Sertraline and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Rog...
• October 12, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started taking sertraline after many years of untreated generalized anxiety disorder were made even worse by a new job and a major life change. My life had turned into a nightmare, I was literally shaking most of the time and didn’t have a single positive thought in my head. A psychiatrist put me on 50 mg of sertraline. I’ve been taking it for over 6 months, and my life has changed in a way that I had never thought possible! I only experienced some nausea and diarrhea during the first 4 days of treatment, and after about 6-8 weeks I started feeling this huge weight lift off my shoulders. I now feel good for the first time since age 13 - I’m 31! I’m also in a very happy relationship for the first time in my life! Sertraline has given me the life I never thought I’d be able to live. My psychiatrist told me that approximately 70% of people that take sertraline experience good results, so it won’t work for some. But if it does, it’s amazing what it can achieve."

• Smi...
• October 2, 2019

For Panic Disorder "Reading this forum gave me hope, so I thought I'd leave a review if I got better. All I can say is sertraline saved my life. I had fears of people coming to take me away in a straitjacket as my anxiety and racing, uncontrollable thoughts were so bad. I'd think of something and get that knot feeling in my stomach, and before I knew it, I was trembling, heart pounding, face burning red, with diarrhea. I just wanted to rip my own skin off. I made myself feel guilty about things that happened years ago. I wanted to run and never look back, and it always got worse at night - trapped alone in my own head, never able to escape from myself. I never thought I would get better, but I can honestly say I feel almost 100% better thanks to this miracle tablet. You will probably get worse before you get better, but surely if you have coped this long, you can do it for just a bit longer to find the old you again! I promise you will :) Good luck everyone, there is always light at the end of the sertraline tunnel."

• 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!"

• 40...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2017

Sertraline for Depression "Got prescribed Zoloft after my 20-year relationship ended after my ex-husband became addicted to meth. I was very depressed and couldn't control my thoughts about the situation. I had a hard time sleeping, zoning out, focusing, and adjusting to my normal everyday life. I started on 25 mg for about 3 weeks then increased to 50 mg. I've been on 50 mg for a couple of months and feel so much better. I can focus on my life again and never break down crying anymore, etc. I had no side effects besides loose stool here and there. I like how there were no real side effects for me, and it did what I was seeking. I would recommend trying Zoloft before other medications. I will not increase my dosage."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2014

Sertraline for Depression "I started taking Zoloft about a month ago. In the first week, I had some diarrhea and experienced some insomnia, but it soon disappeared. Within three weeks, my depression and anxiety subsided. This medication changed my life."

• 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!"

• Sin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "So I have today been on Sertraline for 2 weeks and before this the panic attacks and anxiety were horrific. I was barely leaving the house for fear of a panic attack. I started having anxiety and panic attacks nearly 2 years ago after a bad food poisoning experience that left me in hospital multiple times. I had tried to ‘fix’ myself the natural way with vitamins and minerals and CBT but none of this worked, and I had always been very anti-medication for myself. The turning point came a few weeks ago when I realized I needed help, thankfully I knew a few people who were on Sertraline who said do it! It'll change your life... well, they were right! Within 5 days, I felt significantly calmer. I have managed to go out for dinner with family and go shopping. I have had nausea, diarrhea, and still continue to have not much appetite but to start to feel somewhat normal, it is so worth it! I am told all of these will pass. I can honestly say I feel 1000% better than I did 2 weeks ago!"

• 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."

• Suz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "After a difficult 6 months health-wise, I realized I was struggling to deal with everything and was constantly anxious and unable to function. I went to my GP and cried buckets. After going through all my symptoms, she said I was classically depressed. Started me on 50 mg sertraline with the warning that things would get worse before they got better, boy, they did. I literally took to my bed for the first week: constant nausea, no appetite, insomnia, diarrhea, tremors. I kept reading positive reviews to keep me going, and each day hoped this would be the day it kicked in. Oh my, day 21 was amazing, no more nausea, appetite picked up, and I wanted to get up in the morning. I still have some insomnia, but I’m almost 90% back to the way I was way before I started my downward spiral. I’d say to anyone starting out on this journey, it’s a bit rough, but you’ll get through it, and it’s so worth it."

• 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."

• fee...
• May 22, 2017

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I've been on 25mg for 2 weeks. In 5 days, it started to work. Let me tell you, I'm doing 80% better than before. I've developed awful social anxiety and (almost) panic attacks over the last 2 years, and I don't know what's going on. I've been in psychotherapy for a year, and it hasn't done much, although the therapist, on occasion, suggested that I look into anti-anxiety meds. After 3 years, I've taken the plunge. I almost feel like I have my life back. I'm able to be around people with 80% less anxiety than before. I'm confident again. I like myself. It's like this dark cloud is finally starting to dissipate. I'm recovering. At 2 weeks, I have no side effects except diarrhea in the first week."

• Cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "I recently started taking sertraline for health anxiety. I've had it all my life, but it was getting worse and worse to the point I saw no end, so I started taking medication. Like other people have been saying, the first 2 weeks are awful. I didn't want to get out of bed for 2 weeks. I had many times where I felt it wasn't working and wanted to stop. Not only did I have worse anxiety, I also had all these side effects: lip tremors, no appetite, feeling sick, diarrhea, lump in throat, weird feeling in my mouth, excessive dry mouth, runny nose, racing heart. The list goes on. By the 3rd week, the anxiety had subsided slightly and the side effects had slowly begun going away. I'm now on month 4, and I feel so much happier. I don't think I realized I was depressed as well. I have started going to the gym, swimming, and actually enjoy going out. My health anxiety is still there, but it doesn't take over my life like it used to. Please, if you're going through the side effects, just know they will ease."

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

Sertraline for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "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."

• TSH...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2025

For Postpartum Depression "Two months after giving birth, I realized I had so much anxiety and PPD. I would count down hours while with my baby and feel so disconnected from him. It was such an awful feeling. I felt like I made a mistake becoming a parent. I started on Zoloft 50 mg. Side effects were horrible for me-diarrhea, nausea, unable to eat, and sweating. My depression also got worse for almost two weeks. I wanted to give up but felt like I already invested two weeks, so I would give it a couple more. I’m so glad I did. By week three, the side effects started to disappear, and by week four, I could eat normally again. During week four, I started to feel a difference, but it was slow. For half the day, I’d feel great, and then half the day depressed. By week five, I felt like a whole new person, in a good way! I didn’t feel anxious and depressed, and I finally felt like myself again. Please stick with it for at least six weeks."

• Lov...
• August 4, 2017

Sertraline for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I wish that I would have started this drug much sooner. I was very reluctant to take an antidepressant mainly due to stigma. I felt immediate relief from anxiety, paranoia, irritability, hopelessness, helplessness, suicidal thoughts, depression, and feeling out of control. I have had major symptoms for several years premenstrually, and it was premenstrual dysphoric disorder. I am very thankful for Zoloft, and I don't ever want to be caught without it. It is the best thing that has happened to me in a very long time. The side effects are very minimal, my side effects would include just feeling a little tired, some gas, and mild diarrhea at times. I would trade this any day for the problems that I was having before I started taking Zoloft. It truly has saved my life."

• bas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2013

Sertraline for Depression "At first, I was reluctant to take a pill, even though I had been diagnosed with major depression. My family talked me into taking this medication. I am on my third week of taking Zoloft. The first week, my doctor started me on 50mg. The first few days, I felt awful but stuck with the medication. I had not felt much relief in my depression and anxiety on 50mg, so my psych doc put me on 100mg after two weeks. I am on day 4 taking 100mg sertraline and have already started to notice a difference in my mood. I am less anxious and worry much less at work. I am also beginning to venture out of the house more than I used to. The only side effects I've had on sertraline are mild headache, diarrhea, and a decrease in sexual performance."

• Che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2019

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I started on Paxil, and those side effects were so awful I quit after 6 months. I was then switched to Zoloft, and it's so much better. Side effects are more subtle than Paxil. I did wake up wide awake in the middle of the night, couldn't sleep, diarrhea, tossing and turning, shaky euphoric feeling, but it only lasted about a week, then my body got used to it. It is an awful feeling, let me tell you, but as long as you tell yourself to push through and do things to tire you out, it does get better. I would read or watch boring sitcoms till I dosed off. I did take an over-the-counter sleep aid a few times when the restlessness was really bad, and it did help. About the second week I was able to fully sleep, then the third week I was sleeping better than ever before. The side effects aren't fun, but now that my body is used to the medicine, I haven't had any anxiety attacks, and I don't feel like such a failure. Don't give up, the side effects are only temporary!!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2022

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I was once just like many of you when it came to taking medication for my anxiety and panic disorder. I was scared and put it off for about a year! I finally started, and I’m on week 2, and it has helped me so much! The first week definitely was rough because, of course, it does increase your anxiety. I only had diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and insomnia for the side effects. Day 8 is when I saw the change! I was happy and doing things again! I’m happy I looked at all the positive reviews instead of the negative reviews. Zoloft has really been helping me a lot, and I feel like I got my life back! Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for taking care of your mental health. It’s okay to take medication that will help you! You got this!"

• Ash...
• September 10, 2016

Sertraline for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "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."

• Ddc...
• April 28, 2016

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "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!"

• lyn...
• May 19, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "This forum was so helpful, I feel obligated to share. Over the last 4 years, I've experienced anxiety due to life pressures (single parenthood, loss of business, demanding job, health issues) that led to daily panic attacks and depression. I'm barely functioning. Therapy helps (also meditation, exercise, CBT). A psychiatrist prescribed 50 mg of sertraline. I've only been on it for 3 days, not long enough for a review, but because so many on this forum describe the first 2+ weeks as horrible and it causes people to quit, I want to share my experience. Day 1, took 50 mg and thought I might die - panic attacks, shaking, insomnia, sweats, racing heart, vomiting, diarrhea. Didn’t know how to continue even though I knew if I pushed through until my body adjusted there could be a huge payoff. Day 2, took half a pill instead and it was radically different. I'm experiencing side effects, but they're very manageable. I’ll increase the dosage in a week. Ease into it, give it some time, and don't give up."

• Ano...
• August 8, 2019

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I've suffered from general anxiety and social anxiety my whole life. I recently started Zoloft at 100 mg and experienced side effects like diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and an increase in anxiety. I thought the side effects would be worse, but surprisingly, it wasn't that bad. My birth control medication affected my hormones way worse. It's been a little over a month now, and I don't wake up anxious anymore. I am able to socialize better, look people in the eye, and talk more in meetings. The only downside about this medication is that it completely got rid of my sex drive. My boyfriend does not pressure me and is very understanding of my mental health journey. I'm going to see my doctor and discuss possible alternatives. It actually terrifies me because I'm scared that there is not a better alternative that will bring back my libido. For once in my life, I feel normal. I highly recommend Zoloft. If you're a single person suffering from anxiety, this would help."

• Sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 3, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "I suffered from severe driving anxiety. Got to the point that I had to get my wife to do all the highway driving. Symptoms were lightheadedness, imbalanced, heart palpitations. I started Sertraline 4 weeks ago (50 mg). I have noticed a remarkable improvement. Back to doing all the highway driving, passing trucks, able to stay in the fast lane with lots of traffic. One side effect, however, is daily diarrhea. Follow-up this week with my doctor."

• Che...
• September 19, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I just started sertraline (50 mg) about 2 days ago, and I am taking it for anxiety, stress, health anxiety, social anxiety, and OCD. I had started it a month ago, and the first day was horrible. I felt like a complete zombie along with nausea, diarrhea, so I didn't take it again. Fast forward, my anxiety(s) and stress got so bad I was having a panic attack all day and was always nervous and didn't eat for almost 3 weeks and lost 10 lbs. My doc recommended that I start the antidepressant, and I did. I was scared, but the side effects were not as bad like before at all. I only suffer with nausea all day, insomnia, anxiety but not as bad, and get hot flashes at night. Even though I have only taken it for 2 days, I can tell a difference. I am a little more calm than I have been in a month. I also have the urge to clench my jaws. Hopefully, I can get back to my old self when I was happy and worried less. Hope it does well for all you who are reading this! Just remember, don't give up, keep going."

• Wor...
• February 23, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I was initially prescribed 50 mg for depression and anxiety. I tried this dose in November and had such awful first-day side effects I didn’t take another. In January, I agreed with the doctor to slowly start the dose and I began with 12.5 mg daily. I am now on 25 mg daily, and this is perfect for me. I still had side effects for a few weeks to start, mainly diarrhea and headaches, but these have gone now. I feel so much better taking Sertraline. It has really changed my quality of life and relationships, and I feel that I am back in the world again. I care about people and places and doing things again. I no longer feel scared of things. I have noticed that I no longer feel the generalized anxiety when I leave the house. My job involves a lot of public speaking, and I have managed this so much better too. Life is not perfect and things happen that stress me out, but I feel better able to cope."