Sertraline and Panic Attacks: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2018

Sertraline for Depression "My son had a K10 score of 31/50 and was prescribed 100 mg Zoloft daily. He had a panic attack and killed himself. This is a known side effect of Zoloft, and I blame it and a lack of active follow-up by his doctor."

• Sut...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 24, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I suffer from worry and anxiety most days, and have for years. I've been on citalopram and weaned off and sertraline for the 2nd time recently, as recommended by my GP. Days 1 & 2: palpitations and feeling of energy increase, followed by falling asleep and feeling drowsy. Had prosecco on day 7 due to a friend's 40th and felt awful the next day. More than a hangover. Day 12: I felt absolutely awful, so anxious and panicky, my heart raced all day, and I cried so much in the evening that I ended up taking propranolol beta blockers to calm me down. I'm so scared tomorrow will be the same, but I also don't want to have to start over again... I really feel for you all, this is such a horrible feeling, and I feel like I've no control."

• Meg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2023

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I personally had an awful experience with sertraline, but I know many others who have had incredibly positive experiences, so I wouldn't want to put people off trying it. Just because it was bad for me doesn't mean it would be bad for someone else! Either way, I only took one dose (25 mg), and within 6 hours developed the worst anxiety of my life, followed by panic attacks, headache, nausea, and shaking/teeth chattering, despite being boiling hot and drenched in sweat. I felt incredibly jittery, like I was full of electricity, and was sick multiple times. I also completely lost my appetite. It was an awful experience, and I didn't take the second dose. I am now on citalopram and experiencing minimal side effects, aside from increased anxiety (which I can cope with temporarily!)."

• Lac...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 14, 2016

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I've been taking Zoloft for over a year (100 mg tablets) for my SAD and depression. Before Zoloft, I was engaged in self-harm, overly complicated fear, panic attacks, depersonalization, no motivation, and missing school at least once a week from lack of motivation. Now that I've been on it, I've been less involved in those problems, though I wouldn't say it's 100% from the Zoloft, but rather just some life choices, though the Zoloft did still cater into those choices. I'm still depressed and have anxiety, but I have improved since I started taking it, and I thank it for helping me. I would say that my panic attacks and motivation have improved, and I'm having fewer problems, I can finally say I'm even just a little happy with life again."

• tri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I was on sertraline for 2 years, then was taken off of it due to a manic episode. It worked great for anxiety at the time! 1 month ago (6 months after stopping), I asked my doctor to resume the med. I started with 25 mg for 2 weeks, and after 1 week my anxiety had worsened. Went from being anxious for a few minutes every other day to being anxious for half of each day. I stuck through because I know sometimes it gets worse before it gets better. Once at the 50 mg dosage, my anxiety became unbearable. It was 24/7. Worse than ever... I was vomiting from stress, constant panic attacks and worrying about death/the future, stress hives, etc. After 4 days of this living nightmare, I stopped it 2 days ago. I decided that there are plenty more options on the market. I am already feeling 100 times better. I laughed today, I can actually focus on what people are saying, I'm feeling hunger again. This medication may have gotten better if I had waited it out, but I felt that the anxiety was too awful to justify."

• Nik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "First went on sertraline in January this year for panic, depression, and anxiety. Absolutely freaked myself out with side effects, convinced I had it all. After two weeks, things drastically improved, and then life was good, but stupidly, I weaned myself off in July, and recently all the bad feelings came back. It’s day 7 now on 50 mg, and I’m still panicky and obsessed with Joe. I must admit, though, that I do trust in these pills and can’t wait for them to kick in again."

• Dro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Been on tablets 2 and a half weeks. I was prescribed 50mg sertraline and 5 days' worth of diazepam for the startup effects. The first week and a half was the worst I've ever felt. Anxiety factor 100, sweating, panic, everything the drug was supposed to be treating. I used diazepam to calm the panic, which helped a little bit fully. Now 2 1/2 weeks in, the startup effects are nearly gone, mood up a little, but anxiety, no real effect, bar a weird cloud-like daze I feel in at the minute. Will keep people updated on the progress."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 19, 2014

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I would have panic attacks and would cut myself to avoid feeling nervous and anxious about things I couldn't control. I pretty much had a great experience while I was on Zoloft. I was taking 100 mgs a day. Very few panic attacks, and if I would have feelings of panic, it was much less intense. After about a year, I decided I no longer wanted to be taking antidepressants. I weaned myself off of it. First week I took 75 mg, then 50, then 25. This is the end of my first full week off Zoloft, and for the most part, I feel fine. I think the medicine helps. I noticed my smoking habit has started to come back, as my desire for a cigarette while on Zoloft was minimal."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I took sertraline for about a month. I know that typically it takes longer for SSRIs and other psychiatric medications to truly begin working, but the adverse effects I experienced from this drug were way too much to handle. For one, I couldn't sleep at all...like I mean at all. I lost so much weight from my lack of appetite that I actually ended up having to go to the hospital. Not to mention, my anxiety/panic attacks were so severe I almost got admitted to an inpatient facility. My only advice would be to watch out for any sign of severe weight loss. I had pretty horrible experiences on this drug...I wish you all the best of luck."

• lai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2016

Sertraline for Depression "I started taking this medicine over a week ago... And let me say I feel WAY worse than I ever did. I started Zoloft 12.5 mg because I was feeling depressed and had anxiety, well, it's gotten worse. I feel stuck... Head's foggy... Worsening anxiety... Have no emotions... Panic attacks... Can't sleep... Can't concentrate... Can't shower... Can't eat... I don't know whether to stick it out or try a new medicine, all I know so far is this has been the worst thing ever!! I just want to go back to my old self.:("

• Chr...
• August 9, 2021

Sertraline for Depression "I have been on Zoloft 200 mg for 25 years. At first, I found it great, started on 25 mg, then 50 mg, then 100 mg, to 200 mg. In the beginning, I suffered from major depression, and after trying a few drugs, Zoloft was the only one that worked. After about 5 years on it, I started getting panic attacks and severe anxiety attacks, feeling worse than ever. I found out from my doctor that being on it long-term causes this, it's part of the side effects. I stuck with it and got some counseling, and it went away until recently. This time, it was unbearable. Trying to come off them is absolutely horrible, I was so sick, I thought I might have to check myself into a hospital. I was suicidal, dizzy, I was all over the place, vomiting, shaking, hot and cold, crying constantly, irritable. It was bad."

• Eli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 15, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started taking sertraline at the beginning of June this year. For 2 years, I never left the house. I was agoraphobic, so severely depressed that I forgot what joy even felt like, and I was beginning to believe that suicide was a genuine option in my future. I’d have panic attacks so intense I thought I was dying. It’s now 2 months later, and I cannot believe I’m able to say I haven’t had any of the above symptoms since. Before, I only had moments of “happiness” when eating. I binged on food every day and gained over 100 lbs because it was literally the only thing that made me feel any type of emotion other than anger and doom. Now, just 60 days later, I don’t even think about food that much because I don’t need that mood boost I would get from eating. I’m no longer scared to leave the house, I haven’t had a single panic attack, and I’m genuinely excited for life. I’ve never been more grateful."

• han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2015

For Panic Disorder "I've been taking sertraline (50 mg) for over a month now. I felt slightly better after 3-3.5 weeks on the med, and I started feeling full effects after about a month. Now I feel great! Nevertheless, I experienced a considerable increase in anxiety and panic in the first week of taking sertraline. Other than that, I didn't notice any other side effects. I would highly recommend this to anyone suffering from panic disorder, GAD, and depression."

• Sca...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I finally decided to get help with my anxiety and depression after many years of battling it. My doc prescribed me this, and I was excited to think I was finally going to get my life back. I'm 23, with 2 kids and a wonderful husband who now have to watch me cry in panic every day. It has made it harder for me to work or be around people. Even after 3 weeks of being off the medication, I still feel the effect of it. I feel worse, I'm constantly in panic and scared of something that I have no control over. I am now constantly thinking about death in hopes that there is an afterlife. Something I have coped with years ago, but it's back. This medicine didn't do any good for me, it did the exact opposite. Please take caution when taking this."

• Red...
• January 18, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I've only been on this drug for 3 days. I've experienced the usual side effects others have mentioned, i.e., diarrhea, jaw clenching, fidgeting, but also an increase in my anxiety and a panic attack, as well as some very dark thoughts. I'm hoping these side effects will go soon, in two days, I'll be home alone and worried about how I'll cope."

• Cal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2021

For Social Anxiety Disorder "DON'T GIVE UP. I'm now on day 25, and I feel 95% myself. The first 19 days were really hard, I'm not going to lie - I had every side effect there was, but they have almost gone. I'm sleeping 7 hours now, whereas before I had had no sleep for months..! I've even managed to drive the car and go to the shop without panicking. It is like a dream today to feel human again..! It really is a tough few weeks, but stick it out, it really does work.. (And skip the negative reviews) will update soon."

• Cor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 1, 2021

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I just got off of Paxil, and they switched me to Zoloft… I’m taking half of 100 mg, so 50 mg for 7 days, then once that’s done, I’ll take 100, but I’m telling you my anxiety is so bad right now. I’m shaky, panicking all the time, tired, heart racing. I feel so agitated, like my emotions are all over the place. I feel sick to my stomach, constantly have diarrhea. Is this normal? I told my doctor, and they won’t take me off of it. I don't like this, my anxiety is horrible right now, and I think I’m having panic attacks. I just want to know if this is normal and will it subside because my doctor wants me to stay on it."

• Itg...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 19, 2021

For Panic Disorder "A year ago, as now, I was on this website, terrified to start sertraline, but it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I was so worried about side effects and the way the medication would affect me, but it really wasn't as scary as it seems. This medication allowed me, first, to get back to my normal self and then allowed me to push myself to be better than ever. I'm only 20, and a year ago, I wasn't able to leave the house for 4 months straight due to anxiety/panic attacks, and now I am living the life of a normal 20-year-old. I can’t recommend this enough."

• Lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2022

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I got put on 25 mg of Sertraline about 2 months ago after being diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I had only recently been getting panic attacks, and once it started affecting my everyday life, I knew I needed to get help right away. I have had depression for about 3 years but went unmedicated because it usually was just during the winter when it was really bad. I live in a very rainy state where half the year is gloomy, so I was sort of set up to have depression just from that. But once I started getting panic attacks doing everyday things, I knew it was time to try a medication. To my surprise, the first week went very well, my mind was so quiet for the first time in forever. And now, 2 months later, I have done everything that I was struggling to do before without issue (work, grocery trips, going out to eat in public, etc.). This medication has really helped me. I will add that I am also on an “as needed” prescription if I do feel like I am getting panicky (Hydroxyzine 10 mg)."

• Rus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2016

Sertraline for Depression "I switched from Pristiq, which was keeping me up at night. My initial dose was 50 mg. It was hell the first week: crying spells, panic attacks, but my doc promised it would improve. After I bumped it up to 100 mg, the hell got worse; panic attacks and anxiety were unbearable, but I kept telling myself to stick with it. So, I did until the end of week 2 on a higher dose when I was hospitalized with seizures due to serotonin syndrome. Still taking Ativan 1 mg every 5-6 hours for seizures. Not a good experience."

• Rei...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 14, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I suffered from a major bout of anxiety in my sophomore year of high school, and it made life very difficult. I grew agitated and jumpy, and the summer between my sophomore year and junior year, I started taking Zoloft after talking to my doctor and was clinically diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and major depression. After being on it for a while, I noticed that my depression was getting better. When combined with therapy, I also felt less anxious at school unless I was in large crowds. This medication has been a huge help, but going off of it for extended lengths of time has led to sudden and small panic attacks without cause."

• Top...
• March 27, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Started taking 50 mg 4 weeks ago. Apart from 1 day feeling nauseous, I didn't get any side effects at first. However, by the end of week 4, things had gotten worse, so much so that my doctor sent me to A&E to check for heart attack symptoms! I had an ECG, chest X-ray, and blood tests, and everything was normal. I was getting pain in the chest, was short of breath, had tingling down my arm, and was exhausted after just walking the dog! I was also waking up every morning feeling very nervous. The other night, I woke up in the middle of the night suffering a full panic attack, and although I got through that, the following day the nervous feeling never left me, and I had the pain in the chest all day. I decided enough is enough and went back to the doctor, who has now taken me off the tablets. I am taking 25 mg every other day for a couple of days, then stopping completely. I have friends who are on this medication who have not suffered any side effects whatsoever, so it is obviously just me!!"

• BCa...
• January 22, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I have had severe anxiety and stomach problems for years now. Around 11/21/19, I got a really bad stomach and bowel issues and couldn't eat or drink for 2-3 days, and I'm already underweight. After 4 weeks of pure torture, the 2-week holidays started, and my mom was around every day. I also was finally prescribed sertraline 50mg. The first week was awful. I felt more nervous than ever, having more stomach pains and just feeling really depressed/hopeless. After around 2 weeks, I started feeling less sick and nervous, and I thought the tablet was kicking in. The next 2 weeks, I was happy, and I could do things by myself again, but then I started feeling a little sick. As the fifth week just started, I woke up with awful stomach pains and panic. The past 3 days have been so bad for me, and I'm getting way worse symptoms. I currently can't eat again and am panicking 24/7. I'm trying to stick with it as I'm hoping it's just side effects, but things are worse than ever right now."

• Mat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "I'm struggling with OCD, which brings a barrage of intrusive thoughts and various other themes like false memory, harm, real event, somatic, and existential concerns. I've just started on sertraline 25 mg, and I’ve been on it for 4 days, and it's been tough. My OCD symptoms seem to have intensified, with increased anxiety and panic. This heightened anxiety is amplifying the doubts that my OCD already causes, to the point where I'm second-guessing conversations I know I've had, which is incredibly distressing. Clinging to my faith and reading positive testimonials are what's keeping me afloat right now. They say it often gets worse before it gets better, and while it's certainly getting worse, the encouraging reviews give me hope to persevere. I'm holding onto the hope that a month from now, I'll begin to see the benefits of the treatment."

• Ann...
• October 6, 2019

For Panic Disorder "Just like you, I was searching every possible review before deciding to get on Zoloft. My panic was so bad, I couldn’t go to the bathroom or shower alone. I’d wake up in full panic attacks and go to sleep having panic attacks. I was having panic attacks to the hour. I had to quit school and quit my good-paying job. It also ended me up in the ER and crisis center. I’m currently at 100 mg. The first 4 weeks, especially the first two, were BAD! I was experiencing so many symptoms, you name it. BUT I'M SO GLAD I RODE THE WAVE. I wanted to quit. Now I can shower alone, go to the bathroom alone, take my dog potty, etc. It’s helped so much. I have good and bad days, but thank God I'm not where I was. I still have panic attacks on occasion, but they're not as severe and pass quickly. My anxiety is more manageable, and I’m not nearly as angry of a person or depressed. Please ride out the wave. This medication meets you halfway, if not more. (I’ve been on it two months)"