Sertraline and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Aaa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "Probably like many of you, I was ready to give up on this medication, but hey, it was worth it. Feeling like a zombie for a week, constant headache, shaking, paranoia, hungover, no appetite. On day 9, I woke up in the morning and felt like a new person - happy, full of joy, joking, so much laughter. I’ve been missing being my old self. I felt like my life started again. Give it a go! Good luck and stay strong."

• jay...
• September 1, 2013

Sertraline for Depression "I have been taking Zoloft for 8 weeks and the result has been amazing. The beginning was rocky with nausea, heavy head, and fatigue, but it gets better. I am more confident, better at my job, I enjoy socializing far more, my relationship is saved, and I generally feel more balanced. I have had anxiety since childhood and struck depression in late teens, I am now 27. Not sure how long I will or should take Zoloft, but I am hugely relieved."

• Eda...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 1, 2020

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I’m on day 62 of Sertraline 50mg today. I spent years suffering from SAD while battling through my daily life at work as a sailor in the Royal Navy. Just over 2 months ago everything began to get on top of me. I saw my Dr and was given 50mg Sertraline and taken off ship, review due end of September. This medication has worked wonders. For the first 5 days I had side effects, nausea, insomnia, headache and the squirts. After 5 days I had no further side effects. My SAD has completely gone and I’ve not felt this happy for years. I wish I’d put my health before the Navy years ago. No more panic, palpitations, nervous sweating etc when I’m social situations. Fantastic. Please, don’t suffer in silence, out your health first and get the help you need. All the best to you guys, you can do it"

• Wac...
• October 9, 2018

For Depression "My symptoms were anxiety, depression & intrusive/repetitive thoughts. I struggled initially with side effects when starting on 50mg (deepened depression, headaches, dry mouth & insomnia), which I had reduced to 25mg during week 1, which I found helped. Week 2, I raised again to 50mg and the side effects began to wear off. I continued on 50mg until week 4 and showed small signs of improvement (sleeping longer, reduced anxiety and depression), I had good days and bad days! I spoke with my GP, who increased my dosage to 100mg and have been taking for 1 week. I noticed some mild side effects resurfaced initially, but faded after a few days. I am now beginning week 6 and I am beginning to feel fantastic and back to my old self. I have read other posts on here seeking inspiration and positive feedback, so wanted to give something back. If you can get through the early phases and stick with this med 4-6 weeks, and if compatible, the Sun will certainly shine once more."

• Wee...
• January 28, 2013

Sertraline for Depression "Zoloft is amazing. I was put on Lexapro when I was about 18, gained about 20 lbs and felt like a numb zombie for about a year. Tried Celexa for about a year - a little better, but I was still getting very depressed. Then I tried Zoloft (50mg for a month and 100mg since). I've been on it for about 2 years. Depression and anxiety are minimal. I rarely have to use my Xanax. The only side effect I've had is dry mouth, but it's minimal at worst. My appetite and sleep patterns are normal. As with the others I've tried, my sex drive is very low and I had moderate headaches for the first couple of weeks, so I won't pick on Zoloft for that. Overall, extremely satisfied, I can't imagine my life without it."

• 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."

• She...
• October 8, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I have had anxiety for the majority of my life, recently been diagnosed a year or so ago. Started Zoloft around the same time. Now, in no way has this 100% fixed my entire life. Instead, what it helps you do is get past the initial panic of anxiety and view things in a different perspective. I also have received counseling and with that gained tools that have helped me deal with my life. The first few days of taking this drug at 25mg, I felt almost euphoric. I had a constant splitting headache for the first two weeks, decreased appetite, and horrible cotton mouth. Two weeks in, I upped to 50mg and around that time most of the side effects went away. I found also, for me, that taking it at night was the most effective and I can finally fall asleep and stay asleep. I am now on 100mg of Zoloft once a day and have been on this dose for about nine months. My anxiety, irritability, and depression are way improved and I owe it all to this medication."

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 16, 2015

Sertraline for Depression "I think Zoloft for me is great. The only downfall I have with it was headaches. They started right when I began taking Zoloft daily. They were intense and hurt like hell. Lasted about 2 weeks. Then bam, they were gone. I took it at night before bed. I thought they made me tired. Since I've been on it, I've lost about 20 lbs. I don't have the munchies at all & honestly I have to tell myself to eat because it curbs my appetite. I don't feel bloated like I did on Lexapro, that's why I switched. Zoloft really works for me and I'm on a low dose. Headaches suck the first few weeks but what a difference from Lexapro. Everyone's different."

• 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."

• Clo...
• April 18, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have had anxiety for years but have now transitioned into severe anxiety. I ended up on citalopram which only touched the surface. I struggled on for 6 months hoping the medication would work. I was advised to switch various times but was so worried. I moved to sertraline 50mg which hit me like a ton of bricks. The side effects were so bad I was unable to work, which hurt me. Crying, shaky, headaches, fatigued, feeling sick, and worst of all, the anxiety was unbearable. I went onto 100mg after 4 weeks which brought on the side effects but milder, with more uncontrolled anxiety. 3 weeks on the higher dose and I can definitely say I have seen the light! My head is clearer, I am more positive, I don’t wake up with dread! Something has clicked, changing for the better. Hang on in there anyone who is feeling rock bottom as it will get better!"

• Rah...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "Myself 24, had been a victim of constant anxiety, stress, and OCD from my teens. Had Fluoxetine and Escitalopram before, but they caused terrible side effects like panic attacks in the middle of the night, zombie feeling, and terrible headaches. But recently, due to some of the stressful events in my life, my anxiety, stress, and OCD came back stronger. I couldn't sleep a whole night and would constantly have negative thoughts in my head, overthinking. I again decided to consult a different psychiatrist, and he prescribed me sertraline, 50 mg for 6 days and 100 mg further. Currently, now I am on the 15th day of taking sertraline. The two weeks were terrible, I had terrible headaches, nausea, two days of brain fog, and some extreme agitation. But on the 15th day, I am seeing some benefits compared to what I was 15 days before. Mind a bit calmer, negative thoughts come, but they don't overpower, reduced stress feeling, also better sleep. Will follow up with my psychiatrist in the next few days, will update you guys."

• 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!"

• The...
• August 8, 2013

Sertraline for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have struggled with depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder since I was 11 years old. I'm now 21, and this is the second time that I have taken Zoloft. It has worked wonders for my obsessive and anxiety-ridden nature. Originally, during my trial and error phase of trying medications, I stopped taking Zoloft at one point because I experienced the numbness, headaches, etc., that are typical of SSRIs. However, after finding that no other medicines (including other SSRIs, antipsychotics, and even anti-seizure medications) reacted as well to dull my OCD, I resumed Zoloft to give it a second shot. I could not be happier with its results so far. I would recommend this to absolutely anybody who had difficulty with OCD or depression. It has saved my life."

• Inc...
• June 17, 2019

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "So let me just say that not all medications work for everyone. That being said, when I was 15, I was put on Prozac for depression. The first few months were so awful. Soon I was switched to Zoloft, which literally saved my life. 5 years later at the age of twenty I was prescribed Zoloft again for anxiety, not depression. Again, I’m experiencing amazing results. I tend to panic, which triggers my asthma and sends my body into overdrive. Zoloft has been my lifesaver for everything. Not all drugs work, our bodies are complicated and complex. However, don’t be scared to try new drugs because you might find your lifesaver too. Also, expect the first few days to be filled with tunnel vision and headache. Your chemical levels are raising, meaning you will feel it. The second time I tried Zoloft, I felt strong tunnel vision and overall weirdness. I almost couldn’t drive, no joke. But it’s worth all the worry, and you will feel amazing afterwards. I’m 21 and still on Zoloft."

• 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."

• per...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2014

Sertraline for Depression "I am 24 years old and have a 14-week-old son. I have fought with depression most of my life due to childhood and whatnot. After having my son, everything came crashing down. I was on the brink of a divorce and suicidal. So I asked my doctor, he put me on 50mg of Zoloft, and I'm now on day 4. Side effects for me are headache, tiredness, dizziness, and nausea. But I'm sticking to it, hoping those will go away. My mood is so much better."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2017

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I thought I would share today my experience with Zoloft. Two months ago, I was the anxious one on here reading all the reviews on medications. Every one had positives and negatives. I was so worried about taking an 'antidepressant'. I suffered daily with SEVERE anxiety and panic attacks to the point where I would have a panic attack for hours. It was awful. Because I felt like that so often, I would say I had mild depression. Just felt hopeless. Could anything help my anxiety? This medicine has changed my life for the better. I started at 25mg and still felt bad, no improvement even after five weeks. My doctor upped me to 50mg and within a week, I felt 100 times better. I had no side effects other than two to three headaches. My advice to you, try it."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• Hel...
• January 11, 2019

For Depression "I am in week 7 on sertraline 50 mg and find this is perfect for me. I had lost interest in activities, distanced myself from friends over the years, and was moody, irritable, and angry at the slightest thing, with abdominal pain and fatigue for no reason. I was very apprehensive about taking antidepressants, so I had tried exercise, healthy eating, yoga, etc., but always ended back up with the same feelings. I have persisted with this medication and have found it to be brilliant. The first 2-3 weeks were terrible: brain zaps, headaches, nausea, zoning out. But this week I have felt very relaxed and like a fog has lifted. It’s not a miracle pill, else everyone would take it, but it’s certainly helping alleviate tiredness, interest in my usual activities, and give me a lot clearer outlook on life. I take it early morning with breakfast at the same time and have a nap as and when required until I no longer need to, as this can make you feel a bit sleepy. Just go with it. It will be worth it."

• Bri...
• September 29, 2015

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I promised myself I'd come back to this site and share my experience since it has helped me so much. About four months ago, I had my first panic attack, a week after a very serious surgery. My doctor suggested it was from the anesthesia. I went two weeks without another one, then boom, full-blown panic disorder. I thought I was losing my mind. I had to drop out of school and take time off work. I went to see a psychiatrist who gave me Zoloft. I started on 25mg for 2 weeks, then increased to 50mg where I'm at currently. I've been on the full dose for 2 months now, and I finally feel 'that switch' that people talk about go off. The side effects were HORRIBLE. If I didn't need to stick with it, I wouldn't have. I experienced headaches, insomnia, palpitations, and excessive yawning. They eventually went away."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 11, 2012

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "Zoloft has been a life saver! I have been on this medicine for about 7 years now. Two kids (3 and 6 months) later, I still have to use this medicine, and it works miracles. My husband deployed to Afghanistan, and I do not think I could have made it through that time while taking care of our kids without this medicine. The only side effects I had were loss of appetite, tiredness, and mild headaches, but that only lasts about a week. If you're just starting this medicine, hold on, I promise this will help you feel like yourself again!"

• goo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 12, 2013

Sertraline for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I was diagnosed with PMDD and prescribed cyclical Sertraline. I can remember the day I started my period thinking how did that happen without all the stress, anger, and drama. I liken it to having gas and air during labor. It just takes the top off the emotion and prevents the explosive outbursts of uncontrollable anger. I honestly thought I just had normal PMT until I saw my doctor, who upon asking me a list of questions, said the only one I'd replied no to was suicidal thoughts but it probably wouldn't be too long before I got there. Apart from a nasty headache on day 2/3, this drug has literally saved my family life."