Sertraline and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "Had anxiety for the first time as a 54-year-old male and never wanted to take medicine. I was so skeptical that at first I even thought drug companies were behind the positive reviews. I took 50 mg sertraline for a week, then increased to 100 mg. The first two weeks definitely made anxiety worse, as well as most of the symptoms-but after four weeks, all anxiety was gone, and over the next four weeks, everything seemed to subtly improve, including some intrusive thoughts. I am okay with being on this med for as long as I need to be and am grateful to get the help I needed. Thanks for all of the experience, strength, and hope of others-very helpful!"

• esg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2025

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Please give sertraline a chance. I have used it three times now, and every single time it’s changed my life. I was plunged into insomnia, anxiety, and depression seemingly out of the blue 7 weeks ago. I started sertraline knowing from previous experience what I was in for. I had every side effect under the sun: nausea, vomiting, explosive stomach, severe insomnia, weird awake dreams, uptick in intrusive thoughts. The first 4-5 weeks were a living hell. I was on zopiclone every night just to get me two hours of relief. I had diazepam when the side effects got too much. Then, in the 5th week-50 mg and two days into 75 mg-the lights came on, and my life was saved. Give this drug a chance. You will get better. It takes time, patience, and courage. The end result is worth all the pain."

• hal...
• November 19, 2019

Sertraline for Depression "Zoloft has changed my life. I suffered from postpartum anxiety and depression. I had two children that are 14 months apart. Once I started Zoloft, my life became so much better. The first few days, I did feel a little weird (startup symptoms can make anxiety worse), but after that, I felt so normal. It has been a lifesaver."

• Goo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2020

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "So I've been on sertraline for 8 weeks, 50 mg. The first 5 weeks or so were absolutely awful for me. Crazy intrusive thoughts, insane anxiety. In the first few weeks, I practically spent my life on this checking reviews for some hope I'd get better. Fast forward to now, and I feel 60% back to normal. Rather than obsess about a subject from the moment I wake up until the moment I fall asleep, I now get short little 'blips.' I'm positive the medication will work even better as time goes on! People just starting, bear with the side effects as you will thank yourself later on!"

• Sig...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 27, 2014

Sertraline for Depression "Generic Sertraline gave me some relief, but it made me jittery and gave me headaches. After reading testimonials, I insisted on the name brand Zoloft, so glad I did. It's like a completely different medicine. More relaxed and not full of negative thinking. I still get overly anxious if something stressful happens, but it doesn't last long. Side effects are more tolerable, though it does make me tired."

• Mat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2015

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "From bad to good. Week 1 was great. Obviously placebo. Week 2 was a low week. So tired all day long. I struggled to concentrate. Work performance was affected. I learned that alcohol brings you right down. DON'T DO IT! Some anxiety in Week 3. Another low week in Week 4. I felt zombified. Tired all day. I could barely stay awake in meetings. I couldn't pay attention for more than a minute. Noticed my hands are shaking. Some anxiety. Week 5 was better but still tired. Small improvement but still zombified and shaking hands. Week 6 was less tired but still shaky. Mood is lifting. Strange confidence. Loving it! Confidence and mood grows in Week 7. Little anxious in Week 8. Feeling great. There is hope! Avoid too much alcohol and coffee. 2 or 3 per day is okay."

• JLf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2025

Sertraline for Postpartum Depression "I am yet another mom who frantically looked up reviews of this medication in hope of finding some relief from crippling postpartum anxiety and panic disorder. I have been on Zoloft for exactly 12 weeks now and can honestly say it was life-changing. I suffered from PPA shortly after birth but delayed getting help until my daughter was 7 months old. I, like many other moms on here, tried everything before medication: CBT, meditation, exercise, yoga, you name it. Nothing could help me escape the crippling intrusive thoughts, daily panic attacks, irrational fears, and insomnia. Starting Zoloft was awful. I had diarrhea, worsening anxiety, and nausea for the first 7 weeks. I was ready to give up the medication until I gradually noticed a change in my thought patterns. I worked my way (very slowly) up to 50 mg and have been there for six weeks. My family notices so many positive changes in my attitude and behavior. Best of all, the side effects dissipate."

• Rub...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "I very nearly gave up in the first week due to bad side effects. Bad headaches, anxiety, and strange dreams made me question whether sertraline was right for me. I spoke to my GP, and I decided to push through, carry on, and give it a chance to work. Admittedly, I did start to see some ‘green shoots’ of mood improvement, in parallel with the bad side effects, in the early stages. It’s week 4 now, and I feel like a teenager again. My energy and motivation are much improved, to the point that I have to watch I don’t overdo things. I feel like the Duracell Bunny at times. Given the other reviews, I’m expecting things could improve further still… My concern is the increased appetite and bad bags under my eyes. That said, it’s made me realize just how bad I have felt for the past decade of my life. Push through the initial bad stage, and you will reach a better place. Good luck!"

• Lin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 10, 2013

Sertraline for Depression "It was crazy how much Zoloft really helped me with anxiety & depression. I did stop taking it though because I began to realize after being on it for about 6 months that I felt like I didn't have feelings anymore about anything. That scared me, so I quit taking it. Now that I've been off of Zoloft for a month and a half, I'm really struggling with anxiety at work again so I do plan to get back on it."

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This medicine is insanely good. You don't realize how much anxiety controls your life until it's gone (or at least minimal, I still get natural anxiety)... I finally feel like I can start living my life to its full potential. That said, the first month or so on sertraline was a bit of a nightmare, and it did heighten my anxiety quite a bit for that period. But thankfully, after about a month or so, that went away, and it actually started working really well! I'm only on 50 mg, and it's made a tremendous difference in my life. For people considering trying it-definitely fight through the increased anxiety at the beginning, it does get better and it's definitely worth it!"

• Fi8...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2013

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "For most of my life, I have felt something was wrong. Recently, my anxiety began to feel worse than usual, so I went to a new doctor. He prescribed me Sertraline. For the first week, I felt anxiety and headaches, just quite 'wired'. I was worried I was going to damage my brain, and the meds wouldn't work, but then suddenly I felt 'fixed'! I am so relaxed now. I don't feel like I'm going mad from anxiety anymore! This is how I should have always felt. Glad I've sorted this out in my twenties. I wish I'd been prescribed this medication sooner!"

• Cat...
• July 12, 2015

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "My 15-year-old daughter was practically a recluse. She is bipolar and taking Seroquel, Lamictal, and Intuniv, but she was depressed and had such social anxiety that she couldn't even leave her room. After 3 weeks, she is the daughter I knew to be. She still has issues, but going outside of the house is not one of them. I am so happy with this medication. She started at 25 mg and is now at 50 mg. What a godsend."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2020

Sertraline for Depression "Day 18 on Zoloft started with 50 mg, increased to 75 mg after day 7. Day 11-15 were terrible days, I felt a lot of anxiety mixed with crying, loss of appetite, and I experienced panic attacks in the early mornings three days in a row (I’ve never once had that issue before). My physician added 10 mg of Buspirone twice a day to help fight those battles, and it helped. Today was a beautiful day — I don’t remember a single thought holding me back, I felt balanced. Hope this continues."

• Uni...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2016

Sertraline for Depression "Zoloft has given me the last leap I need to heal my mind. I have been struggling with severe anxiety, insomnia, and bouts of depression for 3 years. While I have been off work, in therapy, and trying other means of rehabilitation, for the first time in years, I actually feel calmer most of the time and mostly happy. I'm so grateful. It's been a trial and error and a slow process, but I know my self-care is my main priority now. See more of my story: mental-health-matters-a-womans-story-of-the-struggle. Good luck to all."

• Rac...
• November 20, 2015

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I've dealt with anxiety for the past 7 years, but about 2 months ago it got really bad. I started having at least one panic attack a day, and it was really scary. I'm not a depressed person, but the anxiety was making me feel that way because I didn't know if I would go back to 'normal'. I finally decided to see the doctor and tried Zoloft. I didn't have any side effects, just mild anxiety that got better day by day. A couple of high anxiety days in between, but all in all... I was getting back to myself. Here I am, a couple of months later, and COMPLETELY back to normal! I feel so happy and thankful that I decided to try medicine."

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 3, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "Has completely changed my life for the better. It's like I am the person I truly am and want to be - I am now without the anxiety, fearfulness, and depression. It has made me able to live life and enjoy it! I couldn't believe I had fallen into a 'what's the purpose' mindset, but now I see it wasn't my fault. I truly needed this medication and will probably be on it long term. It has without a doubt changed my life and brought the joy back into everyday living. It has also boosted my energy. I was tired all the time for no reason, no matter what. Now I wake up in the mornings excited for work. Truly a Godsend medication!!!"

• Coi...
• October 15, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "If you’re looking for a quick fix, then sertraline might not be for you. I had every side effect, but nausea and increased anxiety were by far the worst. I wanted to give up, but like many, I kept reading these reviews. I pushed through, and it took nearly 5 weeks before I started to really feel any benefit. But as the weeks went on, it got better and better. My doctor was absolutely excellent, seeing me every week or so and explained that what I was feeling was unfortunately normal for some people. Stick with it for at least 4 weeks."

• Ely...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 25, 2019

For Depression "Before I was on sertraline, I was on fluoxetine, which didn’t help in the slightest. But then I got put on 50 mg of sertraline instead, and at first it made my depression, anxiety, and BPD really bad to the point I couldn’t move out of bed, and when I did, I just zoned out into my own bubble. After about 3 weeks, this all changed, I wanted to live, I was so happy and excitable, and now I’m at the peak of happiness in my entire life. This medication completely saved my life and changed it for the better. It does make you worse before better, but I promise it is so worth it."

• hea...
• August 27, 2013

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I was experiencing severe anxiety and panic. I could barely leave my house and everyday activities seemed impossible. I would get dizzy, pounding heart, the works! Also, I couldn't sit still anymore! I could not sit in class, dinners, or even just with friends. My doctor prescribed Zoloft 25mg, a typically low dosage, after an unsuccessful attempt with Lexapro. I have been on Zoloft 25mg for six weeks now and I'm doing tremendously better. The first two weeks or so I experienced minimal, tolerable side effects like a foggy feeling the first day, heightened anxiety and restlessness, but nothing too bad. Now I feel great! I can sit for longer periods, with little to no obsessive thoughts, and am pretty much panic-free! I love Zoloft!"

• n23...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This is a miracle drug! It gave me my life back. I was a happy, outgoing student with top grades and was in the gym 5 days a week. Suddenly, I started to develop panic attacks and anxiety - I couldn't eat properly, couldn't sleep, and was scared to go out without a chaperone. I honestly didn't recognize myself, it was like a dark cloud had come over me, and I was crying all the time. The first 7-10 days on this drug were horrendous. It increased my anxiety so much, and one night I had the worst nocturnal panic attack, which I never used to have. I also had waves of palpitations and dizziness, which made it super hard to even walk around my house. However, I am so glad I stuck with it. After around day 10, it was like a switch had flipped. I was able to sleep again, focus on my work, and go out without panic. I feel 90% like my normal self, and I only get situational anxiety now. Also, I don't really have any long-term side effects now. Please stick with it for 2-3 weeks before giving up!"

• Taz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I've tried almost everything for my anxiety and depression. After a suicide attempt this summer (was on Trintellix, which did nothing), I was put on sertraline 50 mg. I'm up to 100 mg now. The first 3 weeks were awful. Migraines, sweating, and the worst anxiety I've ever experienced in my life, but around week 6, everything changed. I actually felt better, calm, happy, not dreading every second of every day. It may take a few weeks of feeling worse, but it's worth it in the end, trust the process."

• Jen...
• May 7, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I suffer from PTSD from my military experiences. I am in my early 40s female. I find that 25 mg works for me. Anything more and I have several side effects. Seriously, I am told it isn't much, it seems to be just enough. Without it, I am grumpy and a bit mean, negative in my head, and really anxious around crowds. With it, I am normal, nice, funny, easy-going, and my head is still clear because of the low dose."

• Bor...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 1, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Sertraline has saved my life. I am diagnosed with Type 1 Bipolar Disorder and have severe bouts of depression and anxiety. Having taken sertraline for several years now, I would advise anyone starting treatment with this medication to be aware that your depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts might become much more intense in the first week or so. This was certainly my experience. However, hang in there! It will pass! Your mind is playing tricks on you. I noticed positive mood-lifting effects and a reduction of my anxiety within 2 weeks. Please keep taking your mood stabilizers/antipsychotics alongside sertraline, however, as I’ve made the mistake of taking it in isolation before, and I triggered a manic episode."

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

For Panic Disorder "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!"

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

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "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!"