Sertraline and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2014

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I have tried other anti-anxiety medications but they gave me terrible side effects. Zoloft has almost completely taken away my anxiety, and the only side effect I have is sleep loss that is corrected by a sleep aid. I am so much happier, and my life has been so much better since being on this medication. I experienced this almost right away after starting the medication. I didn't realize how much my anxiety had really been affecting my life until I started using Zoloft."

• 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."

• So...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2025

For Depression "I am really not one for writing reviews, etc., but I had to on sertraline. I was very low with depression, anxiety, and stress. I had insomnia and tried other antidepressants prescribed to me, which made me feel worse. I was finally put on sertraline 6 weeks ago today, and I can honestly say it’s the best I’ve felt in a long while. I feel more confident, less stressed and uptight, and my sleep has improved. Hopefully, this continues for the foreseeable. I was constantly on here reading reviews about the other medication I tried, thinking why can’t I feel better. There is something out there for everyone, just keep patient, and you’ll find what works. 10/10 so far from me."

• 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."

• Sav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2012

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I felt the change after the first dose, and now I can live again. I was always so scared to even leave the house. I was always so jealous of my wife, thinking she would cheat or that someone was talking about me, always afraid of what people thought. I look back now and think, who was that person? Now with all kinds of energy, my sex life is so much better. I am losing weight, I was an emotional eater. That's gone. I am a new man, I am a better person. Zoloft saved my life and my marriage. I am so focused now, I have accomplished more in 6 months than in 6 years. Not really any side effects that are bad, other than a little tremble once in a while, and I can't sleep sometimes."

• Ari...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 16, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been dealing with manageable anxiety for a few years until a few months ago, then my allergy to pollen caused shortness of breath that triggered a few panic attacks. I tried for a few weeks to stay away from meds, but my anxiety and racing thoughts got worse. I started with 10 mg of Escitalopram but couldn’t take it for more than two days due to the horrible reactions, i.e., increased blood pressure, trembling hands and legs, and heart palpitations. I switched to Sertraline 25 mg, and my anxiety started to fade slowly, and the appetite is back. I’m on day 10, and since yesterday, my mood boosted significantly, and racing thoughts almost disappeared. I am still dealing with side effects such as mild insomnia, dizziness, and low energy. It’s probably very early to judge, but I am glad the med gave me some relief so far."

• 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!"

• Ano...
• June 13, 2018

Sertraline for Depression "I wanted to share my experience to give people hope. Four months ago, I started having debilitating panic attacks almost daily, which then turned into a constant anxiety, not wanting to leave the house or do anything anymore, insomnia, and the deepest depression I have ever known. I tried whatever I could to rid myself of it... meditation, therapy, self-help books, diet, supplements. I had been very anti-medication for myself. The first 3 days on Zoloft weren’t easy. I had insomnia, was shaky and felt agitated, zoning out and crying and crying. I am on day 4 now, and I woke up this morning with the clearest mind. I haven’t felt like this in as long as I can remember. I feel so positive. I know it’s only early days, but this gives me enormous hope. I am increasing my dose and pushing through any side effects. Don’t suffer endlessly as I have."

• jlp...
• October 2, 2013

Sertraline for Depression "I have tried to battle my way through significant anxiety at work and an increase in depressive symptoms for several years. I came to the decision that I was unable to keep the momentum of fighting by myself and saw my GP. This took a lot of courage and fighting feelings of failure as although I work in the Mental health field and recommend this type of medication for clients, I was not transferring this to myself. I have taken it for 5 weeks with very positive results in terms of mood and anxiety levels gradually improving, it's not perfect, but I wouldn't expect that. I am taking 50mg daily. Side effects have been increased insomnia, but without so much anxiety, so it's bearable. I will continue to take it for a considerable period."

• Zee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "This medication has changed my life. I started off with dizzy spells caused by anxiety induced by panic attacks, they were lasting me for hours. I was constantly in bed. I thought I had vertigo, but an ENT surgeon confirmed it was anxiety induced because I had all the other anxiety and panic disorder symptoms too. I was cautious of taking sertraline because of bad reviews and side effects, however, I had to take it as a last resort. I felt nauseous for the first week, had disturbed sleep, however, after a few weeks my anxiety subsided. I was no longer dizzy or light-headed, I was able to smile again and was back to my normal self. I started doing yoga, meditation, and started eating healthy. I even started losing weight. This medicine is a lifesaver. Please try it yourself, don't let the bad reviews put you off. This medicine has saved my life."

• SR-...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2018

For Depression "OK folks, here is my story. I'm a 56 y/o male in good health. I never knew that 'Depression' was my problem. My Doctor put me on a 50mg dose that I take every morning. The first 3 days were awful. Insomnia, anxiety, and some GI issues. I pushed through as my Doctor told me that it will take some time to work. On day 8, I woke up and felt clear-headed. I was happy to start the day. I feel fantastic now! Tons of energy that I can 'turn on' in an instant. I sleep well, I laugh at problems that used to trip my trigger. I feel well and balanced. It's like being a kid again. Everything is magical and new again. My real personality is now showing, and I love it too. I lost 20 lbs, my sex life is 'supercharged too.' I know everyone is different, but for me the results are outstanding. Sertraline (sp?) changed my life. I love being 'me' again. Wonderful ;-)"

• Sea...
• February 25, 2013

Sertraline for Depression "I have suffered from depression for about six years now. I am a female and about to turn 22. I was put on Zoloft because I recently began to experience severe anxiety over little things. Walking around campus terrified me. I couldn't go through drive-thrus or phone someone I didn't know. My mood swings were becoming ridiculous, and I had been having more obsessive suicidal thoughts. I started Zoloft 50mg, and everything was wonderful for a month, then it wore off. I slipped back into severe depression. I just started taking 100mg and feel so much better! The only side effects I have experienced are a little insomnia, slight loss of appetite, random hand twitching, and some forgetfulness. I finally enjoy life and don't want to just give up."

• bro...
• August 31, 2013

Sertraline for Depression "I have major depression for several years. It is worse lately with suicidal thoughts. I started out on 25 mg for four weeks and saw little difference other than typical side effects. The fatigue was overwhelming for 10 days but got better after two weeks. I upped the dose to 50 mg and had bad anxiety and trembling inside for about six weeks, but now I am happy to say I'm much better - no trembling, sometimes anxious, but the sertraline has definitely been worth it. I'm still not sleeping as well as I would like, waking up three times a night and getting up at 4 a.m. wide awake. To all of you who are just starting on it, hang in there - it will get better."

• New...
• December 26, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "After some significant life changes (new city, house, job, other family changes) I started experiencing panic attacks. After a major panic attack in particular, I was in a seemingly permanent state of anxiety and depression. I wasn’t house-bound and remained high-functioning, but inside my head, I was a wreck. Although medication is rare for me (I prefer natural alternatives and talk therapy), I felt that my struggle was significant enough that I needed something extra to boost my recovery. I worked with my doctor, and he prescribed 25 mg of sertraline. 5 weeks later, I am thrilled with how this lower dosage has positively impacted my mood and made me feel like I can tackle this adjustment process. While all of us hope for instant results, patience is critical. Sure, there were good and bad days in those first few weeks (including several insomnia-induced sleeps), but I feel like sertraline was a critical tool to help in my recovery and worth what few side effects I experienced."

• 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."

• ben...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "SO GRATEFUL - HANG IN THERE! Diagnosed with GAD in early 30s, always catastrophizing, worried & at 38 had full-scale breakdown with panic attacks & inability to function. Discovered OCD was playing a role. Doctor signed me off work for 4 weeks, referred for CBT & prescribed 50mg Sertraline. The first 2.5 weeks were hell. Worry turned into terror - I was shaking, scared of everything (even my house), couldn't sleep, felt sick for the first few days & could only lay on the sofa or in bed. I read these reviews daily of others' experiences to keep me going (& you should too). By week 3 I suddenly felt more positive & started doing a few jobs here & there, wanted to start facing fears & putting ghosts to rest. By week 4 I felt (and still feel) absolutely amazing. Returned to work a week early. The drug allows me to rationally acknowledge fears without obsessing & I see the world clearly again. Hang in there if you're in early weeks - it really is worth it."

• Che...
• July 28, 2015

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "About 2 years ago, I started experiencing the worst panic attacks of my life. I thought I was having a pulmonary embolism & went to the emergency room twice. After blood work, ECGs, heart monitors, and chest X-rays, I finally accepted I was suffering from anxiety. I went to see my doctor & I've been on Zoloft 50mg for approximately 10 months. The first 3 months on Zoloft honestly were the worst months of my life. My anxiety was 10 times worse, I was experiencing horrible insomnia, dry mouth, and a permanent yawn. The side effects have subsided, and I'm so thankful to be anxiety-free even though it took almost 4 months. I would definitely recommend Zoloft and tell everyone to just stick out the first few months! Good luck! You are not alone :)"

• Pea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 16, 2019

For Depression "I took 50mg for over three years, and they were the best three years of my life. Due to some weight gain, and I guess curiosity as to whether I could manage without them, I tapered off. After a few months, although over a stone in weight had fallen off me, I was becoming increasingly irritable, emotional, and dark thoughts returned. After this triggered several nights of no sleep whatsoever, I recognized the signs and began taking Sertraline again. I had forgotten how brutal the initial side effects were, I basically did not sleep for around 2 weeks, felt more depressed and anxious than before, and generally felt like I’d been hit by a train. I also felt they were taking longer to work than last time, and I despaired wondering if they would work again. But of course, they did. I am in week 5 now, back to sleeping like a baby, and feel actually happy and able to cope with my life. It’s a wonder drug, I cannot explain how much Sertraline has changed my life! I will never stop taking it."

• esg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2025

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Please give sertraline a chance. I have used it three times now, and every single time it’s changed my life. I was plunged into insomnia, anxiety, and depression seemingly out of the blue 7 weeks ago. I started sertraline knowing from previous experience what I was in for. I had every side effect under the sun: nausea, vomiting, explosive stomach, severe insomnia, weird awake dreams, uptick in intrusive thoughts. The first 4-5 weeks were a living hell. I was on zopiclone every night just to get me two hours of relief. I had diazepam when the side effects got too much. Then, in the 5th week-50 mg and two days into 75 mg-the lights came on, and my life was saved. Give this drug a chance. You will get better. It takes time, patience, and courage. The end result is worth all the pain."

• esg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2025

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Please give sertraline a chance. I have used it three times now, and every single time it’s changed my life. I was plunged into insomnia, anxiety, and depression seemingly out of the blue 7 weeks ago. I started sertraline knowing from previous experience what I was in for. I had every side effect under the sun: nausea, vomiting, explosive stomach, severe insomnia, weird awake dreams, uptick in intrusive thoughts. The first 4-5 weeks were a living hell. I was on zopiclone every night just to get me two hours of relief. I had diazepam when the side effects got too much. Then, in the 5th week-50 mg and two days into 75 mg-the lights came on, and my life was saved. Give this drug a chance. You will get better. It takes time, patience, and courage. The end result is worth all the pain."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2017

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "After taking Zoloft (50 mg) for only a few days, I feel incredibly lucky to have had such a positive experience with it. For about an hour after I take it I get stomach cramps that resemble menstrual cramps, but after that, I go into a really positive mood and I just want to tell everybody how much I appreciate them. I don't get sick from overthinking minor details anymore, and all of my emotions feel more stable and controllable. I'm experiencing slight restlessness and difficulty falling asleep, but I'm taking that as a positive, as I feel like I got my energy back. I do clench my jaw at night now though. I have no appetite and I'm losing weight, but I used to overeat due to anxiety so I don't mind it. I never thought I could be this happy."

• Tho...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 10, 2023

For Anxiety and Stress "It all started with panic attacks (convinced myself I was dying). Which also triggered anxiety worrying about potential panic attacks to come. I contacted my GP, and he put me on 50 mg of sertraline. The first 2-3 weeks are the worst. It intensified my anxiety, I suffered with insomnia. I was sweating profusely, loss of appetite, and breathlessness. Although I did find the breathlessness soon dissipated. PLEASE STICK WITH IT, IT DOES GET BETTER!! One day during the 4th week, it was like someone had turned the anxiety switch off. Life was great. I was back to normality. I went back to work, I was enjoying life again. It was great. 6 months down the line, I failed to heed the doctor's advice and decided it was time to come off sertraline. For months after, I was fine, or so I thought. Then last Friday, lo and behold, major panic attack out of nowhere and anxiety through the roof. I immediately contacted my GP and managed to get back on the tablets. I'm on day 2, wow, it's hard, but I've been here before. Stay strong!"

• Mag...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 11, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "Due to stresses of life, I found over time that the pressure was wearing me down. I started to feel that I couldn’t breathe, which triggered panic and anxiety. I fought taking medication as I thought that made me feel as if I was a weak person, but eventually my family pressured me into taking it. The first few weeks, I barely slept, and thought sertraline was the worst thing ever, but I stuck it out. It was very close not to, but it was definitely worth it. I slowly started to feel like myself again, which I thought I would never feel again. It's been a year since I'm off the tablets, and I feel great. All I can say is, bear with the side effects... it does get better."