Sertraline and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Tom...
• June 17, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "Can’t remember a time with no anxiety - childhood - terrible panic attacks. I’m 69 and until 2024 tolerated situation. But then I had some CPTSD issues that really surprised me - crying a lot of the time - and relationship my wife (things bad - now worse) and I thought best go for medication. Sertraline 50mg 35 days ago. Anxiety almost disappeared within an hour after pill. Wish I’d done it before. Some nausea, no other side effects, bar some tenderness of intestinal area later. Hard to believe. Some anxious moments first week, but I’ve never experienced calm like that in my life. Thanks Doc! Downside: sexual disfunction: numbness and unable to orgasm but marriage saved despite that. Too higher dose for my sensitivity? Experimenting reduced intake. Hope to recover sexual function and keep taking pills. Lucky it worked so quick - saved my life. My advice: don’t delay like I did."

• Lou...
• November 17, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Wow. This drug has completely changed my life. I've had general anxiety and panic disorder my entire life, but I started it after a rough couple of years and an especially rough couple of months when I was willing to try anything if it would make me feel normal again. For me, Zoloft has taken away the feelings of anxiety almost completely. I still feel anxious in some long-term situations that are hard for me, but for the most part, I can do so much more than I used to be able to because I don't constantly feel plagued by fear anymore. I've had two panic attacks on Zoloft in a period of about a year, and both were much easier for me to recover from than the panic attacks I had when I wasn't on medication. I do have some sexual side effects (mild), and I have a much lower tolerance for alcohol than I used to (and I get worse hangovers). I'm really, really happy that I tried this medication, and I would strongly recommend it to others with generalized anxiety and panic disorder."

• Alb...
• June 11, 2019

Sertraline for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I left my country at 18 and got diagnosed with suicidal OCD. I was having extreme anxiety and thinking all the time. I had never taken drugs, but I saw a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with pure O (especially suicidal OCD, a type of harm OCD) and taught me ERP (exposure response prevention therapy), especially CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy). It's important to combine therapy and medication, OCD is more about practice, accepting, and dealing with thoughts than drugs, but the drugs helped a lot! I accepted my obsessive thoughts and the monster kept getting smaller and smaller. I sometimes had side effects, but they were minimal (sexual side effects and dizziness), and they went away after some time. Zoloft gave me my happiness back, but it was the ERP, CBT, and ACT that helped me live with it. It's important to seek help from psychiatrists who specialize in anxiety disorders. About the best time to take Zoloft: Zoloft made me feel like a zombie when I took it in the morning, so I started taking it at the same time every day (around 22:00), and the results were great."

• Nic...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 22, 2019

For Depression "I have been on sertraline for 2 years. It has helped with depression, but I am always tired and have no sex drive. For the last 6 months, I've been falling out with a lot of people, I think it has made me full of rage and highly irritable. I feel like I actually don't like people anymore, even family, and I don't care about anything or anyone. Everything irritates me, and I only seem to like my own company. Has anyone had any similar side effects?"

• Sky...
• October 17, 2014

Sertraline for Depression "Zoloft has helped me a lot. I suffered from mild depression and mild anxiety for years. I'm a 38-year-old male. I requested Zoloft from the doctor and I'm on the 50mg dose. It started working right away. I felt effects the first night. I was sick the next day, but that was the only time. I had some euphoria during the first couple of weeks. Next to impossible to orgasm. I have zero anxiety, it's amazing. Not as depressed but didn't fully take it away, but really helped. It was the right choice for me. Highly recommended. I would make the same choice."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Haj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 27, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "I am a 22-year-old male who started treatment with sertraline five months ago. I suffered from anxiety/PTSD for nine years, and I did so many things to try to overcome it, but I just couldn't. At first, I was afraid of drug therapy and had a negative view of it. I believed that I should improve myself, but I told myself that one day this condition should end. So I started with a dose of 50, and after 6 weeks, I upgraded to a dose of 100. It took two weeks for the effects of this medicine to start, and now after 5 months, I feel that I have completely recovered. Now I look back on my past life, and I regret why I didn't start medication sooner. I really feel sorry for those who do not take this medicine, and sometimes I laugh at them for showing so much resistance to taking medicine. Be certain to take this medicine and be sure that no complications will threaten you. The only complication that has happened to me is a little decrease in libido. I have no problem with orgasm and erection."

• twi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 19, 2013

Sertraline for Depression "I have been on antidepressants since I was 23. I started on Paxil which made me a zombie and felt suicidal. Then switched to Effexor which worked for a while but made me have unconscious behaviors a lot. I have now been on Zoloft for almost a year and I feel clear-headed, not as reactive or erratic. I do have headaches and trouble sleeping, and a low sex drive. Overall, a better life on a daily basis. I feel happier."

• Ali...
• June 10, 2015

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I've struggled with anxiety & depression my entire life, & I was wary of starting sertraline (at age 20) but 50mg a day has changed me for the better. I'm happier, less anxious overall, I got a job, I can do all the things my anxiety wouldn't allow, like answering the phone, going shopping alone, making small talk with people. There have been some unpleasant side effects, alcohol puts me right to sleep now. I have no appetite (lost about 15 lbs) and my sex drive is noticeably diminished. Whatever you do, do not stop cold turkey. 50mg is a very small dose but the withdrawals are hell. I ran out and couldn't get a refill for a week, I was cold sweating through my clothes 24/7, shaky, suicidal, dizzy, and my anxiety was worse than before."

• Tee...
• June 6, 2011

Sertraline for Depression "When I started taking Zoloft I lost 40 pounds in three months, which was GREAT. My depression got better, anxiety was better. I did lose my sex drive, but who cares, my self-esteem was GREAT. Zoloft saved me."

• Moo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 3, 2019

For Depression "Honestly, I'm not sure if I have been suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, or all of them. I'm a mum of two small children. I noticed I was always stressed and screaming and had no motivation in life. I mostly wanted to stay inside all day on most days. Nothing excited me. I've always had anxiety and depression episodes throughout my life. But on the other hand, I see myself as an optimist and always someone who took risks. Anyway, I did not see that person anymore. At all. Anyway, I was prescribed sertraline years ago and never took it. Then one day, I realized I had been crying most days and it was time to do something. So I took the medication, finally. I started on 25 mg and now on 50 mg for a day. It's only week two, but I cannot explain how different I feel. I want to do things again. I feel confident and happy, and it's something I have not felt in years. Side effects have been difficulty reaching orgasm, dizziness, and headaches. But it's getting better."

• Tha...
• July 27, 2016

Sertraline for Major Depressive Disorder "I've been severely depressed for many years. I also suffer from anxiety and OCD. Zoloft has made me much more stable, the downside is that it can make you numb to life. I lost my dad in '06, and I went into an awake coma, so to speak. I lost my mom last March. I felt the pain come in like a bullet, and then I felt overwhelmingly calm-that's the serotonin doing its job. I couldn't cry at the funeral or anything. While I'm not depressed, I do feel many other effects: decreased libido and muscle twitch. I extend my legs and contort them in bed uncontrollably. I give it a 9 because it saved my life. I'm on 150 mg in the mornings and have been for over 10 years. Give it a good shot, let it have time to work. Good luck. Don't ever give up."

• Gan...
• August 7, 2018

Sertraline for Depression "I'm a 31-year-old male who has had challenges with depression and anxiety throughout my life. I have been on several different meds in my past, including Lexapro, Paxil, Effexor, Wellbutrin, Prozac, Zoloft, and some others as well. Of all of these meds, I've found Zoloft works the best for me. However, the worst thing I experience with Zoloft is decreased libido, as with all of the other meds I've tried, except for Wellbutrin. This side effect truly sucks. Zoloft also kind of makes me feel robotic and emotionally numb. Currently, I'm experimenting with another medication (Viibryd) in an attempt to find a med that works without having sexual side effects. However, Zoloft is my fallback option because this med at least stabilizes me and helps me function in society. Therefore, I give this med a 7 out of 10. My advice to everyone is to keep being patient with meds and realize that it might take some time and trial and error. And always keep hanging in there no matter what. Good luck."

• man...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 3, 2024

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "Zoloft was the only medicine that worked for my general anxiety and panic attacks. I started on 50mg and after a few weeks of mild side effects, I started feeling much better. I was able to sleep and wake up fresh. The anxiety and worry that came for no reason was clearly going away and it was noticeable. After about 2 months on 50mg, I noticed it changing my life but I was still having panic attacks if I was going to a major event. My doctor upped it to 100mg, which is the perfect dose for me. I can live my life how I want without any unnecessary worry. I can plan trips, meet friends, go out, take risks without any worry. The biggest downside for me was decreased libido / sexual functions. The thought of sex didn't arouse me, I also noticed weaker erections and some ED issues. This does improve over time but will linger. There are ways to treat this, so don't let that stop you. The only other downside is you feel a bit emotionless and numb when you start taking it for a while."

• man...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 3, 2024

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "Zoloft was the only medicine that worked for my general anxiety and panic attacks. I started on 50mg and after a few weeks of mild side effects, I started feeling much better. I was able to sleep and wake up fresh. The anxiety and worry that came for no reason was clearly going away and it was noticeable. After about 2 months on 50mg, I noticed it changing my life but I was still having panic attacks if I was going to a major event. My doctor upped it to 100mg, which is the perfect dose for me. I can live my life how I want without any unnecessary worry. I can plan trips, meet friends, go out, take risks without any worry. The biggest downside for me was decreased libido / sexual functions. The thought of sex didn't arouse me, I also noticed weaker erections and some ED issues. This does improve over time but will linger. There are ways to treat this, so don't let that stop you. The only other downside is you feel a bit emotionless and numb when you start taking it for a while."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2020

Sertraline for Depression "Starting Zoloft again at a dose of 25 mg today. I was on it a couple of months ago at a starting dose of 50 mg. I didn't have many symptoms the first time around for two weeks. The third week, probably when it built up in my system, I experienced a continuous migraine along with high-pitched ringing in my ears. I was also very constipated, bloated, and had a dry mouth and was very fatigued throughout that third week. I also lost my appetite and couldn't reach an orgasm. I was very uncomfortable and emotionally unstable during that whole third week. I stopped taking it and all symptoms ceased within 72 hours. I saw my doctor who put me on Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin was awesome, but unfortunately, I can't continue taking it during the long-term dental work I'm having done. I hope this time Zoloft, with a lower dose, will not cause the same symptoms it did initially. Wish me luck."

• 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!"

• ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 3, 2014

Sertraline for Depression "I've dealt with many periods of depression in my life, but I hit an all-time low a year and a half ago culminating in a suicide attempt. This medication helped me get back on my feet. I started with a low dose (25mg/day - I'm small and female) and have slowly increased to the normal dosage my doctor prescribes for adults (50mg/day). I went off of it for two months after five months of taking it and fell back into depression. Went back on it and have been fine since. I don't think I will stop again for a while. Only problems are occasional insomnia and inability to orgasm anymore."

• Ano...
• August 8, 2019

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I've suffered from general anxiety and social anxiety my whole life. I recently started Zoloft at 100 mg and experienced side effects like diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and an increase in anxiety. I thought the side effects would be worse, but surprisingly, it wasn't that bad. My birth control medication affected my hormones way worse. It's been a little over a month now, and I don't wake up anxious anymore. I am able to socialize better, look people in the eye, and talk more in meetings. The only downside about this medication is that it completely got rid of my sex drive. My boyfriend does not pressure me and is very understanding of my mental health journey. I'm going to see my doctor and discuss possible alternatives. It actually terrifies me because I'm scared that there is not a better alternative that will bring back my libido. For once in my life, I feel normal. I highly recommend Zoloft. If you're a single person suffering from anxiety, this would help."

• Coo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2019

Sertraline for Major Depressive Disorder "I have major depressive disorder, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Within the first month of taking Zoloft, my depression symptoms had decreased by about 70%. I started at 50 mg a day. After the first month, it began to lose its effectiveness, so my doctor upped my dosage to 200 mg. It's helped me a lot with my mood, my sadness, and overall feeling of worthlessness. The side effects I've experienced are lack of sex drive and vaginal dryness. I did, however, find an herbal supplement that has been very effective."

• Noc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2022

Sertraline for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I am on 200 mg of Zoloft, and I had no worse side effects (compared to lower doses), but it helped me more with my OCD thoughts. Yes, night urination and less sex drive are true, but not a big deal. If it will be needed, I'll go up to 400 mg. 200 mg is the maximum FDA approved for MDD. For OCD, your doctor can take you up to 400 mg. I wish I never had OCD. Stupid pure O total waste of time, thoughts fill us with fear and anxiety."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 17, 2024

For Depression "Sertraline has worked great for me! I've tried a few different antidepressants over the years, and either they didn't work or the side effects were too severe for me. The side effects starting on sertraline were very minimal, some initial brain fog for a few weeks, but the biggest one was an increase in appetite and loss of libido. After 3 years, my libido is back to normal. After trial and error of 25mg, 50mg, and 75mg, I've found that 100mg works best for me. I don't have 24/7 anxiety anymore, and it feels like my real personality shows through that's been hidden my whole life. I don't see myself ever stopping the medication because of my mental illnesses, but it's an easy pill to split and swallow, so I don't mind. I highly recommend it as a starting SSRI!"

• Yas...
• February 5, 2009

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I have been on Zoloft 100mg for a few months now for my anxiety/panic disorder. It has completely controlled my panic attacks, which is awesome. When I first started this medicine, I became depressed, had suicidal thoughts, and no appetite. But those have since gone away as well. The only issue I have noticed still is I have no sex drive. Just wondering if this is normal with this drug and if it will eventually go back to normal."

• Twi...
• November 5, 2016

Sertraline for Depression "I've been on Zoloft for 2 months for depression and anxiety. The reason I don't give it top grades is that I don't have anything else to compare it to. Started 1 week on 25 mg and then moved to 50 mg. The first two to three weeks, the side effects were the same people describe: headache, tiredness, stomach issues, death thoughts, lack of appetite. After that, the first sign was no more tears, less anxiety for eating, my emotions went away, social anxiety too, fear and death gone too. Calmness, ability to focus on the now, lower PMS, ability to focus and interact. Some days are still hard, but it takes less for me to cope with them. I didn't know life could feel this way. Side effects: lower sex drive and return of big appetite and weight gain."