Sertraline and Panic Attacks: What Users Say (Page 4)

• KWA...
• July 8, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I started on 50 mg sertraline and 100 mg diazepam (sp), hated it. I just felt spaced out all the time. Stopped the diazepam and went to 100 mg sertraline, and it leveled my moods out. I would be the same Monday as Friday, but still not happy and joking as I usually am. I went to the doctor's today, and he put me on 150 mg sertraline and 2 mg diazepam as needed. Yes, sertraline does work. I had a really bad stomach for about a month, now that's gone. I have had a few panic attacks, but they are less. I do struggle with my thought process when I am talking, but I stop, rethink what I am saying, then go again. I am a 46-year-old male, head chef."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on sertraline a couple of times now for anxiety and OCD. I have also been on citalopram, clomipramine, venlafaxine, and fluoxetine in the past. Sertraline seems to agree with me more than the others. I am currently on my 8th week of 200 mg. 50 mg didn't really do much for me, 100 mg was slightly better, and 150 mg was slightly better still. Each time I increased, I had a slight increase in side effects. That was until I increased to 200 mg. Wow, the side effects have been pretty bad: huge increase in anxiety, panic, bad thoughts. I was very much considering stopping them. I also take propranolol 3x40 a day, but they only helped a bit. Literally, overnight the other day, the side effects went away and the calmness is slowly coming over me. The OCD isn't dramatically improved, but the anxiety is definitely improving. I was so close to giving up on them, but I'm glad I didn't. Oh, and I take them at night as they make me very tired during the day."

• cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was on Zoloft in my early 20s, but never found it very effective then. Fast-forward 15 years and every other anti-dep med later, my Celexa pooped out on me and I started having daily anxiety and panic attacks. It took nearly eight weeks for me to feel any positive effects from the drug. The start-up side effects were terrible - I was sick for weeks. However, when I was switched to Zoloft (150mg) from Celexa, they cut me off Celexa cold turkey and ramped me up to 150mg within four weeks. It was hell. Side effects: sleepiness, anxiety, depression, jaw clenching, dizziness, panic attacks, diarrhea, loss of appetite. Side effects hung on for at least the first four weeks. I'm about three months in now and feel much better. 90% normal."

• 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."

• Dog...
• July 16, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "Decided to try an antidepressant after a long time of depression and severe anxiety. The first 2 weeks was hell. Depression worsened and I just felt like something was weird, like I couldn't figure out how my mood was. But after sticking through it, I noticed a change almost after a month. I noticed I got up in the morning a lot easier without feeling down. My depression and anxiety have subsided to where it's manageable. Not a complete cure, but no medication really is. Also, DO NOT miss a dose. Did this for 2 days and had severe anxiety, panic attacks, and felt very out of it. Felt scatterbrained and had a slow reaction when socializing and talking with people."

• Pea...
• January 11, 2013

Sertraline for Depression "I am a 22-year-old female and taking Zoloft for social anxiety. About a day after starting this medication, I began clenching my jaw really tight. My jaw started aching after a couple of days because of the clenching. I had a panic attack on the train 3 days after starting this. I had nausea and a loss of appetite. The medicine did not really ease my symptoms, in fact, I would get random occurrences where I would feel extremely nervous and find it difficult to breathe. My breathing became very shallow. I am weaning myself off it after 40 days on it."

• Rhi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2016

Sertraline for Depression "I've never taken antidepressants before (I'm 19). Back in November, I started Zoloft at 25 mg for one week. I felt good, my energy was high. But after about 5 of those days, I got bad headaches. Then I started my 50 mg dose. I was even more depressed. I stayed in bed all day. I had panic episodes more frequently. I barely ate, I lost close to 10 pounds, which really scared me. I couldn't take care of myself. I thought I was losing myself. Then I was told to go back to 25 mg. I felt better, less of a lump, but I was still having depressed feelings. I got off Zoloft back in December. Consult your doctor before completely cutting off! I hope my doctor will prescribe me something else..."

• I...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 22, 2022

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I’m 19 and I’ve had terrible anxiety, panic attacks, and OCD since I was 7 years old. I would live life so paranoid and anxious, thinking about my health and dying. I was so scared to start any type of medication because I didn’t want to feel different or weird. I was very lucky that the first med I tried (Zoloft) worked like an absolute gem. During the pandemic, which normally would have been a catastrophe to me, I felt so alive. I felt just like myself, just no anxiety. I started low and worked my way up over time and found that 50mg was my sweet spot. Now I must preface that EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT AND WILL REACT DIFFERENTLY TO MEDICATION, but after about 2 years on this medication, I experimented with THC, and that was a mistake. Completely back at square 1 with terrible anxiety, paranoia, and OCD. Zoloft doesn’t work anymore, neither did Lexapro. Now being switched to Luvox. So it’s a great med, but be cautious about what you mix with."

• Sli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2020

For Panic Disorder "Diagnosed with catastrophic anxiety and severe depression. I started on 50 mg sertraline. The first week was horrendous! Panic attacks, diarrhea, vomiting, migraines, no appetite, tiredness, heavy depression, and strong suicidal thoughts. After 9 days, I entered a euphoric state that lasted 3 days with total insomnia before stabilizing. The increase to 100 mg saw all the side effects again. I'm actually losing weight as I am exercising heaps because I now want to. I have pretty much lost my sex drive, and ejaculation is significantly delayed, but it's better than me feeling suicidal! It's not a magic pill, it will mess you up before you get better, however, it will give you the chance to change ways, patterns, and lifestyles to improve yourself and deal with your baggage. I wanted to stop in the first week, but glad I didn't... take care of yourselves and each other and also seek the assistance of a psychologist."

• sou...
• April 29, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Zoloft 50 mg for over 15 years. Two months ago, I brilliantly decided to wean off by taking half a pill every other day till done. About two months have gone by, and I had to go to the doctor's and get back on 50 mg daily. I started on 25 mg for one week, then up to 50 mg daily. This is the second day back on it, so a total of 50 mg. Today has been horrible, I had to leave work. My legs are weak, I'm panicky, mouth dry as hell, zero appetite. I NEVER should have stopped, I just don't remember feeling like this when I first started all those years ago. I just want to get right and stay right!!!! Good luck to all."

• Ada...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 12, 2022

For Panic Disorder "I'm a 31-year-old male on 50 mg of sertraline. I was at my absolute lowest in May of 2021. I couldn't step foot off my own back porch into the backyard without having some kind of strange panic attack. I was terrified of medication and didn't want to take it. Severe panic attacks multiple times per day. After months of convincing from friends and family, I finally decided to take the medication. It made me feel terrible the first two weeks. I did not much other than lay around and feel anxious. I started feeling a little bit better 24 days in. I was literally counting the days. Eventually, I lost track and began coming back into normal life. Three months or so later, I was better than ever and started a new business. My business is doing better than I could have ever imagined. We are already expanding after a few short months of operation. I owe a lot to sertraline. My quality of life would not be what it is today without it. I'm so thankful."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Like others on here, I wanted to post a positive review once I felt better, as re-reading these reviews helped me so much in those first few awful weeks. Please know that Zoloft will work and help your anxiety. I have GAD and panic attacks. I started with Zoloft 25 mg for one week and then thereafter 50 mg. First week, the main side effects were a foggy head (lightheaded) but pleasant feeling, mild reflux, and insomnia, and early waking with panic attacks continued. Week 2 and 3 side effects were still slight lightheadedness, but calm, and no more daily panic attacks. End of week 3, I had a panic attack and emotional weepiness. On my GP's advice, I upped the dose to 100 mg. Few side effects on 100 mg. Relief came within 4 days! Side effects are mild. 10 weeks later, no anxiety, I am sleeping well and feeling better about the world in general. Main message: Zoloft takes time (weeks), and don’t be afraid to up your dose if your anxiety doesn’t settle or returns after 2 weeks of starting the dosing protocol."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• November 17, 2008

Sertraline for Anxiety and Stress "I started using Zoloft one and a half years ago. It definitely helped my mood, especially anxiety and depression. I also have a much more stable mood throughout my day. It did cause me to gain weight when I started taking it, but I was not eating enough prior to taking the medicine. Occasionally, I would get headaches, and after a while my body started having panic attacks again. But for the first year at least, I would say it was the perfect medication."

• Kni...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2016

For Depression "I have been taking sertraline 50 mg for the past 4 months or so. At first, I utterly hated the medication. Half an hour after I took my first dose, I had the worst panic attack of my life. I started to cry, I was shaking, my BPM skyrocketed, and I wanted to die. I also completely lost my appetite, in the first two weeks, I lost about 6-7 pounds, and I am small to start. Eating became a chore. I kept reading this drug was successful when you stuck with it. My appetite eventually came back, but I still needed the edge off. Went to my psychiatrist, he added Propranolol 10 mg 2x/day, and I feel so good now all the time. My depression is gone, it seems, my anxiety has drastically faded, and my self-confidence is restored. It was a rough start, but worth it."

• Ale...
• August 25, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on 100 mg sertraline for about a year and a half now, and it has been very positive for me. That being said, the first week was brutal. I started at 50 mg, and the first night I was awake for 48 hours with tremors and intense panic. I was able to reduce it to 25 mg, which I tolerated much better in the beginning. I was so close to just giving up on medication because the experience was awful at first. After 2 weeks, though, the side effects went away, and we eventually found the best therapeutic dose for me. My anxiety has been reduced by more than half, and the depressive symptoms have all but disappeared. It's not for everyone, but I have had an overall positive experience."

• kle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2017

Sertraline for Depression "I was prescribed Zoloft 25 mg a day for depression and anxiety/panic attacks. I was also having severe insomnia at the time and really bad anger problems. From the first day I took Zoloft, my anger almost completely went away. I wasn't upset by things that normally annoyed me anymore. Another plus I noticed almost immediately was the lift in mood. I had great success raising my mood and lifting depression in the first few weeks of this drug. However, I stopped taking Zoloft after 4 weeks because the negatives were far outweighing the positives. My insomnia and panic attacks got WAY worse, it was horrifying. I went to the ER because I had the worst panic of my life and thought I was dying. Sleep was impossible. Now I'm trying Remeron."

• Hbr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "I’ve never left a drug review, but my experience was so bad, I feel like I have to. Sertraline has been the worst thing I’ve ever done. I only took 25 mg for 3 weeks, and each day taking it, I got progressively worse. The first week wasn’t bad, but by week 2, I was waking up in a panic all throughout the night EVERY night with a really high heart rate. My legs were tingling and numb (this lasts throughout the day), and I’ve thrown up every morning since I started it. I started taking it for anxiety, but it’s made me experience depression and anxiety like I’ve never felt before. I’m a loving, kind, gentle person, but right now I don’t even want to be touched or talked to. It’s made me a totally different person in the matter of 3 weeks. I’m so glad I’m stopping this horrible drug, and I can’t wait to get back to myself!!"

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2015

Sertraline for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I suffer from PTSD and panic disorder. I have given Zoloft a good 3 months. I started at 25 mg and worked up to 150 mg. Although it did seem like it took the edge off my suffering temporarily, my body seemed to be fighting the medication the whole time. At 50 mg, I suffered panic attacks that were much more severe than the ones I had prior to the medication. I found some tranquility at 100 mg for a week, then my PCP put me at 150 mg to see if things improved. They did not improve. I experienced increased agitation, tremors, shaking like my body was in fear, yet I was not, sweating, then hot flashes. My blood pressure skyrocketed. My PCP referred me to a psychiatrist who put me back at 100 mg. Symptoms subsided, but after a week, it became clear my body was rejecting the medication altogether. Yesterday, I was on Zoloft, having hot flashes, sweating, severe panic attacks, racing heartbeat, and high blood pressure. Today, I am on 10 mg of Lexapro, and my blood pressure is fantastic. I have not had a panic attack all day. Sure, it's only been a day and my body may react differently after taking it for a while, but it has been a welcome change from Zoloft. I wished I had asked for a change sooner, but I have never been on antidepressants before."

• Cou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Sertraline absolutely did not work for me. I was taking 25 mg for just 6 days, and every day I took the pill, I was becoming more and more ill. Within 4 hours of taking the pill, I would become 100 times more anxious, have crying spells, have weird body panic attacks that I felt I had no control over, pace to the point of not being able to sit still, and literally zero sleep, and just generally mentally unwell. I ended up in the emergency department and was told to stop taking it. I have since started mirtazapine for the sedative aspect (early days, so don't know if it's working). I kept reading these reviews, and everyone said, 'It gets worse before it gets better.' If a medication has pushed you to the point of not being able to work, eat, sleep, etc., it's likely not the right medication for you. I still feel broken from my experience with sertraline."

• Kfr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 23, 2016

Sertraline for Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on Zoloft for about a year, at 25 mg. But I've recently developed panic disorder and can't seem to handle the side effects of going up. I believe I'm not even at the optimal dose yet. My doc prescribed me Effexor XR, and I'm on day one of taking that, and I feel completely emotionless. I'm going back to Zoloft tomorrow because initially it worked for depression and anxiety. Everyone is different, but I've tried citalopram, escitalopram, and now Effexor, and they all make me feel numb and like a zombie. Zoloft all the way. My doc won't prescribe me benzos, and I feel that Zoloft will be great with Xanax! Going back to the doctors next week to tell them to shove the Effexor, and I'm staying on Zoloft."

• Dev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Tried for two months, had worse and better days, but overall my anxiety got so much worse and got that panicky feeling all the time. Horrible panic attack and trip to the ER made me stop the medication yesterday, today, another panic attack. I want to be back to my old self with some anxiety."

• Med...
• July 12, 2011

Sertraline for Anxiety and Stress "I had been dealing with anxiety disorder and panic attacks for about one year. My doctor put me on Prozac, which gave short-term relief but then terrible panic attacks. Since going on Zoloft, I have seen a 100% decrease in panic attacks and anxiety. This medicine worked for me when nothing else would."

• Jon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2022

For Panic Disorder "I told myself that I would share my experience if sertraline (Zoloft) helped me, so here I am. I'm a healthy young man, with a fantastic life. Got a job I love, kids, and a wife I adore. I have no obvious reason to struggle with my mental health, yet I somehow developed intense panic disorder. I would wake up all night and be shaking, my muscles twitch and tic, I had constant diarrhea, and a feeling of intense dread and despair 24 hours a day. Sertraline made all of that go away almost entirely! The first 2 weeks were very hard. Everything got worse, but by day 10 I could feel it starting to work, and my panic attacks beginning to go away. By day 15, I was sleeping through the night, and by week 3 I was great, with no side effects. My thoughts are clear and I've stopped worrying all the time. I think I might have OCD and that's also gone. I love sertraline."

• Pen...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 16, 2019

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I have been on Zoloft 100 mg for about 25 years. It has always worked for me, however, I have recently been having episodes of what I think are panic attacks. I now have thyroid issues and wonder if it could be that. My doctor is working on adjusting my medication. I had a very high thyroid reading and then started taking the meds correctly, now it's very low. I am hoping that this is not a problem with the Zoloft not working for me anymore."