Sertraline and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Dav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "Never had mental health issues until a few months back, when I started suffering from anxiety and depression. Had a relationship breakdown that I was constantly thinking about, from the moment I woke to the time going to bed, and hated going into work, where I previously loved going to. Started on 50 mg and had the side effect of feeling worse for the first couple of weeks. Then bits and pieces started to feel better (used to feel agitated just sitting at home, watching TV. That disappeared). Then I started to feel better in the morning, about 4 weeks in. I thought, 'the pills must be kicking in, even though the constant thoughts still remain.' Then I started feeling worse again and the panic attacks started to come back, even up to the weekend just gone. Then yesterday (Tuesday), things changed. Those constant thoughts had virtually disappeared. I could sit watching the TV and think about what I'm watching. It is 6 weeks tomorrow that I started on the meds, and today I feel about 90% me."

• N12...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 22, 2019

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."

• stu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Started sertraline 50 mg Dec 9th, 2019, as long-term stressful events brought on anxiety. The first week, terrible racing thoughts, insomnia, night sweats, off food, sexual dysfunction is very concerning. Second week, nausea and tremors. Third week, no racing thoughts, starting to sleep, still got tremors though. End of week four, starting to feel normal. Week five, still feeling normal. Week six, will try to trim a quarter off my tablet to see if it has any effects, will keep an eye on my condition with a daily diary. I will see the doctor next week with my review. Good luck to all just starting on it, as the first two weeks are tough."

• 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."

• Jda...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2020

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I started experiencing anxiety/panic attacks/social anxiety last year, and then towards the end of the year it became general anxiety. Zoloft was the very first antidepressant I have taken. Honestly, taking this medication for the first time, you need to be prepared for every possible side effect. I’d recommend eating before taking the pill and taking a non-drowsy, anti-nausea medicine, e.g., Dramamine. So luckily I did not experience any nausea. I did experience tunnel vision, my head felt cloudy, it was almost like I was in a dream the first 3 to 4 days, but it was manageable. I was very jittery and energetic, but at the same time my muscles became weak when lifting almost anything. My anxiety increased a lot the first 3 days. So I recommend starting this pill when you have a few days off from work. I gave the pill a chance though and waited a month and a half for it to be effective, and I can say that it was definitely worth the wait."

• jan...
• April 5, 2019

For Depression "30 years old; on sertraline 50 mg dose prescribed after complete burnout with hopelessness and depression. The first 2 weeks are hardest; difficulty falling/staying asleep, upset stomach, some anxiety. The first day I woke with horrible nausea and sweating like being on fire. Taking it easy in the mornings with ginger/peppermint and carefully getting out of bed is essential. Do not drink alcohol the first month, dizzy and exhaustion/yawning constantly. 1st month felt numb, 2nd month felt energy come back and interested in hobbies for the first time in years. 4 months in, feel like myself and distant from negative thoughts that tore me apart before (I have BPD tendencies which went away too). Persistent side effects are night sweating, upset stomach, and lowered sex drive. Would highly recommend to help you get your strength back and get life on track. Now ready to change career path and able to take care of myself; sertraline truly gave me the help I needed. Also, weekly therapy is important!"

• Nic...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 5, 2015

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "Zoloft is wonderful, this antidepressant has made me feel so lucid for the past 9 months. It's helped me fight social anxiety and anxious depressions after I had a neurotic breakdown and had to be admitted to a hospital. This medicine has made things so clear for me, I absolutely love my life now! Recently I had not been taking it for about 6 days, DO NOT DO. It completely drained me, but I continued taking it and the side effects dispersed completely after 3 days of taking 150 mg again. Zoloft has completely leveled out my S.a.d., g.a.d, and major depression. No, it did not work immediately, but it totally works in the long run and waiting for it to take effect. Zoloft you've truly helped me become lucid in my consciousness :)."

• Bla...
• June 29, 2015

Sertraline for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I began taking Zoloft four months ago after being diagnosed with OCD, which I have suffered with for probably 15 years. I started with a dosage of 25 mg and experienced quite a bit of nausea for the first few weeks. I also dealt with a spike in anxiety, which I combated with Clonopin and relaxation techniques. My psychiatrist slowly increased the dosage to 150 mg over the past few months. During that time, with the addition of psychotherapy, I began to slowly recognize that my symptoms were decreasing. It has become much easier to recognize my intrusive thoughts as OCD, and to say 'no' to the multitude of rituals that I engaged in on a daily basis. In fact, since I have reached 150 mg, my anxiety and other symptoms have almost disappeared."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 10, 2017

Sertraline for Depression "I have been on Zoloft for 7 months now, and it has really improved my life. The first few weeks were absolutely brutal. I couldn't focus, was super dizzy, nauseous, and more depressed, etc. However, I stuck with it, and after about a month, the depression started to get much better. Of course, I still have my days (who doesn't?), but I would highly recommend trying Zoloft if you can get through the first few weeks. It truly has changed my life for the better."

• 1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2022

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on sertraline for 10½ weeks now, 2½ weeks at 50 mg and 8 weeks at 100 mg. This drug is amazing, though the initial side effects can be rough (increased anxiety, insomnia, hand tremors, nausea, headaches, bruising more easily). The worst for me were the anxiety uptick and the insomnia, but my G.P. gave me clonazepam (0.25 mg twice daily or as needed). I used the clonazepam for about 6 weeks on and off, and they were a great help. The side effects are only temporary, so please hang in there. Give sertraline time (at least 8 weeks) to build up in your system before deciding whether to continue or not. I am so glad I constantly read and re-read the positive reviews on here when I was battling through the first few weeks. I feel like a different person now. Anxiety is practically non-existent, I am calmer, more able to cope with stress, and generally happier all around. This medication made me realize that God can and does use 'big pharma' to help people with chemical imbalances."

• Rac...
• September 17, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I have had GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) for 4 years. My second med I tried was Zoloft. Since I am sensitive to meds, she started me off on 12.5 mg for 1 week, upped it to 25, 50, 75, then 100 mg each week after. It was difficult, and I wanted to quit multiple times. I pushed through, as I know 6-8 weeks is how long it can take to see the benefits. Each time I upped my dosage, I had slight nausea, mild headaches, and nervousness. I felt pretty crappy each day. Week 9 was magic, where I realized I wasn’t having any symptoms any longer. For 2 weeks now, I have been symptom-free with only a slight nervous feeling here and there. My main support I would tell anyone is don’t quit, as you will probably experience the same with most of these meds and keep repeating the process."

• Hap...
• October 10, 2016

Sertraline for Depression "This medication has been wonderful for my depression. I was lucky, and this started working after just a week and a half. My negative thoughts have stopped, and I'm not so irritable. I enjoy the company of my family and have a higher libido versus none at all before. I've had side effects like nausea to begin with and strange electrical feelings every now and then, but it's worth it to me to continue."

• mrs...
• December 18, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Recently started experiencing horrible, constant anxiety. It was the worst when I would wake up in the morning. Constantly felt like I was “on edge,” and I would break down every now and then and just cry. I wasn’t eating as much and had unintentional weight loss because of constantly feeling nervous. Doctor recommended sertraline and told me to break the 25mg in half and take 12.5mg for one week. I’m so glad I did because I was nauseous and had headaches just from 12.5mg. Doctor said this would happen, but to stick to it and it’ll go away. Thankfully, the symptoms did after about 4 days! I was very hesitant about starting this medication because of the scary, awful reviews a ton of others had left. I’ve been taking 25mg for about 2 weeks now and feel much better than when I started. I am not as stressed out and anxious as I used to be. Haven’t had any “breakdowns” or felt like I was losing my mind like before."

• Fhd...
• October 1, 2018

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "Be careful while taking this medication! You should start with a small dosage (25 mg) for a couple of weeks, then you can increase it slowly by 25 mg every 2-3 weeks. The side effects can be severe! The first week might be the worst week of your life, but you have to be patient because once your body adjusts to it, you will see the gains. Side effects were severe pressure in my eyes, headache, insomnia, high blood pressure, dizziness, stomach pain, severe nausea, anxiety, and passing out. But remember, although it has very severe side effects, it is worth your patience because once your body adjusts to it, it will change your life for the better and forever. I had anxiety and panic attacks for 7 years and tried dozens of medications (Cipralex, Seroxat, Pristiq, Effexor, Cymbalta, etc.), and this is the most effective medicine I've tried. Now I'm on 225 mg daily and will reduce it to 100 mg. Huge side effects in the first days... and huge gains forever. You decide."

• Fif...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "Game changer med for me. I struggle with random, unprovoked panic attacks and anxiety. I tried lots of natural remedies that just didn't cut it. I'm sensitive to meds, so my doc started me at 12.5 mg for a week, then to 25 mg for a week, and then to 50 mg, where I'm happy with the dose. It took about 2 weeks to kick in, and I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders when it did. Side effects for me were a little nausea that was annoying and some insomnia the first few days I started. I knew it was normal, so I pushed through, and I'm glad I did. I'm still a perfectly functioning working mom on this and would definitely recommend it to anyone struggling with anxiety, depression, or panic attacks."

• DW9...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2016

Sertraline for Depression "I've been taking 50mg of this daily for 2 weeks and I'm pleasantly surprised. I've only ever taken one other medication for my depression before this so I wasn't sure what to expect. I feel 'normal'. I don't know how else to explain it. I'm not panicking over small things or dwelling on problems I can't fix as much. My depression and anxiety makes me kind of hothead and I snap at people out of the blue, but this medication seems to be helping. The only negative side effects I've had so far are slight nausea and dry mouth. I'm going to continue to take this, and I recommend talking to your doctor to see if it could possibly work for you."

• 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."

• JLf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2025

Sertraline for Postpartum Depression "I am yet another mom who frantically looked up reviews of this medication in hope of finding some relief from crippling postpartum anxiety and panic disorder. I have been on Zoloft for exactly 12 weeks now and can honestly say it was life-changing. I suffered from PPA shortly after birth but delayed getting help until my daughter was 7 months old. I, like many other moms on here, tried everything before medication: CBT, meditation, exercise, yoga, you name it. Nothing could help me escape the crippling intrusive thoughts, daily panic attacks, irrational fears, and insomnia. Starting Zoloft was awful. I had diarrhea, worsening anxiety, and nausea for the first 7 weeks. I was ready to give up the medication until I gradually noticed a change in my thought patterns. I worked my way (very slowly) up to 50 mg and have been there for six weeks. My family notices so many positive changes in my attitude and behavior. Best of all, the side effects dissipate."

• mow...
• January 30, 2013

Sertraline for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have OCD/general anxiety and depression as a result. I was considered a very severe case. A few months after the worst time in my life, I am happy and healthy. I am managing anxiety/OCD a lot better and I have VERY rare bad days. I have been taking Zoloft with therapy for a little over six months. I experienced about a week of side effects (nausea, increased anxiety, fatigue) but over quickly. I get away with taking 50 mg. Apparently the most common side effects are weight gain and loss of interest in sex. I am happy to say I am experiencing NEITHER! I gained a little bit of weight (5-10 lbs) in the last few months, but I lost about 30 lbs before Zoloft due to anxiety-linked anorexia. Now without depression/OCD, I finally have my sex drive!"

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2020

Sertraline "This has been a lifesaver. I am 34 years old, and all of my life I've had emotional problems from anger to sadness. While I do not have a diagnosis (this was prescribed to me by my regular provider), it truly has made a difference in my emotional disturbances. I started out with Zoloft 25 mg for the first month and did experience side effects for the first week or so, but they were easily treated. I purchased Imodium and nausea medication, which took care of the side effects. I took them in the morning, but I slept like a rock for the first week. I recently went up to 50 mg but did not experience any side effects. Before this medication, I would also have suicidal thoughts and urges to self-mutilate. Those thoughts are gone. The only regret I have is not trying this sooner. Highly recommend for anyone who has severe emotional disturbances or suicidal thoughts."

• 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."

• Cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2021

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "This medication honestly saved my quality of life. The first two weeks on it were honestly rough! I thought about stopping the medication because I was having such bad side effects. I would get terrible nausea, stomach pains/diarrhea, panic attacks, and insomnia. However, after about the 3rd week, my side effects went away. I went from someone who had almost daily panic attacks to having none at all. My anxiety has pretty much completely gone away. I feel as though I have my life back and can live normally again. Without this medication, I was unable to function properly and enjoy life. Thanks to Zoloft, I am my old self again. The first 2 or so weeks may be rough, but hang in there, I promise it is worth it!"

• Joc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2023

Sertraline "I am 24 years old and 125 lbs. I started taking 25 mg of Zoloft following a long period of my anxiety getting worse. I had a couple of panic attacks, and they were starting to happen more frequently, as well as struggling with nausea and just generally feeling so uneasy it was hard to leave the house at times. I really, really wish I had a better experience, but the first week on Zoloft was absolutely awful. My anxiety was constantly at its absolute worst, I had no appetite, and constantly felt nauseous. I even developed motion sickness that I never had before, I was dissociating really, really badly, and always felt dizzy. I stuck it out for a week and a half before I simply could not take it anymore. I missed one dose and was sweating and having horrible thoughts and dreams all night, tossing and turning. Ever since then, my anxiety is still bad, but it’s back to “normal,” which actually feels much better in retrospect. I wish anyone struggling the best, you are not alone."

• Joc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2023

Sertraline "I am 24 years old and 125 lbs. I started taking 25 mg of Zoloft following a long period of my anxiety getting worse. I had a couple of panic attacks, and they were starting to happen more frequently, as well as struggling with nausea and just generally feeling so uneasy it was hard to leave the house at times. I really, really wish I had a better experience, but the first week on Zoloft was absolutely awful. My anxiety was constantly at its absolute worst, I had no appetite, and constantly felt nauseous. I even developed motion sickness that I never had before, I was dissociating really, really badly, and always felt dizzy. I stuck it out for a week and a half before I simply could not take it anymore. I missed one dose and was sweating and having horrible thoughts and dreams all night, tossing and turning. Ever since then, my anxiety is still bad, but it’s back to “normal,” which actually feels much better in retrospect. I wish anyone struggling the best, you are not alone."

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "The medicine works well, but you need to be patient. I started 25 mg ten weeks ago, and the first 4 weeks I had side effects (nausea, fatigue, sweating, and sleep issues). At 6 weeks, I noticed my anxiety was greatly reduced and almost completely under control at 8 weeks. So the medicine seems to have worked well for me."