Sertraline and Panic Attacks: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Oph...
• October 7, 2019

Sertraline for Depression "I started this medicine, Zoloft, in June. Day one was totally fine. I started on 50 mg. Day two is when everything went downhill. I had constant panic, I couldn’t sleep because I had awful nightmares. I swore I could hear voices while I drifted off to sleep, so that would scare me. I didn’t eat, and if I did, I would just vomit later. I had suicidal thoughts, which I’ve never felt before. I was getting treated for anxiety, not depression. I also felt so spaced out and so sad, I cried a lot. My husband was so afraid for me that he missed a week of work because he was afraid to leave me alone. After an awful week, things started to slowly improve. I believe by week 5, I started to feel normal. I also had my medication increased to 100 mg. I carried emergency Xanax with me everywhere the first two months, but stopped using it after week 8. After all that, I feel completely normal and back to my old self. I do have some bad days, and recently I had an increase in the medication, but I’ve been pretty normal."

• Rah...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "Myself 24, had been a victim of constant anxiety, stress, and OCD from my teens. Had Fluoxetine and Escitalopram before, but they caused terrible side effects like panic attacks in the middle of the night, zombie feeling, and terrible headaches. But recently, due to some of the stressful events in my life, my anxiety, stress, and OCD came back stronger. I couldn't sleep a whole night and would constantly have negative thoughts in my head, overthinking. I again decided to consult a different psychiatrist, and he prescribed me sertraline, 50 mg for 6 days and 100 mg further. Currently, now I am on the 15th day of taking sertraline. The two weeks were terrible, I had terrible headaches, nausea, two days of brain fog, and some extreme agitation. But on the 15th day, I am seeing some benefits compared to what I was 15 days before. Mind a bit calmer, negative thoughts come, but they don't overpower, reduced stress feeling, also better sleep. Will follow up with my psychiatrist in the next few days, will update you guys."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2020

Sertraline for Depression "Day 18 on Zoloft started with 50 mg, increased to 75 mg after day 7. Day 11-15 were terrible days, I felt a lot of anxiety mixed with crying, loss of appetite, and I experienced panic attacks in the early mornings three days in a row (I’ve never once had that issue before). My physician added 10 mg of Buspirone twice a day to help fight those battles, and it helped. Today was a beautiful day — I don’t remember a single thought holding me back, I felt balanced. Hope this continues."

• n23...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This is a miracle drug! It gave me my life back. I was a happy, outgoing student with top grades and was in the gym 5 days a week. Suddenly, I started to develop panic attacks and anxiety - I couldn't eat properly, couldn't sleep, and was scared to go out without a chaperone. I honestly didn't recognize myself, it was like a dark cloud had come over me, and I was crying all the time. The first 7-10 days on this drug were horrendous. It increased my anxiety so much, and one night I had the worst nocturnal panic attack, which I never used to have. I also had waves of palpitations and dizziness, which made it super hard to even walk around my house. However, I am so glad I stuck with it. After around day 10, it was like a switch had flipped. I was able to sleep again, focus on my work, and go out without panic. I feel 90% like my normal self, and I only get situational anxiety now. Also, I don't really have any long-term side effects now. Please stick with it for 2-3 weeks before giving up!"

• Rac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I started sertraline following the traumatic birth/near-death experience I had whilst having my son. I suffered with extreme PTSD, which would cause me to have panic attacks continuously all day long, I couldn’t sleep, wouldn’t eat, and couldn’t function properly. I also developed health anxiety and would convince myself that I’d be dying. I started off with 50 mg and now I am on 100 mg. Please, please, please stick it out, the first few weeks of taking it are HORRENDOUS! I suffered with insomnia, and my anxiety and panic attacks worsened. I was a complete mess, the doctor prescribed me diazepam to take alongside it to help ease my anxiety in the beginning weeks. I had many days where I thought I’d give up taking it, but I persisted, and honestly, it’s the best decision I have made: it took me about 3 months to feel the full benefits, but now I am a completely different person. I haven’t had a panic attack in 3 months, and my mind is finally calm. Give it time, and it works wonders!"

• 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."

• Sto...
• April 17, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I don't usually comment on these things, but I need to on Sertraline. Three weeks ago, I started having severe waves of panic and anxiety over a big life change I'm about to embark on. Never had this before, and it scared me to death. Twelve days ago, I started this medication, even though I didn't want to, but the panic shook me to my soul. I have to tell you, it was awful since I started. I am on 25 mg. The anxiety got worse, and the feelings of dizziness and unreal episodes. But on Day 10, I had the best day in a long time. Happy and laughing. Yesterday was not so good, but today is also another great day. Day 12. I am out hiking and shopping and finally able to work and do my daily activities. I still feel anxious here and there, but nothing like it was. I am so grateful this worked for me. Like I said, it was hard until Day 10. Please don't quit. It takes a minimum of two weeks to get straight in your system. You can do it! But, I would suggest taking two weeks off work."

• 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!"

• 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."

• lyn...
• May 19, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "This forum was so helpful, I feel obligated to share. Over the last 4 years, I've experienced anxiety due to life pressures (single parenthood, loss of business, demanding job, health issues) that led to daily panic attacks and depression. I'm barely functioning. Therapy helps (also meditation, exercise, CBT). A psychiatrist prescribed 50 mg of sertraline. I've only been on it for 3 days, not long enough for a review, but because so many on this forum describe the first 2+ weeks as horrible and it causes people to quit, I want to share my experience. Day 1, took 50 mg and thought I might die - panic attacks, shaking, insomnia, sweats, racing heart, vomiting, diarrhea. Didn’t know how to continue even though I knew if I pushed through until my body adjusted there could be a huge payoff. Day 2, took half a pill instead and it was radically different. I'm experiencing side effects, but they're very manageable. I’ll increase the dosage in a week. Ease into it, give it some time, and don't give up."

• Den...
• March 23, 2017

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "These reviews helped me so much when I first started Zoloft over 5 weeks ago that I wanted to post my experience. After several weeks of increasingly worsening panic attacks at work, I ended up in the hospital. A year ago, my psych Dr. switched me from Cymbalta to a mood stabilizer and things were good until November as stress at work increased. I was depending on too much bromazepam to get through the day. My GP started me on 50 mg of Zoloft and my anxiety was so bad, also tremors for 4 weeks. I was sure I would have to quit working or cut my hours. But this Monday on week 5 was amazing. I still have some anxiety, but I seem to be able to handle it now. It's like I have my confidence back. Good luck!"

• Lal...
• July 5, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on Zoloft for about two months, the lowest dose, and have had wonderful help with it and therapy! I had severe panic attacks daily, depression, and I had withdrawn from life and fun! I am improving daily and see the light again, but I believe you have to do your part with therapy and find the triggers to the anxiety to truly heal. However, this medicine has helped me get out of the dark place!"

• B10...
• July 3, 2016

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "Before taking this medication, I was experiencing sleepless nights. Sometimes this would happen for three nights in a row. There was no reason for me to feel anxiety or feel as if a panic attack was coming on. My panic and anxiety feelings were in my stomach and my throat. I felt like I could scream, but I could never get it loud enough. I was also experiencing stomach ulcer symptoms. I had no clue what was wrong with me. At work, I started to experience social anxiety. I would feel panicked, my face would get flushed, and my neck and chest would break out in hives. One other extremely annoying symptom was getting up during the night to pee when I really didn't have to. My doctor prescribed 25, then 50, then 75, then 100 mg of Zoloft, and I'm 100% better."

• ANe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 3, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started sertraline 4 years ago, and it has honestly helped my GAD so much! I still get panic attacks from time to time, but that's my mind running away with me, and I'm only on the lowest dose of sertraline. I wouldn't have the confidence that I have today without this drug, and I certainly wouldn't be a good mother to my son, I would have no doubt been a depressed mess. This has helped me see that there is a life outside of GAD and depression, no matter how hard it is to find... keep going. It's there."

• 25...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2018

For Depression "I scrolled here when I was at my worst and need to share that this tablet changed my life! The first two weeks (50 mg) were hell - sickness, no appetite, suicidal thoughts, and panic attacks I’d never had before. If you are here now, I urge you to keep going! After 6 weeks and an increase to 100 mg, I couldn’t believe that I ever told the people I love that I didn’t want to be alive. 5 months on, I have a new job, a great boyfriend, my social life is back, and I have the energy and motivation to enjoy every minute! CBT has helped me recognize negative thoughts before they spiral, and I’m more myself than ever! Of course, there are down days, but I’m only human, right?! Have patience with your journey, I’m so grateful for mine. P.S. the best thing I ever took from these reviews - don’t let a tablet be more than it is. I also take one a day to stop me from getting pregnant and one to give me strong hair and nails (why not?) - and none of them are a defining feature of my life."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2019

Sertraline for Depression "I took this for 7 days but was sick from day one. Tried to hold out. Became suicidal and panicky, anxiety through the roof to where I had to take Ativan. Nightmares were horrible. Also, I had an upset stomach and diarrhea. Couldn't get out of bed, had to stop it."

• Anonymous
• March 6, 2012

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I've been on Zoloft for 3 months. 1st 4 days were awful. Worked perfectly in 14 days at 50mg. After 1 month stopped working, raised to 100mg then it worked again after only two days. I've been on 100mg since, and I feel good. I've had only three very short panic attacks (seconds) but sometimes I feel down and bored. I don't know if that's because of the Zoloft or my condition or just due to normal daily life stuff. Overall, I feel good and back to normal. I am writing this because I was here once 3 months ago and it felt really good to read the reviews. It's totally normal like any health condition."

• Cra...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 19, 2019

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I took Zoloft for 5 years. I went off it 9 weeks ago, and now I can't sleep. I have panic attacks day and night. I see a new psychiatrist in 2 weeks, considering asking for something else. Life sucks with all the panic attacks, always afraid of thoughts that I can't seem to get out of my head. I have issues leaving my house and being around groups of people."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2019

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I was so scared to try this medication, and I read all of the negative reviews thinking it would do the same to me. My therapist told me that it was my anxiety causing me to feel this way. So, finally, I was at the end of my rope and felt like I had nowhere else to turn, I bit the bullet and started taking 50 mg every night. At first, it did increase my anxiety and panic attacks as it says it would. I am a female vocalist, and I sing in front of a lot of people, so that being said, you can understand how much my panic and anxiety multiplied at first...."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2012

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I'm 23, and after 5 years, I decided to do something about it. I was put on 50 mg of Zoloft. To be honest, whether it was me being paranoid or whatnot, my panic was worse in those first 3 days than in years. I felt insane and crazy. I stopped it and talked to the doctor. He upped it to 100 mg and gave me Xanax to take in the meantime. I read online that 50% of people get worse in the first few days, but then it gets better (brain sensitivity to mess). I do feel calmer (been a week), but I barely eat and I can barely get to sleep. I also wake up shaky out of the blue when I do go to sleep and have to take a Xanax to calm me down and put me back to sleep. I'm hoping to get counseling too. I'm hoping this will help. One week down... It's hard being patient."

• Mis...
• December 6, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I am 24. I had been getting more anxious and depressed since my senior year of high school. It got to the point that I was having panic attacks on a weekly basis my second year of college. I was very wary of social situations, barely slept most nights, and just felt negative all the time. Originally, I was put on Lexapro and tried it for about 6 months during my student teaching semester of graduate school. The panic attacks did stop and I felt less anxious, but I also felt like my emotions were way off. It's like they were trapped in a box, and while I wasn't exactly sad, I was never happy. The doctor switched me to sertraline and Lunesta, then upped the sertraline after a couple of months. Now I feel the best I've ever felt in my life!"

• Anonymous
• March 26, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I've been on sertraline since March 8. I experienced horrible side effects, including severe panic attacks and chronic anxiety the first couple of weeks. Right now, it seems to have stabilized my mood and functioning. I'm no longer lying in bed and feeling like I'm dying, lol. I'm going to continue taking this medication :-)."

• Its...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 13, 2019

Sertraline for Postpartum Depression "First off, don’t stop taking Zoloft. I learned it the hard way. I suffered from postpartum depression (PPD) severely after I had my son in 2009. I was hospitalized for 2-3 weeks. Zoloft did give me side effects the first couple of weeks, like headaches, insomnia, loss of appetite, anxiety, panic, and diarrhea. It felt like I was a zombie the first 3 weeks. My PPD gradually subsided the 3rd week. I weaned off of it when my son was 3. Fast forward 2 years later, I went through a rough patch and needed to be on Zoloft again. Then again, I tapered off of it after 2 years. Then I had another child 10 years after 2009, and my PPD came back, so I’m on it again. So far, I’m trying to pull through this tough time again. Zoloft has helped me plenty of times, and I hope this will help someone that is going through PPD."

• Hap...
• March 22, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I had been suffering with anxiety for a better part of my life, but never had it gotten as bad as it was in the last 2 years. I would have intense panic attacks and was afraid to socialize. This, in turn, led me to become depressed. The first drug I was put on was fluoxetine. This drug was not compatible with me at all. My anxiety became 10 times worse. I would wake up in the middle of the night and have hour-long panic attacks, could barely eat. I genuinely thought I was going to die on this drug, and I even became suicidal. I told my psychiatrist and was put on sertraline 50 mg. Within the first week, I could feel a significant difference. Way happier, anxiety decreased significantly, and more motivated. I began to feel like myself again!!"

• Jus...
• May 17, 2015

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I was prescribed Zoloft 50 mg about a year ago after giving birth to my daughter very prematurely. I did notice that during the most difficult times, I was actually very calm and could make rational decisions. Why did I stop taking it? I have no idea. Recently, I've had horrible panic attacks that have landed me in the hospital, made me call out of work, and pretty much incapacitated me. I didn't want to go back on medication, but prayer, exercise, and talking just wasn't getting it. I finally went to my doctor, and he put me back on Zoloft 50 mg. Right now I'm just taking 50 mg once a day, but next week I start taking them twice a day. I'm also on 0.5 mg Klonopin. Already, I have begun to feel a little better. Hoping it continues."