Sertraline and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Rip...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2013

Sertraline for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "After 1 month of losing my girlfriend and her mom in a horrible head-on collision and bawling my eyes out every day, feeling so lost, I needed help!! Doctor put me on Zoloft 50mg for the first week, then upped it to 100mg thereafter... I'm on day 4 & feel much better already, not thinking so much of my loss. The only side effects I've felt are a slight headache & slight nausea, but now I have put down the box of Kleenex from crying so much & can relax better... I'm going to continue to take it because thinking of my loss constantly was nothing less than the worst time of my life."

• Lod...
• October 6, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After suffering with anxiety and depression for years, it finally got so bad that I could barely leave the house. I quit my job and used to spend day after day just lying on the sofa, getting worse and worse. I was reluctant to take any sort of medication at first, but thought there was no other option, so off to the doctor's I went, and they recommended sertraline. I started on 50 mg. Had the usual side effects of feeling sick, headaches, but no more anxious than I already was. After a couple of weeks, they passed, and I started to notice a difference in how I was feeling. My mood was lifting, and slowly I started to do things I hadn't been able to for a long time. I did up my dose to 100 mg, and now I've gone back to work, socializing with my friends, and generally feel so much better in myself. It's not a miracle drug by any means, but it does keep me on an even keel, and I now enjoy my life as I should do. No plans to come off it either. If it works, then why change it?"

• 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."

• Jen...
• July 19, 2018

Sertraline for Major Depressive Disorder "I tried everything over the past year to cure myself. I researched vitamins, supplements, holistic remedies, tried yoga, meditation. Everything. Nothing would help. I got to a point where I just couldn't take it anymore. My days were running together, and I knew I needed help. I went and saw a psychiatrist. She prescribed me this drug. Even after receiving it, I still waited another week out of hesitation. But I wasn't eating. My sleeping habits were horrible. All I wanted to do was lay in bed and cry. I started taking 25 mg for a week. The first day I felt nauseous and was on and off the toilet. Maybe a mild headache. The second day - no side effects. I literally had one bad day and that was it. I felt so much better even after a few days. I am now one month on this and I am so grateful that I just decided to do it. I feel like my old self again. I finally have an appetite again, I am sleeping great, and I don't feel antisocial. So happy to have my life back."

• Anx...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 12, 2021

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I wanted to share my experience with Zoloft because I know reading reviews helped me. I was 22 and started experiencing extreme panic attacks and anxiety. Depersonalization, out-of-body feelings, weird, basically off. You name it. I had it. I started Zoloft 50 mg, and it took a month to work. I know it sounds like a long time, but when it kicked in, it saved me. I was able to do life again, and it’s not like suddenly I changed, I just felt normal again, and I could function again. I had a few side effects initially, like stomach aches and headaches. But it was worth it. If you are considering Zoloft, well, it really saved me... coming off it was also not bad, as long as you taper slowly. But it was a godsend for 3 years for me."

• 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."

• twi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 19, 2013

Sertraline for Depression "I have been on antidepressants since I was 23. I started on Paxil which made me a zombie and felt suicidal. Then switched to Effexor which worked for a while but made me have unconscious behaviors a lot. I have now been on Zoloft for almost a year and I feel clear-headed, not as reactive or erratic. I do have headaches and trouble sleeping, and a low sex drive. Overall, a better life on a daily basis. I feel happier."

• VIX...
• January 6, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am on day 16 of 50mg and I am starting to feel the benefits. The first few days I had heightened anxiety and low mood, headache, jaw clenching, no appetite, tummy upset but this has now passed. I still feel a bit anxious every now and then but I can actually now think positive thoughts and think about the future, which for the last 4 months I was a nervous wreck. I couldn't go out, I couldn't move off the sofa, I couldn't eat (lost 4 stone in 2 months). My anxiety was so bad I thought I would be better off not being here. I didn't want to see or be around anyone from the way I was feeling, but I can now see light at the end of a VERY DARK tunnel. It took me 3 weeks to pluck up the courage to take them and I'm so glad I did. THEY WORK!"

• Moo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 3, 2019

For Depression "Honestly, I'm not sure if I have been suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, or all of them. I'm a mum of two small children. I noticed I was always stressed and screaming and had no motivation in life. I mostly wanted to stay inside all day on most days. Nothing excited me. I've always had anxiety and depression episodes throughout my life. But on the other hand, I see myself as an optimist and always someone who took risks. Anyway, I did not see that person anymore. At all. Anyway, I was prescribed sertraline years ago and never took it. Then one day, I realized I had been crying most days and it was time to do something. So I took the medication, finally. I started on 25 mg and now on 50 mg for a day. It's only week two, but I cannot explain how different I feel. I want to do things again. I feel confident and happy, and it's something I have not felt in years. Side effects have been difficulty reaching orgasm, dizziness, and headaches. But it's getting better."

• ACR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2022

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "Just give it a try. I have wasted so much money picking up various prescriptions and never taking the medication due to fear of side effects after a bad reaction to a medication years ago. I finally had the courage to start Zoloft. I started out taking 12.5 for a few weeks and had very little to no side effects. I had a slight headache and no appetite. I increased to 25 mg after about 3 weeks and did not notice any side effects. After about a few weeks, I started to notice I just didn’t overthink the things I once had. Slowly, after each passing day, I started to notice how less reactive and calmer I have become. Certain situations have come up where I would normally be an anxious mess didn’t even pass me anymore. It wasn’t an overwhelmingly everything is better all at once. It was more of a “Oh hey, that didn’t even phase me.” I find myself joking around and smiling more than ever. I am forever thankful I just took the first step and took the first dose."

• Rac...
• September 17, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I have had GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) for 4 years. My second med I tried was Zoloft. Since I am sensitive to meds, she started me off on 12.5 mg for 1 week, upped it to 25, 50, 75, then 100 mg each week after. It was difficult, and I wanted to quit multiple times. I pushed through, as I know 6-8 weeks is how long it can take to see the benefits. Each time I upped my dosage, I had slight nausea, mild headaches, and nervousness. I felt pretty crappy each day. Week 9 was magic, where I realized I wasn’t having any symptoms any longer. For 2 weeks now, I have been symptom-free with only a slight nervous feeling here and there. My main support I would tell anyone is don’t quit, as you will probably experience the same with most of these meds and keep repeating the process."

• mrs...
• December 18, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Recently started experiencing horrible, constant anxiety. It was the worst when I would wake up in the morning. Constantly felt like I was “on edge,” and I would break down every now and then and just cry. I wasn’t eating as much and had unintentional weight loss because of constantly feeling nervous. Doctor recommended sertraline and told me to break the 25mg in half and take 12.5mg for one week. I’m so glad I did because I was nauseous and had headaches just from 12.5mg. Doctor said this would happen, but to stick to it and it’ll go away. Thankfully, the symptoms did after about 4 days! I was very hesitant about starting this medication because of the scary, awful reviews a ton of others had left. I’ve been taking 25mg for about 2 weeks now and feel much better than when I started. I am not as stressed out and anxious as I used to be. Haven’t had any “breakdowns” or felt like I was losing my mind like before."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2015

Sertraline for Major Depressive Disorder "I was started on 25 mg Zoloft about 3 1/2 weeks ago for long-term anxiety and depression, and it has made a huge positive impact on my life already. For the first two weeks, my side effects included decreased appetite, shaking hands, head fogginess, insomnia, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and clenching or grinding my teeth when I slept. Except for the decreased appetite (which I am happy about), all of the side effects are gone, and it was well worth waiting them out, I promise. I did have to play around with the time I took it and found that morning works the best for me. Not having those crippling feelings of anxiety and not being so miserable all the time-I should have done this a long time ago. I'm finally getting my life back."

• Fhd...
• October 1, 2018

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2025

For Anxiety and Stress "I’m now week 6 on 25 of sertraline… been on the medication before. The side effects going on this time were worse, I have felt some relief, but this last week has been pure hell. Trying my very best to keep going, reading all the reviews on here daily is keeping me going. Not sure whether I need to increase my dose, but frightened I’ll get all the side effects again. Really hope I get some relief again soon. I have lost weight, insomnia, headaches, overwhelming thoughts, and ruminating."

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

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on sertraline for 10½ weeks now, 2½ weeks at 50 mg and 8 weeks at 100 mg. This drug is amazing, though the initial side effects can be rough (increased anxiety, insomnia, hand tremors, nausea, headaches, bruising more easily). The worst for me were the anxiety uptick and the insomnia, but my G.P. gave me clonazepam (0.25 mg twice daily or as needed). I used the clonazepam for about 6 weeks on and off, and they were a great help. The side effects are only temporary, so please hang in there. Give sertraline time (at least 8 weeks) to build up in your system before deciding whether to continue or not. I am so glad I constantly read and re-read the positive reviews on here when I was battling through the first few weeks. I feel like a different person now. Anxiety is practically non-existent, I am calmer, more able to cope with stress, and generally happier all around. This medication made me realize that God can and does use 'big pharma' to help people with chemical imbalances."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2022

Sertraline for Depression "I suffer from GAD, that triggers depression. I started at 50 mg, then went up to 100 mg after 7 days. Week 1 was a living nightmare - increased anxiety, very suicidal, headaches, and some insomnia. I’d constantly read other people’s experiences on Zoloft for the slightest glimpse of hope, and I’m so happy I can say on day 9, I felt like myself again. I was on this drug for close to a year and thought because I was doing well, I should get off… well, 2 months after I relapsed. And now here I am, back on meds. I hope my experience can give others hope. Do not give up. I promise it gets better and is 100% worth the wait. Zoloft saved my life."

• Sal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2013

Sertraline for Depression "I have been on this for 3 days now. On the first day, I got severe sharp headaches in the back of my head and didn't feel as hungry as normal. The second day, I wasn't hungry at all and felt a little sick. Today, I woke up and almost fainted, my vision was blurry, I had a loud ringing in my ears, and almost threw up. I've been dizzy all day and barely eaten. The side effects are horrible, but I'm going to stick with it to see if it works."

• Anonymous
• April 9, 2010

Sertraline for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I've been taking 25mg for PMDD for about a month and a half. On advice of my doctor, I am taking it every day instead of just during PMDD symptoms. It has been absolutely wonderful! The first couple of days I took the whole 25 mg in the morning. I found this to give me headaches and tremors. So I decided to split the pill in 2 pieces and take half in the morning and half with lunch. I only had to do this for about a week; I now take the whole 25 mg in the morning, with or without food, no problems. No serious side effects, definitely not enough to outweigh the benefits. Zoloft has absolutely given me my life back! I was afraid to take it, especially after all of the negative reviews, but I am so happy I gave it a try. Wonderful!"

• hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2016

For Depression "Before I was dead, and now I feel alive. It has been a miracle for me. I stand in public places and think I am here and not afraid. I feel like a part of society again. The first 2 weeks were bad-headaches, feeling sick, etc. However, after 4 weeks, it started to get better. Stick with it. It has been a lifesaver for me."

• DCa...
• March 18, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "If you're like me, you combed through all these reviews because you're afraid to try the meds. Here's my story - I had a few bad nights of sleep that turned into severe anxiety about sleep. I was afraid of going to bed and would toss and turn for hours, it's like my body forgot how to sleep. It created a downward spiral of panic and anxiety, and my mood had tanked. I could barely function anymore, and all my thoughts were extremely negative. I started with 25 mg because I was afraid of side effects. For about a week, I had a constant headache, very slight trembling in my hands, and was a bit jittery. Within that week, I started having less panic and anxiety. Now, the anxiety surrounding sleep has essentially gone. After a month, I bumped up to 50 mg and only had a slight headache as a result. I finally feel like I'm out of the woods and can put this experience behind me. If you've been afraid to try it, just DO IT. Stick with it because the side effects WILL go away."

• Kav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2023

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "This medication has completely changed my life. I cannot be more grateful for the way it has completely eliminated my self-harm urges, aggressive outbursts, and panic attacks. I used to be explosively reactive, constantly in a state of fear and negativity. I would scream and yell and cry for hours, I would hit myself and self-harm. I would take everything personally and feel that everyone was out to get me, and everything felt like the end of the world all the time. Since taking this medication, I feel calm, focused, and at peace. Even if there is a stressful situation, I do not react poorly, but instead, I am clear-headed, and I can feel my hurt but handle it much better. My self-esteem has soared, I can now determine how I should be treated rather than accept disrespect due to my bad self-image. I can stand up for myself but be understanding towards others at the same time. My dosage is 20 mg, and the only side effects I have experienced are nausea, fatigue, and headache (first 2-3 weeks)."

• Ben...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Been on sertraline for 4 months now, my mood and anxiety have vastly improved. Back at work now and coping with the days. Started on 50 mg, did have headaches for about a week, but they have subsided now. GP upped the dose to 100 mg as I was still having some bad days anxiety-wise. A lot better now, did have headaches again when the dose was upped. Can’t believe this medication has given me my old self back."

• 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."