Sertraline and Nausea: What Users Say

• lil...
• July 2, 2021

Sertraline for Depression "I promised I would come back and leave a review after trying Zoloft. I am female (21) and I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder from a car crash. I read SO many reviews talking about their horrible crazy experiences so I was super scared to try this. I’m on 25mg of Zoloft daily which I believe is the lowest dose. It has worked wonders for me. PLEASE GIVE IT A TRY. The first night I took it without food and I was up all night, extremely nauseous with a crazy amount of energy. Definitely take it in the morning. The only annoying side effects I've experienced are mild nausea if I take it without food and lower libido. This pill has changed my life and honestly saved my life. I am so much more productive and energetic, I no longer have racing thoughts and cry for hours every night. I feel like myself again, and I feel like my best self. I wish you all the best luck on your journey. You are so loved!"

• NP9...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2017

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "Half the reviews on here are a load of garbage. They range from 'the side effects are too awful' to 'It gives me more anxiety.' Do yourself a favor and do not read to any review from anyone who has taken this drug for less than 8 weeks. If you are serious about reducing your anxiety, then grow some balls and give Zoloft time to work. Yes, you're going to have a number of side effects in the beginning, ranging from drowsiness, nausea, sexual dysfunction, loss of appetite, and even increased anxiety. Guess what, nearly all of these are going to disappear after the first two weeks. In fact, all of the side effects disappeared for me, and it wasn't until around week 8 that I felt the glorious power of this drug. GIVE IT TIME."

• Fra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I started Sertraline at 25mg 3 weeks ago. I've had every side effect. I was on the verge of quitting every day. Nausea, tremors, uncontrolled anxiety, sweats, no sleep. This website kept me going. If you have nausea and related symptoms, you must eat if you want to survive this period. I ate my first full meal in weeks yesterday. I slept a full night. My mind is not racing today. Maybe I am over the nightmare stage. So God help me and help you all. Fight."

• 246...
• February 13, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I’m 45 years old and have left my marriage experiencing anxiety. I have also experienced social anxiety, regardless of being a teacher and generally an outgoing person. After a discussion with my GP about sleep problems, she said I fit the criteria for depression. I hadn’t seen myself as depressed as I was able to enjoy life. After feeling desperate one too many times, I began the medication, reluctantly. I experienced about two weeks of shakiness, nausea, extreme tiredness, blurred vision, all of these symptoms were manageable for me as long as I had that time off work. I increased the dose gradually and took 6-8 weeks to feel the full effects. Every problem now seems surmountable, I feel confident, strong, more energised and inspired in life and I haven’t looked back. I am so grateful for that conversation with my GP. I’m writing this review for all those out there that can relate, and aren’t sure if they’re ‘bad enough’, only to find that they can benefit immensely."

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

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Sertraline for 5 weeks now and was so cautious as I have had maybe 3 SSRIs in the past. I've had nearly every side effect: nausea, headaches, panic attacks, hot sweats, hangover feelings, and was so worried it wouldn't get better. I have anxiety and pure O, and in week 5, I can honestly say my negative thoughts have been quietened down significantly. I've never taken any other medications that have ever done this, it's unbelievable. My mind is so calm I feel like a different person for the first time in years. Please don't be disheartened by the worsening symptoms in the first 4/5 weeks, it does get better, stick with it. The only thing I'd say is my emotions are a bit deadened too, but much better than searing anxiety and negative thinking. Also, remember there is always hope, get all the help you can, and I hope sertraline helps you too."

• May...
• October 10, 2019

Sertraline for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I’ve dealt with anxiety since I was 22 (now 28). At the start of this year, my anxiety got bad. At my lowest, I decided to make an appointment to see a doctor. I was sobbing after I got off the phone to book the appointment because I felt my anxiety had defeated me. Little did I know that I was finally choosing to take control. I was prescribed 50mg of Zoloft on 4/1/19 and have stayed there. The beginning was rough. I felt jittery, nauseous, and “weird”. It took a month before I started to notice a difference. My generalized anxiety started to fade, and it felt amazing! Intrusive thoughts began to settle down too! I was sleeping better, handling stress better, I could socialize better, overall I had a lot more confidence. I take my pill at the same time every day. I can’t believe how much better I feel today, it can bring me tears. I needed to feel better to see how bad I was. Please don’t be afraid to try it. Give it time! Don’t judge it after 2 or even 3 weeks. Be patient and allow it to work."

• Spo...
• May 22, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’m an anxious person and self-managed for many years. After 12 months of struggling, I finally decided to take meds. Beforehand, I poured through all the side effect information/experiences, worrying! I just want to say... wish I’d done it sooner. Side effects lasted 4 weeks, worst in the first 2. Makes you feel a bit rubbish: headaches, nausea, jaw tightness, insomnia...brain fog and brain fizzes that feel a bit like anxiety/panic attacks (come in waves and pass in an hour). It *all* goes away eventually! I worked while starting this drug & didn’t need any time off - don’t worry. You will feel back to normal by week 4! On my 5th week and I’ve begun to notice the difference. There’s still a bit of rumination, but the restlessness is gone. The last week I’ve felt happier and dare I say braver than before! If you’re reading this, worrying about the side effects...Trust me, it really isn’t that bad. Be patient - you will get there!"

• Sav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Zoloft for 15 years. However, I started getting anxiety when I had to get a CT scan to make sure my cancer was gone. I guess the worry of the results. Then, a week after that, my close friend passed away, and I had a work situation that became stressful. I talked to my doctor, and she upped my dose from 50 to 75mg. For the next four weeks, I thought I was going crazy. I had hot flashes, a heavy head syndrome, sweats, headaches, and some nausea. Reading these reviews helped me so much. I can honestly say I have been feeling wonderful. It has taken 4 weeks and 3 days, and it’s like night and day. Stick with it. It does get better. I hope I continue feeling this way! And remember, I went through it too."

• Riz...
• February 18, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Sertraline 3 weeks ago for anxiety and panic. I’ve always been able to manage it, but it got to the point where it changed and I had no control. The first 2 weeks were horrific. I had every side effect going including exhaustion, increased anxiety, restlessness, tingling, headaches, dry heaving, shakes, nausea, increased HR, and even ended up in ER for chest pain. I decided to stick with it to see what happened. From day 17, the side effects improved, and I felt my energy increase. I also have hypothyroidism, so an increase in energy and clarity is really helpful! I’m hopeful that it may improve even more. I haven’t had any panic attacks since the first few days now, and my HR has also reduced. The only thing I’ve found is that I’ve had a tickly throat and a deep dry cough triggered by it. Has anyone else experienced this? Good luck to all of you reading this, it’s so hard living with these feelings, but we can all find a way through x"

• KGr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2018

Sertraline for Depression "I suffer from SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, depression, and anxiety. All of my symptoms have increased as I've gotten older. Last year I took Lexapro, which was too numbing, affected my executive function, focus, short-term memory, and libido in a bad way. This fall, I decided to be proactive and got on 50 mg of Zoloft. Completely life-changing experience! Side effects were nothing compared to Lexapro. Maybe 1 or 2 days of mild nausea, slight insomnia for the first 2 nights. Now, at 5 weeks, I feel clear, happy, functional, and optimistic. Libido intact. Takes a bit longer to orgasm, but it's kind of amazing because it prolongs the intensity. Zoloft has truly changed my life for the better, hopefully it will continue to work, will take it forever if possible! Wanted to leave this positive review because there are so many negative ones out there, which don't paint an accurate picture of any drug. Negative experiences are always reported more than positive ones. :)"

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2020

Sertraline for Depression "This drug saved my life. I started having chronic anxiety and depression very suddenly, and insomnia. I am so thankful for the positive and encouraging reviews on websites like this, because they helped me push through this difficult time, and I hope to do the same for someone else. I agree with many other reviews that it does get worse before it gets better. My anxiety increased at first, I think out of desperation for each day to finally be the day I would feel normal again. But it takes time and patience, and there will be ups and downs. I started seeing improvement around 4 weeks, but took a dive again around week 5 before increasing my dosage. Now I am at about week 7-8 and I would say 90% myself again. I highly recommend doing therapy too, and Xanax has helped curb the increased anxiety while my body adapts. Side effects are minimal, just nausea if I don’t take it with food. Zoloft helped me get my mind back under control and enjoy life again!"

• Zim...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 20, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "When you start sertraline, you need to stick with it. It doesn't start working for 6 weeks. I've had anxiety all my life but 3 years ago developed OCD and panic disorder. The first 2 weeks of taking sertraline was awful. Horrible thoughts, racing heart, anxiety worrying if the pill would work, then there was a sick feeling, dodgy tummy, etc. You only feel rubbish for 2-3 weeks and then you feel just as you would before the pill. Anyway, I read on the NHS website that Sertraline takes 4 weeks to start working for depression and 6 weeks for anxiety. And true to word, I started feeling great after 6 weeks. I was patient and it paid off. I've been on it for almost 12 months and it's the best decision I've made. I don't care if I have to take this for life, if I feel better mentally, then surely my body will be healthier physically!"

• Mag...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on sertraline since 9 days ago. I had all of a sudden generalized anxiety which progressed to panic attacks without any obvious reason. My doctor has prescribed me sertraline 50 mg once daily and told me that may make me sleepy. In those 9 days, I had the worst nausea and loss of appetite with internal shakes. The first day had nightmares. Elevated anxiety and panic attacks especially in the morning. Almost every day I refer to this site to reassure myself that everything will be okay. I will keep you posted. Please wish me luck."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2025

For Anxiety and Stress "I started on Sertraline just over a month ago for anxiety and panic attacks: 4 days on 25 mg, 20 days on 50 mg, 15 days on 100 mg. Starting on Sertraline has been an extremely hard journey, but I am here to tell all of you who are suffering that it is in fact working and YOU WILL FEEL BETTER! The first 14 days were absolutely horrifying: increased anxiety, horrible panic attacks, extreme sweating, nausea, vomiting, no appetite, depressive thoughts. I had to take Xanax some days to cope with it, but somehow I managed to go to (desk job) work every day. Increasing my dose from 50-100 mg initially made it worse again with the side effects all over, but about 5 days into 100 mg, I finally started to feel some relief, and from there, I have just felt better and better. It still goes up and down from day to day, but on a weekly basis, so much better. I felt absolutely horrible starting Sertraline, but if I could do this, so can you! THERE IS LIGHT AND IT WILL BE SO MUCH BETTER! :)"

• Lis...
• February 10, 2020

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I am in my 40s and I suffered a panic attack for the first time while driving. My friend said try Zoloft, so I saw the doctor for it. I kept a log first entry dated May 1, 2018. Day 1 on Zoloft: 'I felt tired, a little dizzy, brain fog - woke up a couple of times feeling weird, not myself. I had stomach upset and diarrhea.' Day 2: 'I woke up feeling like a zombie. I was very tired, no emotion, but I had to get up. When I was driving & came to a stoplight, I felt very anxious.' 'I hope I'm making the right decision to start meds but do I have a choice???' Day 3 & 4: '...felt tired, having brain fog. My stomach is rumbling & a little nausea but it is manageable.' Day 8: 'I woke up feeling tired and right now I feel a little anxiety.' Day 17: 'It's been over 2 weeks & I am driving with little to no anxiety!' I have been on Zoloft 25 mg for 2 years now. Because of reading other people's reviews, I knew what to expect & that kept me going!"

• Anx...
• October 4, 2019

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I never ever review anything but after being on this drug for now 4 weeks, I felt the need to review. I was previously on Zoloft (25mg) for 2 years before going off of it, and it was AMAZING. 6 months after stopping it, I could feel my anxiety slowly coming back and decided to go back on Zoloft (25mg). The first 3 weeks were horrible. I would wake up every morning with extreme anxiety, nausea/vomiting, and felt really out of it. For those 3 weeks, I had no energy or appetite (lost 10 lbs) which is hard when you need to work and go to school! I was living in a foggy state of 24/7 anxiety and felt like I couldn't escape from it. I knew it was the medicine making it worse, but I wanted to ride it out since I had positive experiences before. FINALLY after 4 weeks, I am starting to feel back to normal. I can get up in the morning without crippling anxiety and dread, attend school, and enjoy my relationship. Please give this medication AT LEAST 6-8 weeks to work. It eventually gets easier!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "Out of nowhere I got extremely depressed and had horrible anxiety! I was horrified. I even had to quit my job. I went to the doctor so many times, I just knew something was horribly wrong. I had blood work done, urine tests, CT scan on my stomach, and MRI on my brain. After all of that came back normal, I knew it was anxiety/depression. I tried Celexa 20 at first but it made me so weak I quit taking it. The doctor switched me to Zoloft and it gave me my life back. It took about 4 weeks to fully feel like myself again. I want you to know if you're reading this searching for answers, I was once you and I turned to these forums to help me. The Zoloft made me nauseous but it goes away, the side effects go away. Hang in there. I'm on 25mg."

• Mir...
• September 9, 2018

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I promised myself that I would write a review and try to help someone else if the medicine worked, and boy did it!! This is truly a miracle pill. It helped me with everything, including my panic attacks, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and OCD rituals. I’m free again, able to live a calm life. I will say the first few weeks were brutal. I had every side effect: nauseous, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, some minor hair loss, and more. I prayed this pill would help me, and it did. Before it, I had no quality of life and, to me, the side effects were worth it. I stuck it out for 3 months, and I’m back to my old self and even better. I had very dark days. The fear was paralyzing, and I couldn’t function. I couldn’t get through the day without my Xanax 0.25 frequently and now Xanax free! I started with 50mg for a month and then 100mg for 8 weeks. Today, I’m working, exercising, being the mom I want to be, and taking stress better. My panic suffering is over. Thank you Lord and Thank you ZOLOFT!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2022

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I promised myself that if this drug made my life better, I would come back to comment on this thread. I'm a 21-year-old male and started Zoloft about 3 months ago after being on Remeron for 4 years for GAD and Panic Disorder. I had no appetite, lost 20 pounds in about 2 weeks, throwing up twice a day, multiple panic attacks, and was in a dark place. My doctor suggested I try Zoloft to which I reluctantly agreed. I was titrated up to 150mg in about a week. My first week was awful. It spiked my anxiety, I felt extremely tense, racing thoughts, nausea, pacing around, etc. The second week I felt extremely numb, emotionless, and just out of it. My least favorite side effect was brain fog. Eight weeks later and I felt amazing, I'm back to my old self but a lot more confident and happy. My advice is don't look at your progress day to day but rather week to week, you'll see the improvement. I came on here every day my first few weeks looking for hope that things would get better, and now they are. :)"

• Jim...
• August 18, 2013

Sertraline for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I went years without getting help until about 8 months ago when I finally broke down, saw a doctor, and was prescribed Zoloft. This pill has given me my life back. I was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, specifically intrusive/disturbing thoughts and obsessions. This disorder occupied all of my time and energy, to the point where life was unbearable and hopeless. About two weeks after starting Zoloft, there were noticeable improvements. After 6 weeks, I was a different person. Anxiety-0, OCD still there but more of a minor inconvenience than life consuming. Side effects were typical at first: nausea, diarrhea, lightheadedness, and insomnia. All of which subsided after a few weeks. I highly recommend that if you are diagnosed, ask for Zoloft."

• Moo...
• June 1, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Sertraline for 7 weeks. The reviews on this site gave me reassurance when I started taking it, so I feel it is only right that I should share my experience. For the first 2 weeks, I felt nauseous, so I ate little and often. I recommend that if you don’t feel like eating, make yourself eat as the feeling will go. I also had feelings of low mood, but again, these feelings did subside. The main problem I had for a month was insomnia. I took a low-level prescribed sleeping tablet for a month with help from my GP. This has to be taken with caution, so I weaned myself off after a month. The GP, after 3 weeks, suggested that I swap to another antidepressant to take at night, which may help me sleep. However, as Sertraline had helped my anxiety and I had overcome the other side effects, I said that I would persevere for another 2 weeks. I then tried a herbal sleeping aid after a month for 2 nights, which worked, and since then, I have slept naturally."

• Rin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2020

Sertraline for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was suffering from depression my entire life, and I didn't even know it. I'm 32 years old and started taking Zoloft three weeks ago. At first, I suffered from many side effects: insomnia, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, tired feeling, and even nervousness. It was the worst 10 days of my life. After enduring those 10 days, I was able to look at life differently. I'm able to accept flaws in anything, pardon excuses, laugh with my family and friends comfortably. I can see why people thought I was high maintenance. I was horrible to my family with unrealistic standards."

• Eil...
• December 16, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was started on 50mg sertraline four weeks ago and now increased to 100mg. So far I have been delighted with the response I’ve had. I feel so much calmer and happier (although feel I’ve still a way to go) and to be honest, the side effects have not been bad at all. A bit of nausea which was bearable, and a little increased anxiety. My GP said that the fact I am getting some positive results by week 4 is a really good sign and she gave me the choice of staying on 50mg to see how much I improved in the next couple of weeks or just bite the bullet and try 100mg - which I’ve done. I have also been drinking some alcohol some nights which is absolutely fine. There is no interaction at all. I just want to be back to normal. I’ve had so much stress in the last few years that I’ve lost my personality, and I can’t wait to get it back and to be happy and fun again. Definitely feel like I’m on the way!"

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I started sertraline on September 9th, 25 mg for two weeks, then 50 mg for two weeks, moved to 100 mg for two weeks, and finally on October 25th, started 150 mg. All I can say is the first 4 weeks were horrible. I experienced every single side effect: constant nausea, migraines, diarrhea, anxiety/panic attacks, shakiness, tremors, heart palpitations, sweating, lack of appetite, blurred vision, dry mouth, no energy, and insomnia. Sometimes by the end of week five, I started feeling improvement, and for about a week now, I feel incredible. I finally got my life back, this is the old me that I didn't experience for the last year and a half. I am so grateful for this medication, I can say it's saved my life. All I can say is stick to it, don't stop taking the medicine. You will feel worse before it gets better. Keep in contact with your doctor for instructions, and read what people are posting. That's exactly what I did day after day, and that's what kept me going."

• Ros...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 10, 2019

Sertraline for Depression "I have been on Zoloft and the generic sertraline on and off for many, many years, on 50 mg. Recently, I developed symptoms of depression, panic, etc., due to health issues. I have a great GP who encourages me to manage my depression, so with his agreement I increased my dose to 100 mg and suffered every symptom for weeks. Anxiety, nausea, shaking, insomnia. After 10 weeks, these symptoms have all but disappeared. After reading all the reviews, I vowed to share my experience too. Remember, the symptoms WILL go away. It may take longer for some people than others to feel better. You may feel good one day but not the next. Hang in there. It takes time. I now feel almost ready to go back to 50 mg."