Sertraline and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ren...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2022

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I’m a 32-year-old female that started taking Zoloft a week ago! Your comments really helped me to even start taking it, so thanks to everyone that left a review because I’m scared of medicine. I am to leave a review in hopes to help someone like me! I started on 25mg but broke it in half to get it into my system for one week, and I will move up to my 25mg. But my experience so far: I have had sleepless nights, headaches, diarrhea. I haven’t really been hungry, but y’all, don’t let that scare you like it did me. I’m telling you, even on a small dose I can tell a small adjustment already, and I will be back in another week to update y’all on the dose increase, but take a leap of faith and try it. I can already tell I’m feeling somewhat better just in a week! We are all in this together!"

• Wan...
• March 20, 2014

Sertraline for Depression "Zoloft. You made me REALIZE, I've been locked out of HEAVEN for too long (I've been dancing and cleaning on this Bruno Mars song all morning). That's how I feel on my medication! I'm on day 4 of 50 mg and I'm supposed to increase it to 100 mg after 10 days. I have been having side effects since the first day such as shaking, abdominal pain, insomnia but nothing too major compared to what the 'Beast' (yes! I call my anxiety the beast hehe) had me endure before. So I really don't mind those side effects because I know what's ahead of me is going to be spectacular. I've never had so much faith in my life before, at least not that I remember."

• New...
• January 29, 2009

Sertraline for Depression "I just started Zoloft 3 days ago, and the side effects so far have been very clear. For me, I haven't been able to eat. I've never been a good eater, but I don't need to lose weight, and I am eating maybe half of what I used to just a few days ago. Nothing seems to taste very good, and I feel full after very little food. I get nausea for about 10-15 minutes about 4-5 times a day, that I didn't have before. My head feels really weird, like I can feel the chemicals running through my brain. It's really weird. I had problems sleeping before taking Zoloft, so not sure if that is a side effect. A lot of good reviews - going to stick it out."

• Tre...
• September 6, 2016

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "Never written a review in my life. Was often on these sites reading people's experiences and hoping 1 day I would be me again. I'm not me, I'm happier than I can remember. When you're used to living with anxiety daily, you don't realize how it actually feels to be 'normal'. Suffered panic attacks at night that came from absolutely nowhere, no warnings or triggers and gradually affected my day-to-day life. Started 50mg, first 2 weeks side effects were pretty harsh: insomnia, increased anxiety, nausea. Was having second thoughts at 4 weeks as didn't see much improvement. Week 5 felt like a switch was turned on in my head. Give this drug 6-8 weeks minimum. It has been life-changing for me."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 30, 2017

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "Life saver. Few side effects initially (increased depression and anxiety, decreased appetite, insomnia and agitation), no side effects long term. Push through those horrible first two weeks. At week three my depression was GONE, agitation completely gone, panic attacks gone. Some general anxiety, But that subsided after a couple of months. I was on this medication for a year, and got off it with little to no withdrawal symptoms. I STRONGLY recommend starting as low as 12.5 mg for a week, then 25 for a week. Cut the 25 mg tablets in half. This eases those horrible initial side effects, especially anxiety and agitation. Big hugs and high five to all of you anxiety/depression sufferers out there. You can and you Will get better!"

• Pyr...
• January 8, 2020

For Depression "Sertraline has changed my life for the better. It was a living nightmare getting through the first 8 weeks of side effects. I almost gave up several times, they were so bad. I experienced explosive diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, overeating, extreme tiredness, insomnia, loss of sex drive, inability to orgasm, loss of all emotion, and severe anxiety. I had to take time off work to deal with the physical and emotional side effects of this drug. I also had to have someone come and stay with me. Despite the terrible side effects, it has made me feel like myself for the first time in 10 years. Thanks to this drug, the negative thoughts in my head are locked away in a dungeon somewhere, and crying no longer rules my life. I feel happy, strong, confident, motivated, and finally at peace with myself. I know this drug is not for everyone, but it works for me, and if I can encourage anyone to just buckle down through the side effects...you'll make it to the other side."

• ric...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 6, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "I was so bad I couldn't leave my house with crippling anxiety. I got sertraline 100mg. I had a horrible time for 3 months straight - you name the side effects, I had everyone. But, after reading the positive experiences, I just kept soldiering on through the sweats, panic, not sleeping - everything. But then I started feeling a bit better, a day here and a day there. Still anxious but not crippled by it. Lately, I feel so amazing, like alive again. Life is so amazing. So, please don't give up. This is a brilliant game-changer drug. It changes your life, gives you it back, but even better. Keep your head up, keep moving forward, stay sober, don't drink, get into meditation or brain games until it kicks in. God bless, guys. ❤️"

• a...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 30, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've been following these comments for a couple of months, they helped me so much. I had to write in about my experience with Zoloft 50mg for panic and anxiety. First, you have to stick with it for 8 weeks minimum. I had terrible side effects for 4 weeks, increased panic and anxiety, and insomnia. I also lost 10 lbs and felt like my metabolism increased. At just about 4 weeks, side effects were gone. At 8 weeks, I feel so relaxed and panic-free. It is AMAZING, wow. This is what you are supposed to feel like! If you have a stressful job like me, I don't have time for anxiety and panic. I am also doing talk therapy and meditation. I sleep great. I do use medicinal herb for sleep every night. I am completely off of benzos!"

• Kit...
• June 21, 2017

Sertraline for Depression "20-year-old female, prescribed 50 mg for major depressive disorder, social anxiety, and just overall generalized anxiety. Been on 50 mg for 3 months now. Side effects were minor, which consisted of insomnia, loss of appetite, and nausea, though they subsided within the first few weeks and I now experience none. I love Zoloft! I can live again! I'm laughing and going out with friends, not laying in bed all day. I can finally breathe, my surroundings seem so much brighter, I don't harbor hate anymore, I'm me again. More ambitious and creative like I was before I fell into this self-destructive path of depression two years ago. I no longer have the desire to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. I wish I got on Zoloft a long time ago."

• RBa...
• February 10, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "So here goes... I started taking 50mg of sertraline exactly 1 month ago today for the treatment of anxiety and stress. I’d wake up during the night sweating, trembling, and feeling totally out of control with panic. My GP advised me to start at the 50mg dose! The side effects were horrible! Insomnia, trembling, dry mouth, and increased anxiety! I pushed through the first few weeks and it totally paid off! I’m about 75% back to my normal self after 1 month. Please give it a chance."

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2023

For Anxiety and Stress "I recently suffered crippling panic attacks and anxiety to the point where I couldn’t leave the house. After months of going into a downward spiral, I asked my doctor to put me on sertraline. I knew to expect some side effects, and oh my goodness, nothing could have prepared me for the first two weeks on this medication. I experienced every single side effect: nausea, low appetite, insomnia (still have that now!), tingling, worse anxiety, sweating profusely, trembling/shaking, and peeing all the time. I felt awful, at one point, I wanted to stop, but reading the reviews on here kept me going. I’m so glad I stuck it out, and now I am 6 weeks in, and most of the side effects have gone (only insomnia remains, and it’s mild!), and I feel back to my old self on 50mg. I am so relaxed and happy every day, and what used to worry me doesn’t anymore. I would say to anyone suffering through the first two horrendous weeks to stick it out, IT DOES GET BETTER!"

• Ano...
• February 5, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "I'm 53 and been battling anxiety since I was in my twenties. It all started one day out of the blue with that dreaded feeling of fear and that things didn't make sense, as if I was losing my mind. On top of sheer panic, a dry throat, a tummy that was swirling around like a washing machine. To top it all off, was that awful feeling of how frightened I was and that something awful was going to happen to me. So, along came sertraline 50mg and my journey of getting my life back. These tablets are life savers, but people treating anxiety have to start somewhere, and it won't happen overnight. Please stick with the program, you will most probably experience insomnia, headaches, trembling limbs, and a feeling of the worst panic and runaway thoughts ever. But after a couple of weeks, you 'will' start to see your sunshine again."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "Game changer, BUT be prepared that it might make your depression worse for 2-4 weeks. It made me feel terrible and affected my sleep, but reading the positive reviews on here helped me continue. And I've never felt so good in my life. I can't believe I put off taking medication for the last 20 years. I exercise, work on my mental and physical fitness, don't drink alcohol, etc., but still always battled anxiety and worry. These tablets have 100% stopped these worries!! Amazing. I'm now 3 months in."

• Ivy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Sertraline is life-changing. I took this in 2017-2018 for postnatal anxiety. In a constant state of panic, I wasn’t sleeping, vomiting, having really irrational and powerful thoughts, very teary, and thought my partner would leave me. In September 2019, I had a breakdown following my mum's death. It started with anxiety which I couldn’t shake, and before I knew it, I was in a constant state of panic. I didn’t eat, was gagging, vomiting, and physically shaking. I couldn’t look after my daughter and was scared to be alone, sleep, and wake. I thought I had lost my mind. The first week on it was hell, although I was prepared for this. I was taking Valium and had someone with me. I started to have small breaks from panic. Then by week 3/4, I was really coming out of a dark place, mostly functioning and present in the moment, enjoying my family. On week 5, I had a bit of a wobble and upped my dose to 75mg from 50mg, and now in week 6, I am feeling 90% well. Please get help and take your medication. You do not have to suffer!"

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 24, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’m in my 40s and was prescribed sertraline 25 mg to start help with anxiety and insomnia. The nurse suggested to do half for 2 weeks until I adjusted and then the full tablet. I started with 1/4 of a 25 mg tablet and had some side effects like increased anxiety, insomnia, headaches, restless legs, and dizziness. It took about 3 months to adjust and then move up to 1/2 tablet and all the side effects came back again. This is my experience, and I’m super sensitive, have PTSD, anxiety, insomnia, intrusive thoughts, and OCD. The benefits have been that I’m able to leave the house most days, take showers (which used to cause panic attacks), no weight gain, fewer headaches, but the insomnia did not improve. If I increase my dose, I have to do liquid sertraline since my genetics test revealed that I’m sensitive to this medication."

• Myl...
• April 21, 2019

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I've been on Sertraline for two years now. I was prescribed it for social anxiety, which I suffered from for as long as I can remember. It took around 3 months to start to work. The first month or two was hard. The side effects were difficult to get through. Feeling out of it, dizzy, unable to sleep, clenched jaw at night, but I stuck it out and they went away. I have no anxiety and feel comfortable in social situations now. I'm happier and get less angry. It's completely changed my life."

• Lou...
• September 5, 2016

Sertraline for Depression "I've been on the generic sertraline 50mg for about two weeks, and I feel so much better. I was very depressed, irritable, had insomnia, and felt like a total failure at life. I had a little diarrhea at first, but then I also have IBS so I wasn't surprised. After a few days, that stopped. I feel like my old self again, like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I'm even singing again, I haven't done that in about a year. I was in denial for a long time, I told myself I could handle the depression - I was wrong. This is the first antidepressant I've been on, and I am very pleased with how much it has helped me."

• thi...
• April 30, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "Prescribed Mirtazapine for 18 months for mild depression. I started panicking and depression worsened. I became hyper-anxious. I was lucky to get a different doctor when I turned up hysterical at the surgery. He took me off Mirtazapine and moved me gradually onto sertraline. It was horrific. I couldn't eat or sleep, I paced for hours in circles. For 12 weeks, I was a suicide-focused, unstable, shaking, retching mess. I lost 2 stone. I was given a pre-set dose of diazepam and lorazepam at intervals throughout the day. My husband or mother shuttled me backwards and forwards, so I was never left alone. Gradually, we built up the dosage of sertraline to 200mg and stopped the benzos. I don't feel anxiety or depression, I feel fantastic, confident, energetic, and happy."

• Pab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Been on sertraline 50mg for a week, would just like to help some people who have been suffering from the side effects. I'm a 40-year-old male who was very reluctant to start this medication but the anxiety became overwhelming. First of all, I must stress that everybody is different, but for me, the first 4-5 days were horrendous. Nausea, dizziness, insomnia, heightened anxiety - took 3 days off work. BUT on the 6th day, started feeling better, now it's the 7th day, and all side effects have pretty much gone, apart from some tinnitus. Hoping the tablets will work in the long run, but hope this will help you if you're struggling initially with the side effects. Good luck, you're not alone x"

• Cee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2021

For Panic Disorder "I checked this page weekly for good reviews for about a year as I was too scared to start sertraline! I would constantly check reviews and forums obsessing over side effects. My panic and anxiety attacks took over my daily life with heart palpitations, tension headaches, intrusive thoughts, weight gain, and a general low mood. I hit rock bottom and finally reached for the tablets. I started off on 25mg for 2 weeks then increased to 50mg. I felt a bit drugged/spaced out the first few days with a loss of appetite and unable to sleep the full night. My anxiety lifted after around 4/5 weeks and I have never felt better, my mood is much more stable and I am sleeping well. Please, if you are reading this like me, take the tablets!!! They do work after time and I am finally looking forward to the future ☺️"

• Chr...
• October 9, 2015

Sertraline for Postpartum Depression "Zoloft saved my life after having postnatal anxiety after the birth of each of my children. I had severe anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia which led to depression. I was fearful about being alone. I was hospitalized for 8-12 weeks each time. Anxiety and depression are heightened when you first start this medication, so don't give up on it. Give it a chance to work. It took at least 8-10 weeks to start feeling like myself again, then 12 weeks for symptoms to disappear. Don't be afraid to take a sedative at the start to ease the bumpy side effects. Stick it out. It will be worth it in the long run. I frantically googled reviews on here just like you, so I wanted to write my story to encourage another mom experiencing similar symptoms."

• Anx...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 1, 2013

Sertraline for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have struggled with anxiety for years, and I've improved Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in a way that would increase my quality of life. I've been taking 50 to 250 milligrams of Zoloft for the course of almost 7 years, and I've been getting 5 to 8 hours of sleep every day. I was going from C's and D's in school to mostly A's and B's, and my memory was becoming crystal clear. When I decided to go down to 25mg, I began to experience more anxiety, more depression, more insomnia, and more OCD-like symptoms. Even if I had a good day under 25mg of Zoloft, I wasn't confident about myself and didn't like the person that I was becoming. I'm telling you, this medication does work to treat your anxiety, it just takes time to work."

• 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."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2015

Sertraline for Depression "I've been on Zoloft for 3 months now. Initially, I suffered from side effects such as shivering, loss of appetite, drowsiness, and insomnia. These symptoms lasted for about three days. I was scared at first and planned on trying another medication for anxiety. However, I called my cousin who is a nurse, and she told me to try cutting the pill in half. I took my cousin's advice and cut the pill in half, taking only 25mg a day, which works really well for me. I'm 5'4, 130 lbs. I no longer suffer from anxiety. After taking Zoloft, I realized that I was suffering from depression. Zoloft alleviates my anxiety and has greatly helped with my depression. I now feel happier and more motivated to do things right away without procrastinating. Life-changer!"