Sertraline and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Eli...
• April 22, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am prescribed generic Zoloft (Sertraline) 50 mg once a day for anxiety and depression. I am sensitive to drugs, so I only take half, 25 mg. Since I've been on it, I've only had one or two mild panic attacks over the course of 2 years! I was having attacks 3x a week or more before taking it. It helped reduce compulsive behaviors and definitely helped my social anxiety issues immensely. Before Sertraline, I felt like I couldn't even act normal in public. For me, there is a mental as well as a physical effect. Even being in public spaces where I would normally be incredibly anxious, I feel physically better, smoother. The only side effect was a light headache that only lasted the first week. I would definitely recommend starting on a low dose!"

• sha...
• February 14, 2011

Sertraline for Depression "I've been taking Zoloft for 6 months now. Began at 25 mg and worked up to 75 mg. I'm a person who hates being on medicines, so I tapered off to 50 mg and then tried to go back down to 25 mg. Unfortunately, the symptoms came back, racing pulse and anxiety. I'm now back at 50 mg and feel even-keeled. It has been humbling for me to admit that I need this medication, and I dislike how it makes you feel dependent on it, but I also realize it is doing its job. I have lost 5-10 pounds since starting it. The first few weeks, I was in a fog and suffered horrible headaches and nausea, but per my doctor's words, those symptoms did subside. I've not had a single panic attack since starting Zoloft."

• Lun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2019

Sertraline for Depression "I started Zoloft 50 mg a week ago. I’ve been battling depression for a long time and finally had the strength to seek help, but the side effects have been a problem: diarrhea, headache, panic attacks, and extremely lightheaded to the point that I fainted and ended up at the ER. The doctor recommended to keep drinking and give it at least two more weeks while my body adjusts to it. I hope to start feeling better."

• Zol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2017

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "This is my third day on Zoloft. The symptoms are like a roller coaster. 50 mg/day. I feel like I'm on speed. No appetite, can't sleep, wake up shaky, have the sweats with a light headache, and now today I can't get out of bed and my vision is weird... Everything I've read online says these are normal, and one day I'll wake up and feel like a million bucks. I hope this is the case because these side effects are super weird."

• the...
• January 16, 2019

Sertraline for Major Depressive Disorder "Took this drug for 2 years at 100 mg to treat general anxiety, major depression, and PTSD. It was a lifesaver. I went from not being able to leave the house to being a normally functioning human. However, I had horrible side effects the entire time. I had severe hair loss, I was never hungry - I lost 15 pounds taking this. I was sweaty all the time despite being calm instead of anxious. Could not tolerate any alcohol. Had a lot of headaches. Ground my teeth at night. Could not orgasm EVER. Was also in therapy the entire time I took this - with the goal of getting off of it once I was able to deal with things on my own from therapy. Took a 3 month taper and lots of Benadryl to help me sleep, but I got off it and haven't taken any meds in 5 years. You have to weigh the pros and cons. It was a bridge to get my mental health where I needed it to be on my own. Would only ever take it again if I was SEVERELY depressed and for a much shorter length of time because the withdrawal 'brain zaps' sucked."

• And...
• March 8, 2012

Sertraline for Depression "I suffered from inherited depression (chemical imbalance). My family doctor put me and my mother on it at the same time. We both were nauseous and had headaches for the first 2 weeks, they subsided. Then we went up a dose after a month to 100 mg and had the same side effects again, but then they went away. Now we are both happy-go-lucky. Zoloft made me normal again, which I had forgotten what normal was years ago. Saved my marriage and my life as well. I recommend taking it at night, though."

• Jim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed Lexapro and Wellbutrin and had terrible side effects on both. I only lasted 4 days on them before I had to stop. I then started Zoloft 25 mg two weeks ago, taking it at 8 a.m. each morning. The first week, I had some cases of increased anxiety, diarrhea, and a dull headache that lasted most of the day. Finally, after 8-10 days, all those side effects went away, and I felt much more calm and confident. I have energy again, and I am glad I took this medicine."

• Anonymous
• April 18, 2008

Sertraline for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I have not been taking Zoloft for very long, but for the little time I have been on it, it has truly made a difference in how I handle stressful situations. I am calmer about situations that I generally get angry about, and the headaches I used to have have decreased dramatically."

• Tee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been suffering from low mood and anxiety for a while now. Each day I just coped with it, trying to convince myself there is nothing wrong and too scared to seek help from anyone. I was trying to find other ways to deal with it. I used to panic in meetings, feel really agitated and uncomfortable, and blush. In situations like that, I found it severely stressing, and I couldn't think clearly or listen well to people, as all my mind was doing was constantly worrying. I was a wreck, and enough was enough, this wasn't how it should be. I took myself to the doctor that day and explained to her how I felt. She prescribed sertraline and said you should feel the benefits after a week or so. The first day of taking this, I had a headache and felt sick. The second day, much better, and the third day, I was thinking clearer and my mood was improving. I am now on day 5, and I feel like these tablets have given me a new lease on life."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2018

For Depression "Wow, I’ve been on this drug coming on 6 weeks. It has dramatically changed a lot. I’m a lot happier, I’m eating more, and my skin is better. I couldn’t be happier, and no side effects. I did have mild headaches for a few days, that’s it in the first 4 days. Very impressed. I’m so calm, I sleep, I eat, I talk, I wake up, and get up. :) Thanks, sertraline."

• Nic...
• July 28, 2015

For Depression "Well, I have been depressed most of my life. Not like I couldn't function, but just depressed like a normal state of mind. In 2011, I was on Mirtazapine, and this year, my world changed. I started my own business and I built my own corporation. Stress got me. I couldn't sleep without Zopiclone or Zolpidem to aid me. Stress led to anxiety and depression. My doctor prescribed several benzodiazepines and I almost got addicted to these. One day he said: 'This is medicine for anxiety (Sertraline). Take these. It'll help you. The first two weeks (today) were unbearable with headaches, rapid heartbeats, strange thoughts, feeling nauseous, cold/warm experiences, and I almost gave up. So glad I didn't, I am balanced, my thoughts are clear."

• Ind...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2016

For Depression "On day 8 of taking a 50 mg dose, and I cannot believe how effective this medication is. I was suffering from anxiety, extreme irritability, and low moods for a number of months before my doctor prescribed it for me. So far, the only side effect I have experienced is mild headaches, usually in the evening. I take my dose in the morning after breakfast, and I feel so much calmer, good-humored, and relaxed - more like the old me. I don't sweat the small stuff anymore and feel my stress levels have dropped considerably. Fingers crossed this good feeling lasts!"

• ALC...
• May 5, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’m currently on Day 4 of Sertraline, which I was prescribed for anxiety, and being that I may be trying to have a baby soon, my doctor said this drug is one of only a few “safe” for pregnancy. I know it’s early, but I spent the first night I was prescribed this medication reading horror stories about the early side effects, and my experience was not bad at all. I was nauseated the first day with a weird feeling in my jaw, but nothing debilitating. Day 2, woke up with a headache, but no more nausea or jaw issues. The headache subsided as I started my day. Day 3, woke up with a headache again... also went away pretty instantly as I started my day. Day 4, felt absolutely fine. I’ve had no issues sleeping either. I know it’s early, but like I said, some of the initial reactions here are pretty horrific. Overall, I feel pretty great having it only be 4 days in. I feel lighter and like my mind is not racing as much as it used to. I look forward to seeing how I feel in a few weeks."

• Anc...
• June 18, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I attempted staying on sertraline 3 times before I could handle it. The first time I took it in the morning. Bad choice. I was in a fog, my thought process was extremely slow and was paranoid that those I interacted with might notice the slow thought process. You get a kind of headache as if you were injected with a numbing shot in the head. Not like anything I've felt before. I had to give it a third shot after an embarrassing public anxiety attack. I never wanted to experience that again, so I stood my ground through side effects after reading reviews. So far, I've noticed less foggy side effects. Headaches seem to come around in the evening, but are manageable. I'm a lot more relaxed. Moods are stable and positive. Anxiety is under control."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 2, 2025

For Panic Disorder "Like most of you, I was terrified to take this medication. I have been dealing with agoraphobia and panic attacks for years. It finally got to the point where I was sick and tired of living a life of doing nothing. I wanted to be able to go out and have fun, and especially travel. I was prescribed 25 mg, but started at 12.5 mg to try and avoid side effects. I was on 12.5 mg for 3 weeks, then 25 mg for 6 weeks, then 37.5 mg for 1 week, and finally I am on 50 mg now. I had absolutely no side effects at all besides a headache for 4 days after going from 12.5 mg to 25 mg. As for my anxiety and panic attacks - the anxiety is still there, but it is manageable. I think if I go up to 75 mg I will feel a lot better, but for now I am on 50 mg and feel okay. Starting this medication was really difficult for me, but I'm glad I did it. I wish I had started it earlier. I am taking a flight in the next 3 weeks, and instead of dreading it, I am excited for it!"

• Mon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 28, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "Taking Sertraline first 7 days. I get 50 mg tablets first day, was vomiting, had a headache. I stopped taking them. I decided to try again with a smaller dose, 25 mg, due to the fact I was in bad condition 2.5 years after divorce, alone, stress at work, financial troubles, Christmas here. After 2-3 days, I spot I start to think more rationally, I start to be more confident at work, and I fell asleep straight after I went to bed. Now I have a 25 mg dose, still have a headache, and I'm very tired, but I can survive my day and I can tell I am starting to smile again. I'm very quiet, very pragmatic at work, stress doesn't make me anxious anymore. I started to be depressed a couple of years ago, with small breaks I never have been okay. I tried psychotherapy, exercises, changed my diet, supplements, prayed a lot, and meditated, but even with all that, my mind hasn't settled down. I was in a relationship with a toxic person, and I couldn't finish it. Sertraline makes me see realistically again. I need a couple of months to get back to the normal I was before."

• Mrs...
• December 10, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "So I am on day 8 of 50 mg of sertraline. I have been suffering from severe anxiety and obsessive negative thoughts for over 3 years after a very abusive marriage. I have two young children and find day-to-day life as a single parent a real struggle. So, the first day was pretty awful: dizziness, sickness, headache, increased agitation, and then a sleepless night. The sickness, headaches, and agitation continued for a good few days, but most of that has eased off now. I still get waves of anxiety and wake up feeling a little flat, but feel like my head is slightly more rational. So, day 8 today and the dizziness and shakes are still there, but I am really, really hoping that as some of the initial side effects are lifting, that it's an early sign they are going to work for me. Anyone else experiences the same and had a good experience? Any positive stories would really help right now :-)"

• Ksa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 22, 2020

For Depression "This medicine helps my depression! But please make lifestyle changes, as alone, it may not work. Start the smallest amount first, 25 mg or so, as it can cause headaches. But after two months, it can be rewarding. Good luck, and hope you get better!"

• Goo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Three weeks after starting this medication, sertraline, I feel so much calmer, more positive, and motivated. The first couple of weeks were difficult with nausea, intense headaches, eye pain, clenched jaw, dry mouth, yawning, itching, insomnia, and fatigue. However, the negative thoughts ceased almost immediately, so I was able to tolerate the physical side effects. Most of these side effects have gone, with the exception of fatigue. I plan to stay on this medication, as I feel more at peace and have a higher tolerance to stress."

• Daz...
• June 15, 2019

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I have been taking sertraline for about 18 months for PTSD now at a dosage of 200 mg. At first, I had a lot of side effects: insomnia, thoughts of wanting to die, bad stomach cramps, and severe headaches. After about 3 months of taking them, what came to me was what I describe as the second wave of side effects, which was sleeping almost all day and all night, and sweating a whole lot of the time. The way I now look at the second wave of side effects is that it is not a side effect at all, but my body and mind relaxing and getting rid of the built-up anger, aggression, stress, and the pain of PTSD, and as all that gets released from my body, it caused me to sleep. I have noticed myself not flying off the handle anymore, the suicidal thoughts gone, and the living parts of my past over and over again causing all this as I could not cope with reality slowly going. PTSD is an illness that I ignored and refused to believe I had. The sleeping all the time has now gone. For me, sertraline worked."

• Bre...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 18, 2015

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "After trying a few SSRIs that didn't work (Paxil, Lexapro) and a very bad stint with Remeron (ended up collapsing one night on my 3rd week, all the while my sleep was getting worse). Withdrawals from Remeron put me in a black hole. I nearly gave up. Started Zoloft and Ativan 1 mg for sleep. Headaches, dizziness, and exhaustion for several weeks (could also be the underlying depression), but I finally got stable enough to leave my parents' house and get my life together. Medication didn't really help my sleep (no antidepressant has), but it did help my social and general anxiety. Marked somnolence and felt very apathetic on it. No lows, but no highs. Helped GAD/SAD but not depression. I'm sensitive to meds, and I tolerated this one well."

• Cli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been suffering with anxiety for the past 6 weeks. I have taken sertraline a few years ago, so I thought I would try it again. It is now 10 days in, and I must admit I am not feeling good. Tummy pains, nausea, and headache. I am going to stick it out, and reading the reviews really helps. Keep looking at the calendar and really hoping it won’t be long before feeling normal again. It is now 4 weeks taking sertraline. I definitely felt a little better the past 5 days, however, today. Terrible upset tummy and anxiety. Just hoping it is a blimp and tomorrow will be a better day."

• Kid...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 20, 2021

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I fell sick during my 2nd year of college, and I was in and out of the hospital. They couldn’t find what was wrong with me. The doctors kept telling me that I was just dehydrated when I knew it was more than dehydration. I couldn’t eat or even drink something as simple as water. After seeing a specialist, I was diagnosed with a nervous stomach. My anxiety caused my stomach to literally stop functioning. I fell into depression and cried every day for no reason at all. Exams, classes, and COVID all took a major toll on me. I finally decided to see a psychiatrist, and she prescribed me Zoloft. Taking Zoloft was the BEST thing I could have ever done. Although the first two weeks were hard due to headaches and drowsiness, it was worth it. I finally feel like I can breathe. Honestly, stick to Zoloft. Get through the first two weeks. Everything will change for the better."

• Tae...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 3, 2013

Sertraline for Depression "I started these pills when I was 12 for anxiety and depression, and now I am 19. They work, that is to say, I'm not suicidal, and I can function in society, but I have certainly had side effects. No sex drive and cannot orgasm, terrible nausea and headaches, jaw clenching, vivid nightmares, and mood swings. It is definitely a give-and-take medicine if you can live with the effects."

• sti...
• February 27, 2012

Sertraline for Depression "Zoloft was great for controlling my depression, anxiety, and obsessive thinking. The side effects were not terrible, all but one of them went away in about a month. The ones that only lasted through the first month were: feeling tired and drained as well as an occasional but mild headache. However, the only long-lasting side effect was decreased sex drive, which unfortunately never subsided for me. The drive is still there, it just isn't as intense. This is a great medicine for depression, anxiety, and obsessive thoughts. If you haven't tried it, please do."