Sertraline and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Joa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2019

Sertraline for Depression "I just recently started taking Zoloft. I've been taking it for almost 3 weeks, so not a long time. But I've so far had a great experience with it! I have postpartum depression and anxiety. It was getting very hard for me to get up during the day with my kids and do stuff. I was tired all the time, no interest in anything or going out. Now, 3 weeks on Zoloft, I have started noticing I have fewer compulsive thoughts, I worry less, and I have been going to see my friends more. I still have to kind of force myself to get out and I still have my days, but it’s been working very well for me. I haven’t had any side effects, which is what I was worried about. I almost didn’t take it because I was so worried and fixated on the side effects. My sex drive hasn’t been affected, and I haven’t been nauseous or anything. I take it at night before bed, and it’s just been really great! I’ll update if any bad side effects happen, but so far it’s great!"

• Bsp...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 6, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been dealing with generalized anxiety on and off since I was 10 years old. I finally decided to take medication for treatment. My doctor started me off with 25mg sertraline (Zoloft). The next day I felt normal, but it was weird to me because I didn’t know what normal felt like. The only side effects I experienced were vivid dreams, they weren’t bad dreams, just vivid, nausea the first two days, but after that, no nausea. No dizziness. I experienced little to no side effects, however, the anxiety hasn’t completely gone away, but it’s come a long way only because I refused to take the 50 mg she prescribed. I just feel great where I’m at taking the 25 mg, and I don’t want to overdo it. This medication has changed my life completely. I haven’t taken it in a couple of days, and I can tell the difference."

• Lol...
• September 5, 2019

Sertraline for Depression "I put down I have depression, but I also have anxiety and panic attacks and OCD. Everyone is complaining about the nausea. IT GOES AWAY. Moreover, usually after like two days. PLUS this time round, my doctor prescribed me nausea meds for it (I went off it but am going back on because I’m depressed again). Y’all, there is literally medicine that will remove the nausea. And to be honest, for me, it is not that bad as I have IBS as well. Zoloft basically made me chatty, happier, and gave me the inability to cry or feel sad even when I was supposed to be very sad. The inability to feel sad seems pretty good to me. And I was able to feel happy, just not sad. I quit for the sexual side effects. Don’t listen to the people complaining about nausea. I was in bed unable to move for two days from the nausea, and I’m still 10/10 recommending it, so trust me it’s fine."

• don...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2022

For Borderline Personality Disorder "It ended the vicious cycle of despair, rage, and sadness for me. While I’ve selected Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), I was prescribed this for PMDD and later discovered through blood testing that I was suffering from thyroid disease. It’s uncertain if BPD, PMDD, or thyroid is the cause of my mood swings, but here is my experience either way: Pros: no longer suffering from emotional outbursts, impulsive or compulsive behavior, no negative thoughts, bitterness, fear, rage/sadness/despair, or anxiety, am sleeping better, socializing well, feeling HAPPY (omg!), noises and textures are less… sensory? (Think misophonia). Cons: a couple of weeks of diarrhea, sweats, nausea, tiredness, and ongoing but mild jaw clenching. For anyone with BPD, you may be interested to know this drug has given me the stability and emotional strength to view my relationships objectively. Identifying abuse and walking away from the toxic individuals who have kept me trapped in this cycle of dysfunction."

• Ros...
• April 12, 2020

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking 50mg of this drug sertraline for a year now. The first couple of weeks, I felt better even with tiredness and nausea. These side effects vanished after 2-3 weeks. For years, I had anxiety, social anxiety, and I believe mild depression as a result of the anxiety. I cried all the time. I would shake when talking to people. I started on a dose of 50mg and it's been life-changing. I no longer cry over the little things. I feel in control and have become solution-oriented. I rarely get overwhelmed even when things are hard. I speak up all the time now. I recently presented to a large board on camera with little time to prepare, something I never would have been able to handle before. My bosses and coworkers now come to me for solutions and ideas because I come across knowledgeable and confident, which was the complete opposite before. All in all, this drug has allowed me to be, and importantly show, the person I've always felt I could be but was buried in anxiety. Just needed a little help."

• Mor...
• July 9, 2021

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "My friend recently lost her child, and as a mom, it hit me very hard. I constantly worried and had irrational thoughts that something would happen to my daughter. I couldn’t drink caffeine or work out. I felt anxious, shaky, dizzy, and I had palpitations all the time for nearly three weeks prior to starting Zoloft. I could not do anything that I normally did without anxiety, my heart racing, and panic attacks nearly every day. I felt hopeless and heavy, as though I would never get out of my funk. I started taking Zoloft around two and a half weeks ago. Initially, I had terrible nausea, belly pain, shakiness, light-headedness, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. That has slowly subsided over around one and a half weeks. My appetite is still not back 100%, but I am so much happier, no panic attacks in over a week. Slowly, I am feeling more like myself and as though the wall between myself and the world has lifted. This medication takes time and patience, but it is so worth it. God bless!"

• 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."

• Bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I have suffered with anxiety and severe depression for years. I had tried group therapy as well as one-on-one sessions with a psychiatrist, but it was not much help. I would sit at a meeting or in a class and look normal, but I would be going crazy inside with my thoughts racing out of control, and this would last nonstop for days. It also made social situations extremely difficult. My doc put me on Sertraline first at 25 mg and upped it to 50 mg after a month. Except for a bit of nausea, I had almost no side effects, and after about three weeks, I started to notice some subtle changes. I've been on it going on four months now, and I feel like a new person! I'm much more in control, and my days now are calm and much happier. If you can relate, please try it."

• Lul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2019

Sertraline for Depression "Week three, I am feeling amazing and back to doing the things I enjoy. The first two weeks were horrible with nausea, fog, and anxiety. But I read on the link that you need to stick it out. So I did, and I’m glad. 50mg perfect dose. I no longer dwell on my situation, and I see all the positives. I noticed I find it very hard to cry. The dog across the road died, and it was heartbreaking, but I couldn’t cry. I can still think, feel, and be creative."

• bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "Please give this medicine a try. I have had some mild anxiety since my 20s, and after I had a child and now I'm in my 40s, it got pretty bad to the point where I would have a panic attack in my car every day, and I developed a fear of driving. I also had very bad health anxiety and ended up in the ER for a panic attack. I was very scared of taking any prescriptions because of all the horrific reviews, but panicking in my car was no way to live either, so I decided to try Zoloft. The first 2 weeks, the side effects were rough: nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, dry mouth, but the anxiety was getting better from day one. I started with 25mg and worked myself up to 50mg. The side effects pretty much subsided after week 3, and now I feel great."

• Ang...
• January 5, 2016

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I promised myself I would share my experience after I gave it at least 5 months and especially if Zoloft worked. I was so afraid to take it for reasons I read such as bad side effects. Well, I suggest to start low. I started out at 12.5mg, half of the 25mg, and I did have side effects for 5 days: nausea, no appetite, and night sweats. After 5 days, that part was over. I noticed around 3 months that my panic attacks and anxiety were almost gone. I have 2 young kids and I spent so much time worrying, scared of passing out behind the wheel or in grocery stores. I am feeling a lot better now, just living my life and enjoying my kids. I'm grateful for Zoloft, it really does help."

• fin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 22, 2016

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I am taking Zoloft for social anxiety, depression, OCD (27 yo F). I have to start out by saying I had TERRIBLE side effects for the 1.5 months (nausea, dizziness, migraines, panic attacks) to the point where I almost stopped taking the tablet. I persisted, and 7 months on Zoloft have completely changed my life. I have had depression and OCD for years, and anxiety had started to take over my life. After the initial symptoms subsided, I feel like a better, confident, and much happier version of my former self. Like many others, it's hard to explain what I mean. It's the best thing I've ever done! Please try to persist!"

• 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"

• cjb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I had been living with CRIPPLING anxiety for around 3 months after a break up. I was having horrendous physical symptoms of anxiety such as CONSTANT nausea. I felt sick all day, every day. I knew I needed help but I was simply TOO ANXIOUS to even get out of bed to go to the doctors. Now onto my experiences with the sertraline itself. I’m not going to lie. The first 2 weeks on this drug were the hardest 2 weeks of my life. One thing I would recommend is taking a few weeks off work or whatever you are doing when first starting this medication. My symptoms were worsened. Around 3 weeks later, I finally started to feel the first ounces of happiness I had felt in months. Every week and every month things got better for me. On days I feel particularly anxious I take a propranolol (a beta blocker) and an anti-sickness if I feel sick from my anxiety. I truly believe this drug saved my life. Also, the reviews helped me so much, so I'm so happy I get to write my experience months later."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 11, 2024

For Depression "I have been taking 75 mg for 8 weeks. I started on 25 mg and upped to 50 mg after 1 week. After 5 weeks it leveled out and the psychiatrist upped my dose to 75 mg. For the very first 2 weeks, anxiety and depression were worse. I was tearful and felt off balance. I had 2 very depressive days within these two weeks. Then, things gradually started to improve and the side effects (night sweats, increased anxiety and depression, nausea, and diarrhea) wore off. The diarrhea lasted about 5 weeks and the night sweats still happen occasionally but are a small trade-off for the life quality I now have. On this drug, I can feel all emotions. I can concentrate, have my appetite back, and want to go out and meet people and be active. This medicine has given me my life back and taken away the pain, which I can only describe as a deep 'soul pain.' Combined with EMDR therapy, meditation, and sport, I know I'm on the right track."

• jay...
• September 1, 2013

Sertraline for Depression "I have been taking Zoloft for 8 weeks and the result has been amazing. The beginning was rocky with nausea, heavy head, and fatigue, but it gets better. I am more confident, better at my job, I enjoy socializing far more, my relationship is saved, and I generally feel more balanced. I have had anxiety since childhood and struck depression in late teens, I am now 27. Not sure how long I will or should take Zoloft, but I am hugely relieved."

• 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"

• Can...
• July 23, 2019

Sertraline for Major Depressive Disorder "To those struggling: please try to stick it out! This is my second time on Zoloft - I was on it about 5 years ago and had my depression well-controlled until a recent job loss and move triggered another incident. I dealt with horrible side effects for over three weeks - feeling trapped in bed in the morning with anxiety, incredible nausea, brain fog, the works. I’m only on 25mg (when I was on it before I started on 50 but switched to 25 as 50 made me very sleepy), but the side effects were still a lot to deal with. I’m happy to report that I’ve started to feel normal again this week, and that aside from a bit of morning anxiety, the side effects are gone. While there is no guarantee this drug will work for you, if you are experiencing uncertainty because you are in the throes of med adjustment, there may be relief on the other end. I found forcing myself to work out was really helpful. Anyway, the success stories on this site helped me keep going - maybe they will help you, too!!"

• Rog...
• October 12, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started taking sertraline after many years of untreated generalized anxiety disorder were made even worse by a new job and a major life change. My life had turned into a nightmare, I was literally shaking most of the time and didn’t have a single positive thought in my head. A psychiatrist put me on 50 mg of sertraline. I’ve been taking it for over 6 months, and my life has changed in a way that I had never thought possible! I only experienced some nausea and diarrhea during the first 4 days of treatment, and after about 6-8 weeks I started feeling this huge weight lift off my shoulders. I now feel good for the first time since age 13 - I’m 31! I’m also in a very happy relationship for the first time in my life! Sertraline has given me the life I never thought I’d be able to live. My psychiatrist told me that approximately 70% of people that take sertraline experience good results, so it won’t work for some. But if it does, it’s amazing what it can achieve."

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2020

For Depression "I have taken sertraline 3 times in my life. The first time was in '96 after a very big depression 25 years ago. This drug saved my life from suicidal thoughts. When I first took it, I had a lot of nausea. The second time I took it was 4 years later after another major depression, and again it saved my life, and I became gradually better and better. But this time I didn't have the nausea. After this, I used sertraline again a couple of times to actually prevent major depressions when I felt extremely unhappy or after a tragedy. Sertraline saved my life. Thanks a million to everybody involved in the research of this drug."

• 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!"

• Esw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2014

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I have suffered with generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder since I can remember. I got prescribed these at 50mg 3 weeks ago. The first few days I got a horrible cold nausea feeling in the pit of my stomach. I had no appetite and I noticed straightaway that it took me longer to orgasm. 3 months into them, I still feel anxious, but for the first time since I can remember, I was able to present to a group without shaking, losing my voice, and my heart beating rapidly. It almost feels like a small weight has been lifted which gives you that control back over my thoughts. I was able to say 'put your best into it. You will be fine' and I believed it. This is only a small step to overcoming my anxiety but this medication has helped me a lot."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I started sertraline 50 mg 6 days ago and feel horrible, panic attacks, anxiety is horrible. Nausea and all I want to do is be in bed. I continue reading the forum to give time for the medication to work, but I really can’t take this feeling any longer. I’m taking it in the morning and was thinking of switching to PM, but I’m afraid to get this horrible feeling in the middle of the night."

• LNa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 23, 2019

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "A few months after I turned 19, I started to experience random panic attacks without a trigger. My heart rate would increase, my breathing became uneasy, and my thoughts became irrational, and I felt like I was out of my mind. I felt genuinely hopeless. After consultation with my doctor, I was diagnosed with panic disorder and was prescribed 50 mg of Zoloft. I will say the first two weeks were AWFUL. My appetite decreased, I was nauseous, and my depression and anxiety elevated. However, afterwards, it was like something clicked, and my thoughts stopped racing so much, and I could experience life again without fearing a panic attack. Although I still have some rough days, Zoloft has changed my life. If I can sense a panic attack coming, it’s more tolerable and not as scary. A lot of people quit this medication because the first couple of weeks of adjusting can be rough. For me, I rode it out, and I am relieved that I did. I have been on Zoloft for 10 months now, and I feel so much better."

• 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."