Prozac but after just one tablet, I suffered anxiety and was very jittery and almost felt seasick and terrified. He then prescribed Zoloft for me. What a WONDERFUL drug! After one day, I felt focused, clear-headed and happy. I went on to attend Melbourne University as a mature aged student and studied philosophy - it was amazing. I'd never felt so intelligent or capable in my life. I eventually came off Zoloft after a few years and have never looked back. It may not suit everyone but it certainly was just what I needed!"

• Ala...
• April 13, 2015

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I had been a marijuana smoker for many years but stopped and then found I was depressed, couldn't sleep or concentrate very well and would get panic attacks. My drug & alcohol physician put me onto Prozac but after just one tablet, I suffered anxiety and was very jittery and almost felt seasick and terrified. He then prescribed Zoloft for me. What a WONDERFUL drug! After one day, I felt focused, clear-headed and happy. I went on to attend Melbourne University as a mature aged student and studied philosophy - it was amazing. I'd never felt so intelligent or capable in my life. I eventually came off Zoloft after a few years and have never looked back. It may not suit everyone but it certainly was just what I needed!"

• Iki...
• November 5, 2019

Sertraline for Depression "So far Zoloft has been a great experience. I feel so much better. This is my 4th week on it, and it really helped me. Less mood changes, even before period (PMDD), less anxiety in stressful situations. Really happy about it. Haven't felt this good in a long time. I am happy I was able to find a medicine that works for me."

• Jim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2020

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I had suffered from anxiety my entire life, from giving speeches to socially to confidence issues. Going away to college made things 100,000 times worse. I would stay in bed a lot, had no motivation or energy. I stopped working out. I still had friends, but there was a big issue. I stuck it out, and on winter break, I tried this drug. I started off at 25 mg for 5 days, noticed some improvement, but it went away. I went to 50 mg and started having the worst anxiety of my life, felt extremely detached from reality, and would sit in one spot and do nothing for hours, I couldn't even go outside, terrible! For 3 days like this. Then it slowly started getting better, and I felt good again. I still had a little anxiety but felt so much better. I felt the drug start to wear off, so I went up to 75 mg, had a small uptick in anxiety for half a day, but after that, I have so much energy and motivation and have found happiness truly. The moral of the story: if it gets bad, stick with it, I promise you it gets better."

• ART...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "My specialist recommended I start on sertraline 50 mg 5 years ago. Two weeks into this, my overthinking and anxiety got worse, so I gave up. Then, a few months ago, I wanted to try again, so I did. Started on 50 mg, then up to 100 mg after 4 weeks. I kept reading the patient literature saying it might take 6 weeks for full effect, and some of the days felt very dark. In the end, it took me 12 weeks to feel the effects. So, be patient with this drug. One day I just realized that I’m no longer having the anxious thoughts, and I’ve now been consistently like that for a couple of months, and it feels so good. So, my advice is stick with it. The road to feeling the benefit may be bumpy and longer than the literature suggests, but for me, the end result is worth it."

• Pea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 16, 2019

For Depression "I took 50mg for over three years, and they were the best three years of my life. Due to some weight gain, and I guess curiosity as to whether I could manage without them, I tapered off. After a few months, although over a stone in weight had fallen off me, I was becoming increasingly irritable, emotional, and dark thoughts returned. After this triggered several nights of no sleep whatsoever, I recognized the signs and began taking Sertraline again. I had forgotten how brutal the initial side effects were, I basically did not sleep for around 2 weeks, felt more depressed and anxious than before, and generally felt like I’d been hit by a train. I also felt they were taking longer to work than last time, and I despaired wondering if they would work again. But of course, they did. I am in week 5 now, back to sleeping like a baby, and feel actually happy and able to cope with my life. It’s a wonder drug, I cannot explain how much Sertraline has changed my life! I will never stop taking it."