Sertraline and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 4)
Brand names: Zoloft
Reviews for Sertraline
- ace...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 12, 2017
For Depression "I am 51 and female. I have been on sertraline for 3 months, and I love it. I have not had or needed an alcoholic drink since I started on this med. I never thought I could give up my multiple glasses of red wine every night, but after taking a pill, I feel good for 24 hours at a time now instead of just for a few hours while drinking... and without the hangover or expense! Also, my blood pressure and pulse are much lower now; my body no longer aches all over; I'm not so nervous, agitated, or angry anymore. I no longer constantly think about death. I am satisfied with my job now, too, and no longer desire to quit. I'm also beginning to like myself. Side effects for me have mainly been a lack of appetite, some weight loss, and boring dreams."
- mar...
- August 14, 2015
Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I started Zoloft 4 years ago (at age 22) for GAD/panic. The first 3-5 weeks, I wanted to die from the side effects - extreme nausea, lack of appetite (lost 15 lbs on my 125 lb frame), cold sweats, anxiety increase, insomnia, and feeling overall hopeless! I started on 50 mg and increased to a therapeutic level of 100 mg. Over the last 4 years, I have been on top of the world - traveling, camping, building a home - and have slowly decreased my Zoloft to 12.5 mg a day for the past year. Three weeks ago, I got lazy about taking my medicine and didn't take it for 3 or 4 days in a row. Then I remembered and started taking it again. Two days later, it was like I was starting from square one (all the same effects). Don't fix what isn't broken - don't stop Zoloft."
Frequently asked questions
- How long does Zoloft (sertraline) withdrawal last?
- How long does Zoloft (sertraline) take to work?
- SSRIs vs SNRIs - What's the difference between them?
- Does Zoloft (sertraline) cause weight gain?
- 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!"
- Ali...
- June 10, 2015
Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I've struggled with anxiety & depression my entire life, & I was wary of starting sertraline (at age 20) but 50mg a day has changed me for the better. I'm happier, less anxious overall, I got a job, I can do all the things my anxiety wouldn't allow, like answering the phone, going shopping alone, making small talk with people. There have been some unpleasant side effects, alcohol puts me right to sleep now. I have no appetite (lost about 15 lbs) and my sex drive is noticeably diminished. Whatever you do, do not stop cold turkey. 50mg is a very small dose but the withdrawals are hell. I ran out and couldn't get a refill for a week, I was cold sweating through my clothes 24/7, shaky, suicidal, dizzy, and my anxiety was worse than before."
- Tro...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 23, 2024
For Panic Disorder "Promised myself that I would come back after a couple of months on sertraline. I can say the first week was terrible. No lie, sweaty, on edge, and always on the toilet, and felt like my anxiety went full turbo. After day 8, I could relax and start getting back into a normal sleeping pattern. I was forcing myself to eat as I had no hunger at the start and lost 8 kg. I felt like it was starting to work and take me back to pre-meds. I'm currently into my 3rd month and I can say this totally works. You just need patience and let your body adjust to the correct levels prescribed. I feel better than I ever have, and I'm not worrying if I will get another attack, or what triggers may happen to cause panic/anxiety. I can function better with my family and kids. I'm not getting worked up at my job and snapping anymore. If you're reading this in your first weeks, believe me it will get better. Don't look at day to day, but rather week to week, then month to month. Stick in there. You will be better!"
- 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."
More FAQ
- Is Zoloft (sertraline) a controlled substance?
- Prozac vs Zoloft - What are the Differences & Similarities?
- What are some common side effects of antidepressants?
- Can I take tramadol with sertraline?
- 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."
- Fis...
- December 5, 2016
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have dealt with severe panic attacks for over ten years. Recently, they stepped up in intensity to the point of hospitalization multiple times. I was originally given Buspar, and it worked for about two weeks, but then my attacks overwhelmed the meds. I recently met a doctor that put me on sertraline. The first two weeks were very rough due to the transition, but then I woke up one day with a literal smile on my face. I take it in the morning because I have insomnia without the medication and have no side effects besides a prolonged effort to finish during sex and a decrease in appetite. This medication is what has brought me back to the person loved ones know and miss."
- Anx...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 19, 2016
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I'd struggled with anxiety all throughout my 22 years of life, and it started to get quite debilitating the last 6-10 months. My obsessive thoughts started to get uncontrollable to the point where I felt like I was in a trance/not there almost always. My psychiatrist suggested sertraline, and after hearing all the horror stories of the initial anxiety, I was quite scared. I started on a quarter of a 50 mg pill, so 12.5 mg. I've been on it for over a week now, and already my symptoms have improved immensely. Surprisingly, I haven't had any negative side effects at all (apart from a loss of appetite). I have control over my thoughts, and they are rational again. I'm already feeling like my old self. Give it a go, good luck!"
- Nar...
- July 20, 2014
Sertraline for Panic Disorder "Anxiety spiraled out of control over just a month following 18 months of grief, job loss, and moving. I couldn't leave the house and was prescribed Zoloft 12.5mg. The side effects were pretty bad (no appetite, trembles, and night sweats) but within two weeks these side effects passed and I began returning back to my old self 6 weeks later. I slowly built up to 175mg over 6 months and stayed at that dose for 1 year. Now, two years later, I have almost forgotten about anxiety and have begun reducing very slowly (about 12.5mg every couple of months). I'm now taking 137.5mg and feel good. Thank you, Zoloft."
- Mar...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 28, 2020
Sertraline for Depression "Starting Zoloft again at a dose of 25 mg today. I was on it a couple of months ago at a starting dose of 50 mg. I didn't have many symptoms the first time around for two weeks. The third week, probably when it built up in my system, I experienced a continuous migraine along with high-pitched ringing in my ears. I was also very constipated, bloated, and had a dry mouth and was very fatigued throughout that third week. I also lost my appetite and couldn't reach an orgasm. I was very uncomfortable and emotionally unstable during that whole third week. I stopped taking it and all symptoms ceased within 72 hours. I saw my doctor who put me on Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin was awesome, but unfortunately, I can't continue taking it during the long-term dental work I'm having done. I hope this time Zoloft, with a lower dose, will not cause the same symptoms it did initially. Wish me luck."
- 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."
- Ant...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 29, 2021
Sertraline for Depression "Zoloft really helped me get my life back on track. I was hesitant at first, reading through the side effects and putting it off for a while. Once the therapist convinced me and I got on, it took me about a month to notice the effects. I just had some appetite suppression for the first few weeks, but that went away. It really feels like there was a missing puzzle piece in my life, and I haven't looked back since. (50 mg)"
- Gp2...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 24, 2025
Sertraline for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I’ve been on this medication for about 5 months now, and I promised myself that I would return to this site and write a review. In the beginning, I was skeptical and really had no hope that there would actually be medication out there that can help ease my OCD and anxiety. I can say that my obsessive thoughts and ruminations have lessened in a big way. I’m no longer consumed with random thoughts and the uneasiness that came with the ruminations. I started at 50mg and increased all the way up to 150mg, and that’s when I noticed a change in my thought process. The first month is definitely not easy… increased anxiety, no appetite, a ton of fatigue. The anxiety subsides and you get your appetite back, but the fatigue lingers a little bit. The change is not drastic, but it’s enough to not want to pull your hair out from not being able to control your thoughts. I am a big advocate for this medication if you’re struggling."
- Gra...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- June 7, 2019
For Panic Disorder "After having panic attacks, nightmares, lack of sleep, loss of appetite, extreme fears, and feelings of hopelessness, I began taking Zoloft 50 mg. It took one week for panic to go away. I am so thankful for this medicine. It is truly a blessing to have these medications in healing. To anyone who is out there struggling, you need to take the medicine. Even if you're scared, it can help you if you give it time. God bless you."
- Anonymous
- July 28, 2010
Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I am a 17-year-old female who has been on Zoloft for almost 6 months. I used to have terrible social anxiety and was diagnosed with an anxiety and panic disorder. Since I have started taking Zoloft, my ability to speak with people has grown tremendously. I can't remember ever feeling happier than I do now, and the biggest change in me is the fact that I now feel emotionally stable. I'm only on 25mg, but I have found that it has helped me in incredible ways. The only side effects I have experienced are loss of appetite and slight nausea - I have lost a bit of weight while on this medicine, but not a dangerous amount. I highly recommend talking to your doctor about this medicine if you experience social anxiety or have panic attacks."
- Anonymous
- January 23, 2017
Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I've been on this medication for a few years now. Overtime, I have noticed huge improvements in my severe social anxiety. It is much easier to get through the day! As far as side effects, I experienced loss in appetite and fatigue for about a week, then it all went away. Please don't let negative reviews scare you and give the meds a chance to do their job, it doesn't happen overnight!"
- Yas...
- February 5, 2009
Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I have been on Zoloft 100mg for a few months now for my anxiety/panic disorder. It has completely controlled my panic attacks, which is awesome. When I first started this medicine, I became depressed, had suicidal thoughts, and no appetite. But those have since gone away as well. The only issue I have noticed still is I have no sex drive. Just wondering if this is normal with this drug and if it will eventually go back to normal."
- Twi...
- November 5, 2016
Sertraline for Depression "I've been on Zoloft for 2 months for depression and anxiety. The reason I don't give it top grades is that I don't have anything else to compare it to. Started 1 week on 25 mg and then moved to 50 mg. The first two to three weeks, the side effects were the same people describe: headache, tiredness, stomach issues, death thoughts, lack of appetite. After that, the first sign was no more tears, less anxiety for eating, my emotions went away, social anxiety too, fear and death gone too. Calmness, ability to focus on the now, lower PMS, ability to focus and interact. Some days are still hard, but it takes less for me to cope with them. I didn't know life could feel this way. Side effects: lower sex drive and return of big appetite and weight gain."
- Emm...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- January 25, 2025
For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "Sertraline has been life-changing for me, and I only wish I’d tried it decades ago. I started on 50 mg after having trauma since childhood that caused what I used to call The Fear and which years of therapy didn’t alleviate. I was very anti-medication. Anyway, I tried it, and after just two days of starting it, the intrusive thoughts, panic, and anxiety completely stopped, and I started to feel a calmness and stability I’ve never felt before. In the first two weeks, I had no appetite and some sleep problems, but all side effects disappeared after two weeks. My experience has been 100% positive apart from this. I’m no longer plagued by a daily sense of crippling dread and the fear of how I might be punished, etc. I can now concentrate on simple things like reading a book, which was impossible before. I’m so grateful for being able to take this medication as it has given me such relief. After 6 months, the 50 mg effect lessened, so I increased to 75 mg, and this worked."
- Aoi...
- December 7, 2011
Sertraline for Depression "I have been taking Zoloft 50mg for a month now, and I find this med wonderful. It was my first time taking antidepressants, so I was a little nervous. The side effects I experienced were upset stomach, shaky hands, decrease in appetite, and trouble sleeping, but after a week or two, these side effects disappeared, and I'm feeling great! :) I found this medication gave me lots of energy, my body doesn't feel so sluggish and drained anymore. Regarding the weight gain, I haven't gained a pound, I've actually lost weight. My mood has lifted, and I find myself thinking a lot more positively. Simple daily tasks are not so hard to do anymore, and I can gradually feel myself going back to the girl I was before my depression kicked in. Thank God for Zoloft :)"
- TSH...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 21, 2025
For Postpartum Depression "Two months after giving birth, I realized I had so much anxiety and PPD. I would count down hours while with my baby and feel so disconnected from him. It was such an awful feeling. I felt like I made a mistake becoming a parent. I started on Zoloft 50 mg. Side effects were horrible for me-diarrhea, nausea, unable to eat, and sweating. My depression also got worse for almost two weeks. I wanted to give up but felt like I already invested two weeks, so I would give it a couple more. I’m so glad I did. By week three, the side effects started to disappear, and by week four, I could eat normally again. During week four, I started to feel a difference, but it was slow. For half the day, I’d feel great, and then half the day depressed. By week five, I felt like a whole new person, in a good way! I didn’t feel anxious and depressed, and I finally felt like myself again. Please stick with it for at least six weeks."
- Tip...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 15, 2018
Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "Don’t give up! It took 8 weeks for it to work for me! I was on Paxil since I was 18 (I’m now 43), but the older I got, the worse weight gain got, so I switched to Zoloft. I had morning anxiety and loss of appetite for the first 7 weeks. By week 8, I noticed it was going away. I’m on week 10, and I’m feeling myself again. I take 200 mg."
- ren...
- December 22, 2016
Sertraline for Depression "Zoloft was the first antidepressant I tried, and it worked well enough that I stuck with it. The first 2-3 weeks were difficult. I found myself yawning constantly, extremely drowsy, having no appetite, nauseous when I did eat, thinking about doom and death. But those were side effects that all eventually subsided. I feel a lot better because I have more control over my emotions and anxiety. I cry much less now and don't lie in bed at night thinking about suicide as much anymore. I went down in dosage from 75 mg because I felt a little too muted, like things that were really supposed to bother me didn't, and the nausea on 75 mg really sucked. I was finding myself vomiting for no reason. 50 mg has been good to me the last 6 months."
See also:
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For Anxiety and Stress "To start with, I was very nervous taking this medication as I had been told it would get worse before it got better. And this was true. For 6 weeks, I had constant nausea, depressive episodes, loss of appetite, vomiting, and go nights without any sleep at all. After those 6 weeks, I woke up one day and instead of feeling extreme anxiety and terror as I had done for 7 months, I woke up feeling surprisingly okay. However, I still had some symptoms during the day. After about 12 weeks, I was honestly a different person. I genuinely felt like it was magic. It was crazy to think how a tablet every night could change your life. Please, if you are struggling with severe anxiety, try this medication. I have been on over 5 different medications, and nothing has helped my anxiety the way this has. It has changed my life completely. I was so close to giving up during the first 6 weeks, but now words can't express how glad I am that I didn't."