Sertraline and Panic Attacks: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• yod...
• December 22, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I am 42. I don't really have a diagnosis, but after our 3rd child at 37, something changed. What I would describe as 'a mood disorder' stopped me in my tracks. After a lifetime of ups and downs and seasonal depression, I finally got help. I have always been creative, days of high energy and an eventual crash. I've been a parent since the age of 17, so it seemed normal to run on empty. I am obsessive, compulsive, mind racing, loving, overbearing, and extremely defensive and emotional. The lows have helped inspire passion, and the highs have kept me motivated and driven. I called my OBGYN after several months of extreme symptoms: panic, paranoia, emotional breakdowns, etc. Zoloft saved my marriage and my life. 50-150 mg over 4 years."

• Pos...
• March 29, 2017

Sertraline for Postpartum Depression "A game-changer for me and, as a result, my family. I felt panicked, angry, and had racing thoughts. Within a few days, I was calmer, within weeks, I was relaxed and could think rationally rather than be anxious. I've continued to take it, as I just feel so much better as a result."

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 3, 2018

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Suffered from social anxiety disorder for the last 5-6 years. Most of my days are spent thinking about pending social meltdowns. Started using beta-blockers, typically drank a lot of booze to overcome the nerves, however, it would end up with me becoming completely wasted and loud and obnoxious. Realized that wasn't going to be sustainable and came across sertraline after reading a post here. Can safely say it was the best decision I ever made. The first 2-3 months were pretty horrendous, my anxiety amplified and I suffered from 2-3 panic attacks at work and other social situations. Interactions eventually became easier and things previously found completely unthinkable (presenting) became manageable. It takes time, and you will need to set yourself small targets every week. 14 months now, and my social anxiety is basically non-existent. I used to spend my weekends alone in my apartment avoiding interactions, becoming more and more depressed. Now, I actually look forward to hanging out with people as much as possible."

• SCa...
• February 25, 2020

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I started having panic attacks and anxiety about physical symptoms I was feeling and trouble sleeping, which were actually caused by anxiety in the first place. My doctor prescribed me 10 mg Lexapro. I took a 5 mg dose for 3 days, then raised up to the full 10 mg dose. I felt awful all of the time with headaches, nausea, dizziness, more panic and anxiety, and would get fatigued in the middle of the day. I also started having tension in my neck and shoulders. Because of these new developments, I was given Zoloft instead. Once again, I had side effects like headaches, nausea, and brain fog, but they are not as bad. I did feel bad the first week, but things are getting better. While I still am nauseous and still don't sleep until my alarm, it isn't as bad. I have more focus, which I didn't have prior. I'm hoping that if I stick with this medicine, my sleep and phobia control will improve. I have a follow-up for 2 weeks from now to see if we might need to raise the dose from 50 mg to 100 mg."

• Lun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2019

Sertraline for Depression "I started Zoloft 50 mg a week ago. I’ve been battling depression for a long time and finally had the strength to seek help, but the side effects have been a problem: diarrhea, headache, panic attacks, and extremely lightheaded to the point that I fainted and ended up at the ER. The doctor recommended to keep drinking and give it at least two more weeks while my body adjusts to it. I hope to start feeling better."

• JTa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 14, 2019

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I'm a veteran of the Iraq war. I did multiple deployments over there. I have been on sertraline for a little over a year now for PTSD. I take a 100 mg dose every morning. It took some time to get the dosage right, but once we did, it was like a dark to daylight difference. Driving was a huge issue for me after Iraq. Crowds were and are still a problem for me. Massive anxiety and panic attacks that struck about three to four times a week are now down to happening only two or three times a month. Some months are different given events that happened. But it still helps. I would definitely recommend sertraline. It took some time working with my doctor over time to get my dosage right, but when we did, my quality of life changed significantly. I really hope this helps someone."

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 16, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "23 yo female with BPD. Been on Lamotrigine 200 mg and Cymbalta 120 mg for years, but the Cymbalta became too sedating. Switched to Zoloft 50 mg a month ago and unleashed TORTURE. Seemed to work initially, less fatigue and more motivation, so increased to 100 mg, but I became ravenously hungry and gained weight instantly. Dropped back to 50 mg and it got bad. Couldn’t fall asleep and my panic attacks, irritability, and mood swings came back. Suicidal thoughts returned heavily. Got so bad that a few days ago I called my husband while he was at work, feeling like I was about to overdose on my medication because the mental anguish was unbearable. I felt literally insane. And I could go on for pages about the anger, the lashing out, etc. Stopped taking it today. I know two people with bipolar disorder in which the doctors prescribed Zoloft, and it screwed them both up so bad. I want to believe this is a good drug, but doctors seriously need to be more careful with its use in bipolar patients."

• Ean...
• July 28, 2018

Sertraline for Depression "I was taking 50 mg of Zoloft for four weeks. I went to see my shrink and told her I was not better, but felt more depressed. I did feel less anxious. However, she doubled my dose. I don't even remember how I felt at first, I just know that exactly a week after starting this new dose, I began to have manic episodes. I did very impulsive things, I felt elated and euphoric. I then became agitated, which a few hours later resulted in a full-blown panic attack. I have also had a manic episode today, where I was hallucinating. My heart was beating 100 miles a minute, I was shaking, my eyes seemed huge and sparkly, I was sitting on my bed rocking, and felt like I was in hell. I have gone between depressed and manic for three days now. I am not sure if I am bipolar or not. I called my doctor today but will not hear back for a few days. This drug is a full-blown nightmare. Everyone reacts differently, but I am frightened. I almost called 911 twice in the past two days."

• Ace...
• October 7, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "When I first got on Zoloft, it was bad. I started on 100 mg. I was drained, had flu-like symptoms and tremors, even morning sickness. So I came to this website to try and get an idea of what others were going through. For those suffering and questioning if it's worth it, I PROMISE you if you fight through it, all these side effects disappear. I would suggest to ask your doctor about getting put on Clonazepam at the beginning, but that's only in my opinion because it saved me for the time being. I would have lost my job without it because the Zoloft side effects were no joke for me. At first, the Zoloft had me losing my mind with more panic attacks, and that's when I was also prescribed Clonazepam by my doctor. It was a lifesaver and 100% got me through the worst of Zoloft. I would take 0.25 mg in the morning and 0.25 at night. I'm going on my fourth month on Zoloft, and I probably would have stopped taking it at the start if it wasn't for the Clonazepam to help me get through the beginning stages of Zoloft."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 2, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I took this drug for four days. I was getting sicker and sicker until I had to stop. Felt sick, vomiting, and diarrhea. My anxiety is through the roof! With on-and-off panic attacks throughout the day. The insomnia was never-ending, and my mental health is worse. I also have been unable to eat, and I’ve lost half a stone. Stopped taking it two days ago, and I still can’t eat. I still have the panic attacks and still feel sick."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2023

Sertraline for Depression "Taking Zoloft was one of the worst experiences I have had in my life. I was going through a major upheaval in my life (a partnership of 20 years ending, selling my business and house, and surviving a stroke) all within about a 4-month time frame. I was prescribed Zoloft to help me during the deep depression I found myself in. I started on 25 mg and gradually went up to 100 mg daily. Once at that dose, major panic and anxiety set in along with deeper depression, insomnia, and GI/digestive issues. I decided I had had enough and have been slowly weaning myself off (under my health practitioner's supervision). Today is my first day completely off of it, and although I realize I am in the early stages, I can't explain how much better and in control I feel. I anticipate the next 2 weeks will be challenging, but it will be well worth any discomfort. I can finally function and communicate and feel so much more 'normal' and positive. Please do not attempt to quit this nasty drug cold turkey."

• Nic...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 2, 2020

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "Been on it 6 years now. Feels weird in the beginning, but that goes away between 2 days and 2 weeks. I remember feeling hyper-alert and not hungry, but was reassured that if I could get through the onset, I could then experience the benefits. I did. It took away intrusive morbid thoughts (PTSD, OCD, anxiety) that had plagued me daily. Also, my general anxiety of feeling time pressured all the time. I am now up to 150 mg, increased to 200 mg one week out of the month (you know, that time of the month). These days, my PTSD is mostly under control, but depression has popped up, and now panic attacks again. I'm still giving an 8 out of 10 because of a 5-year run on a psyche med complementing your body chemistry is expected. But I don't like the brain zaps I get when I'm late taking it. It's scary, most SSRIs and GABA do this. I hope to move to ALLholistic one day, but for now still need therapy and meds too."

• A f...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 6, 2021

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I promised myself I’d come back and write about my experience when I felt better. Today, on day 8, I’m finally feeling like a person again. I had forgotten to take my Zoloft for about 4 days and overall have been really inconsistent with it, and it definitely backfired. Idk what happened, but I found myself bedbound with constant panic and anxiety. I was scared of everything: light, taking a bath, going to my kitchen, the world around me. I was in fear for 8 days straight, and it was torture. I was just trying to hold on until the medicine kicked in again, and sure enough, it did. Zoloft takes time, and very slowly you see progress. BUT when you finally see that progress, omg, it’s such a light and breath of fresh air. Please give it time to work, it will change your life as it has mine."

• esk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2021

Sertraline for Postpartum Depression "I had postpartum anxiety, which led to depression with my first child. After 4 weeks of living in a nightmare, I started medication, and it saved my life. For my 2nd child, I started Zoloft the day after giving birth. They gave me 50 mg, and I had a full-blown panic attack. I was terrified. The uneasiness I felt was horrible. They decreased my dose drastically. I took 12.5 mg for 2 weeks, then 25 mg for 1 week, then 50 mg. The first 2 weeks were absolutely awful. This medication will make you feel worse before making you feel better. After 2 weeks, the uneasiness and anxiety started to subside and gradually got better nearly every day for 6 more weeks. By 8 weeks, I was COMPLETELY myself again. It's an amazing medication once it kicks in. You HAVE to let it work, though. The first 2 weeks are ROUGH, but do NOT quit. I promise you, you will be beyond grateful when it starts to actually help."

• Ece...
• February 28, 2021

Sertraline for Depression "I started taking Zoloft 6 months ago due to extreme depression and generalized anxiety disorder (too much overthinking and worrying due to overthinking), been prescribed 25mg. It has helped me a lot. Though I still feel depressed from time to time. Still get anxious and have insomnia. This is NOT the first time I have taken Zoloft. The first time I was a child (bad idea), for sure, I had a higher dosage due to that and a serious episode. After that, around the age of 18-20, I took it for the first 4 days (am), which caused me to have a serious panic attack in the middle of the night. I stopped taking it. It was a very low dosage. Nothing bad happened, though I had suicidal thoughts. It has not been easy. All I can say is life is not easy. Never will be, but let us be positive and make the most of it. Be thankful for the good days."

• Rox...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2022

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I have never had anxiety in my life. I didn’t even know what that meant until last year in October when I ended up in the ER for palpitations. They checked my heart, but everything turned out to be okay, and they sent me home. After that episode, I started to have bad anxiety and panic attacks, which concluded with insomnia and losing my appetite. My doctor prescribed me Zoloft 50 mg. The first day I took it, my anxiety was so much worse, and I had panic attacks ending with me throwing up all day long. I was sure I was dying, but my doctor told me to stick with it, and I did. The first 3 weeks were the worst in my entire life. I’ve never felt so bad in my life, and I started to read all the reviews in here, and they gave me hope, and I stuck with it. By week 4, I started to sleep better and eat more, but the anxiety was still there. By week 6, my panic attacks were gone, and by week 8, my anxiety is gone. Stick with it, it works."

• Lea...
• August 11, 2011

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I have always suffered from depression, but got panic disorder after I broke up with my fiancé of 3 years. During that time, it was hell. I couldn't drive or go out alone in fear that I would hurt myself or others out of impulse. I was prescribed citalopram initially, and it made things worse. Strangely, my mom is on citalopram and copes really well (she has depression without anxiety). My psychiatrist recommended a switch to Zoloft, and everything improved drastically. My symptoms of anxiety subsided dramatically, and I can now continue with my life as normal. I still get mild panic attacks, but very rarely or when I get very upset. I would definitely give Zoloft a thumbs up, but it should be clear that these medicines affect every person differently."

• Ken...
• August 24, 2020

For Panic Disorder "About two months ago, I began taking Sertraline. I was suffering from debilitating panic attacks and anxiety and had gotten to the point of basically not being able to function. Daily activities became nearly impossible to complete, such as working and driving. I started 50 mg Sertraline, had every side effect in the book, and honestly felt worse than I had before taking it. However, after reading through these reviews and having many conversations with my PCP, I stayed on the medication and actually upped the dose to 75 mg. I’m seven weeks in, and I feel almost completely back to normal-this did take probably six weeks, though. I haven’t had a panic attack in probably two weeks, I’m working and leaving my house every day, and many of my anxious thoughts have subsided. I wish I would’ve known it can get worse before improving when I started; however, I can honestly say it has so positively impacted my life that it was totally worth it. Stick it out-you won’t regret it!"

• Gin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "My primary provider put me on Zoloft 50 mg, and everything was great for approximately 3 months. Then my BP and HR went up for no reason. Just 4 days after the first episode, I ended up at the ER with hypertension and muscle pain. I was diagnosed with panic attacks, got a muscle relaxer, and sent home. After 2 days, another panic attack, severe chest pain, dizziness, hypertension, and muscle cramps/spasms. I went to the ER; my labs, EKG, TSH, and chest x-ray all perfect. I told them that those symptoms are specific to Serotonin Syndrome and maybe my body accumulated too much serotonin. Contrary, they considered increasing my Zoloft dose; I refused and actually decreased Zoloft to a min dose for a week and then I stopped it. I was very lucky to recognize the serotonin syndrome, and I would like to ask everyone to read about it and be aware of this deadly complication. Now I am taking Spirulina, which works great for depression and anxiety. Good luck, everyone, and God bless."

• Bra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2020

Sertraline for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I started taking Zoloft at 25 mg for my anxiety and PTSD caused by a bad reaction to some NyQuil I took a while back. At first, when I started taking it, I was okay but still was having trouble. At about 1-2 weeks on it, I always felt like my face was melting and could not think ahead. I was in panic mode 24/7, but I could sleep even though when I woke up it didn’t feel like I did. I would wake up, cry, go to school, cry, get on the bus, cry, get home... cry all night until I fell asleep. I was not depressed before I started taking it, but I was during. I had extreme thoughts of suicide. I also could not climax, or when I got close, it felt like I was going to pass out. I have heard that the medication equals out after about 3 weeks, but I couldn’t stand it to happen anymore."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2012

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I am a 30-year-old female who has suffered from severe panic attacks since I was 16 years old. I lost my mother to a fatal heart attack when she was 27 years old and have always feared the same would happen to me. I have seen a cardiologist since I was 17 and have had as many heart tests done that they would probably perform on an 80-year-old. I've always checked out fine and not seemed to have inherited anything my mother had. When I have anxiety, which leads into a panic attack, my mind spirals out of control. I am a nurse also and picture worst-case scenarios all these symptoms could be. I have been on Zoloft for 6 weeks now. It's helping, but I'm still not 100% and using Xanax to cope. I'm pleased with the results though and hopeful I will get better."

• Get...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 9, 2022

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I took Zoloft a few years ago due to anxiety but weaned off because I gained a considerable amount of weight. Fast forward to last October, and I was on my way to being housebound. I was having multiple panic attacks a day and was afraid to leave home because I was scared to panic in public. I tried some other medications first (including a nightmare two days on Effexor). Eventually, I felt like this was getting ridiculous. I was avoiding Zoloft because I was worried about having to go up a size in jeans. I was at the point that I would have gained two hundred pounds to get my life back. Anyway, I started back on Zoloft, and the beginning was rough, but I expected that, so I stuck with it. The first few days on it, plus anytime I had a dose increase, I had increased anxiety and panic. I’m now at 100 mg, and I think this is where I’ll stay. I’m certainly not cured, but I am living a mostly normal life. Hang in there, and it will get better!!!"

• Cla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2024

For Panic Disorder "Like many, I've been reading these reviews lately to keep me focused on staying on sertraline. I've been on SSRIs for the best part of 17 years. Two months ago, I mentioned to my doctor that I was feeling like Citalopram wasn't working anymore. I was switched to Prozac and within a week, I was spiraling. I was then taken off Prozac and so traumatized from the experience that I decided to be off medication for good... Cut to one month later, and I can't leave my house, speak to people, do my job, and I'm having intrusive thoughts. I was referred to a mental health practitioner and put on 50mg of sertraline. I got worse... Week 1 was intense panic, week 2 I could leave the house as long as I took beta blockers. I've woken up today exactly 3 weeks since I started taking sertraline, feeling lighter, leaving the house without beta blockers, and confident I am on course to being back to me. Please stick with it, take time out, and focus on taking your medication, breathing, eating well, and resting."

• Sky...
• September 11, 2019

Sertraline for Depression "I've been on it for 4 weeks and suffer horrible dreams, panic attacks, dizziness, and nausea. The doctor says keep taking it, I say forget that business. How can something that is supposed to help you give you panic attacks? I'm flushing the meds down the drain and am going to see another doctor. In all honesty, I would much rather deal with the depression than feel like this. There are better ways to live, people, and not continue to be pharmaceutical lab rats. At least being depressed, I have no emotions, which is far better than sitting in a corner crying for no reason. Good luck."