Sertraline and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 5)

• FAs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2018

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "For about ten years, I smoked high-strength skunk (high-potency cannabis) every day from the age of 15. One day, I snapped and had a mental breakdown. Nonstop panic attacks. After about 6 months, I discovered Valium, and I coasted through the next 2-3 years with a mask. Then it got too much. I quit my job and got prescribed sertraline (Zoloft). The first few weeks were so hard, but I was used to it. For the past 3-4 years, I couldn’t get a tube, train, or go into central/shopping centers without having crippling panic attacks. Now, 8 weeks after this medication, wow, I’m actually normal. Finally, after all this time, I can live normally. It’s incredible, I could cry, I’m so happy. At first, I lost my appetite (gone after a week) and lost libido (gone after about 6 weeks). My only side effect is bad sleep, but hey, it’s worth it. This is a wonder drug, and I’m not ashamed to say I’m taking it. I’m only on 50mg. Life changer. Subtle as well. You’re not doped up."

• fru...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 9, 2014

For Depression "I am a 42-year-old man who has been on Sertraline 100 mg daily for about 4 years. I was diagnosed with depression and put on medication and saw a psychologist who was no help at all. The medication cured my constant state of anger and irritation, and I could actually spend time with my wife and 3 children without flying into a rage! People wonder why I am always laughing and generally happy, as well as being extremely laid back about situations. The big downside I have found with this medication is the lack of libido. The brain still wants it, but the man stick does not respond too often. It can take an age to ejaculate, and keeping an erection can also be a problem. I have gained some weight, and I sweat profusely."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2020

Sertraline for Depression "Increased anxiety dramatically the first few days I took it-to the point I thought I would have a panic attack while I was driving. This leveled off, but after every morning dose, it would increase my anxiety a bit. Helped with depression, I think, but unfortunately, after a month, I started developing sexual side effects and had to cease."

• Fai...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 5, 2023

For Anxiety and Stress "I cannot remember if I reviewed this before. It was years ago. I took fluoxetine, then venlafaxine, and finally sertraline. 'Trial and error' with my doctor searching for antidepressants. Increasing the dose until the side effects were too bad. Though my problem was anxiety. I also took clonazepam 0.5 mg daily for 1 month, as I changed from venlafaxine to sertraline. None of them helped with anxiety, except clonazepam. I took antipsychotics on top of sertraline... Eventually, I stopped all drugs. With a taper. After that, I had sexual dysfunction for 5-7 years. It was extremely distressing and disheartening. Took a portion of my life. I hate these drugs and the way they are overprescribed. As if they are not physically addictive. Within months, your body does become dependent, you need to taper... Don't bother with the roulette. If you are older, your chances of recovering from sexual dysfunction are lower."

• aka...
• July 8, 2016

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I had anxiety and panic attacks for about 3 years. I finally said enough was enough when I promised after another panic attack I'm going straight to the doctor, and I did. And I'm glad I did. This drug makes anxiety come all the way down to a manageable level. It takes about 2 months from my experience to work. I've been on 50 mg for 5 months, and I should increase my dose for the remaining anxiety, but there's a reason I won't. The drug's sexual side effects are bad, it lowers overall sex drive and makes it hard to climax-very annoying. That's the main reason I want to get off them, as well as a dislike of long-term medication. For someone who is looking to try the drug but maybe apprehensive: don't be scared to try this medication, don't live in anxiety hell."

• JPG...
• April 3, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "Advantages: big decrease in anxiety and negative thoughts. The return of optimism, hope, a generally lighter take on life. Disadvantages: decreased libido, mild and infrequent headaches. Also, for me, it has taken about 4 months before I felt any real benefits, which felt like a long time. Conclusion: so glad I stuck it out!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2022

Sertraline for Major Depressive Disorder "I promised I would share my experience to offer hope to those who might be struggling like I was. This spring I suffered from major anxiety resulting from medical issues. When I began Zoloft at 50 mg, I had so many side effects! Insomnia, tremors, muscle twitching, jittery feelings, buzzing in my extremities, night sweats, and sexual side effects. I was discouraged because so many others felt better in 4-6 weeks and, while I had seen some improvement, I was nowhere near where I wanted to be. I started taking the medication in the morning to address insomnia, and that helped tremendously. Tomorrow marks week 8 for me, and I can honestly say this week has been a turning point. Side effects have reduced significantly, and I now am beginning to feel like my old self. Sexual side effects remain, and my doc said they would likely not improve. At some point, I will likely wean off. That said, it has still helped me tremendously, and I was slower to respond than others! Hang in there!"

• Cea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 1, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on Zoloft for eight weeks now, and apart from early headaches, irregular sleeping pattern, and diminished libido, this has had a significant positive impact on my life in relation to my melancholy, which had ruled every waking moment. It's not a magic bullet, but I am feeling happier and more content. My blood sugar levels are perfect, I've lost weight, stopped chewing my fingernails, and I've done nothing other than take this medication. I've tried various other meds with no success, but this one, so far, has been wonderful. I take 50 mg daily."

• Dri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 26, 2019

For Depression "Literally a lifesaver. Very depressed a year ago, acute family issues. Suicidal. Started on 25 mg sertraline daily, up to 50 mg after 6 weeks. Within days, noticed a change in my perception of other people, much greater empathy, sense of humor returned. Fair few side effects in the first months, very decreased libido, some anxiety (I don't normally suffer from anxiety). Initial positive experiences kept me going with it though. Stayed on for nearly a year, tailed off under my own supervision after a year, over a 6-week period. Bit difficult as no smaller dose than 50 mg so had to cut tablets into quarters. Been off for 2 weeks now and no ill effects or withdrawal. For someone in my position and brain chemistry (I was amazed how quickly it worked), I would highly recommend this medication."

• Mum...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 13, 2017

Sertraline for Depression "Took Zoloft for depression and anxiety and was on it for about six months. It absolutely helped, and I felt less anxious almost immediately. But I stopped taking it due to increasing negative side effects. I have learned through my journey that other people's experiences of these kinds of meds are no real indication of how it will be for you personally. But sometimes it helps to share. Just take everything with a grain of salt. Zoloft negatives: constant yawning, the first three days you feel so unwell you think you'll never be okay again. Also, inability to have an orgasm, which lasted about three months, and then I was fine. Serious vertigo that got so bad I had to stop taking it. Tried venlafaxine and Prozac with better results."

• nel...
• June 4, 2016

Sertraline for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "First month, bad side effects. Felt worsening anxiety and felt like a zombie. After about 4 weeks, the magic happened. My obsessions became minimal, and my depression/PMDD improved immensely. Side effects include some weight gain, like 15 lbs, and loss of sex drive. However, I was on 50 mg, and the improvement in my mental state was worth it. I could only take this drug at night, in the morning, it would make me dizzy. I was in this for 4 years, it does improve obsessive worrying and depression."

• Mel...
• December 5, 2010

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I have been using Zoloft to treat mainly social anxiety for about 2 1/2 months now. I started off taking the lowest dosage-25 mg. Two weeks later, my psychiatrist doubled it to 50 mg, and four weeks later, he doubled it again to 100 mg, which is where I am at now. The first few days of starting it, I felt absolutely miserable, and for those with severe depression, it may very well be debilitating. But I stuck through it! Over time, and still continuing, my moods have become remarkably stable and positive. My insecurities and obsessive negative thoughts, especially ones of a jealous nature, have nearly vanished. Sometimes it's harder to orgasm now, but my libido is still intact. Zoloft also helped me with my vaginismus and irritable bowel syndrome."

• Bor...
• April 4, 2018

For Depression "I had anxiety that escalated for 2-3 years. Then panic attacks and headaches. One night I had the worst panic attack of my life, and suddenly I found myself in a deep, dark, truly awful depression. This lasted for 2 months before I was convinced to seek help. I am so glad I did. I was prescribed sertraline, and the first week my anxiety increased. Then it started to calm down. I'd have 1 good day, then 5 bad days. I'd up the dosage, have 2 good days, then 5 bad days, etc. 'til I wound up at 150 mg. I started meditating, exercising, and eating right to overcome this debilitating anxiety/depression. I thought about death 24/7. Life seemed meaningless. Slowly, the cloud started to lift. It wasn't until about 3 months of slowly upping the dosage that I returned to a consistent feeling of happiness. The only side effect I encountered was delayed orgasm, but that went away after about a month or so. Good luck! Stay positive! You will get through this!"

• gro...
• January 30, 2012

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "Two weeks of digestive symptoms, and six weeks of not being able to orgasm, but then this medicine kicked in and I felt almost normal again. All the side effects went away. I started at 50 mg and never went up. My anxiety had settled down to where I could talk myself through it or ignore it. I am so grateful Zoloft was the first medicine I tried, and that it worked so well. I had a history of migraines, three or four a year, some so severe they lasted for weeks and/or sent me to the ER, and I haven't had a single migraine in the year I've been on Zoloft. SSRIs are not supposed to prevent migraines, but it sure seems like my issues were related."

• woo...
• August 11, 2008

Sertraline for Bipolar Disorder "I use Zoloft for my depressive episodes due to bipolar disorder. I have unsuccessfully tried about fifteen other antidepressants in the past. Zoloft works wonderfully! With Zoloft, it doesn't take long for my depressive symptoms to fade. The only side effect that I experience is the complete loss of my sex drive. It is very common with SSRIs. Fortunately, I talked to my doctor about it, and he prescribed Periactin to take with it. Periactin is very effective at addressing the issue."

• Anonymous
• July 31, 2009

Sertraline for Depression "I was on Zoloft for 8 years. Most of those on a minimum maintenance dose. In the last few years, it affected my memory, and it didn't work as well for the depression and anxiety. Does a good job treating PMS. I had to go off eventually, but it was a good run. Had night sweats and some sexual side effects. I also would feel nauseous if I was hungry while I was on it. Best to take at night."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 18, 2022

Sertraline for Major Depressive Disorder "Was on this drug in conjunction with lamotrigine for a few years as a teenager for MDD/BPD/GAD. It got rid of my sex drive, made me feel more depressed, and I slept a lot of the day away. Wasn’t for me."

• Zeb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 14, 2025

For Depression "Being on sertraline has helped me a little, but not much. I’ve been on it for 4-5 years and currently on 150 mg. This is my experience on it: Pros: Easier to wake up (but alarms still don’t work for me). Less suicidal thoughts and idealization. Missing a dose doesn’t affect me much. Cons: Lack of emotion. Significantly decreased sex drive. Seizures and other side effects when having a few glasses of alcohol."

• Anonymous
• September 9, 2009

Sertraline for Anxiety and Stress "I started using Zoloft for anxiety and minor depression. It has been a Godsend. I was overwhelmed and lethargic, now I am back to myself, I have energy again. I had the typical side effects for the first few weeks, but they have subsided. No weight gain or sexual side effects for me. I am very happy with the results. Everyone is different, and the medications are all different, so remember to talk to your doctor if after 6 weeks you don't feel different or worse."

• Jam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Part 2 continued from above: However, the side effects are all very short-term, and I can't describe how much they have helped me over the past months. They say the first few weeks are tough, and I thought, how could things get much worse? Well, they do, however, if you can hold out past the 8-10 weeks, it's game-changing. My social anxiety has gone from a 9 to a 3. I'm rebuilding relationships and am more present in the moment. I never felt more at peace in my life. After 10 years of struggle, I wish I had started them sooner. The only side effect I have experienced is a lower sex drive, which is a price I'm more than happy to pay. In terms of any sexual dysfunction, I haven't had any, if anything, I last longer."

• Anonymous
• March 8, 2012

Sertraline for Depression "I was suffering from depression and anxiety for as long as I could remember, but never sought treatment. My family has always been against relying on any sort of psychiatric drugs and believe in willpower as a medicine. Eventually, my condition got so bad that I knew I had to do something about it. Zoloft saved my life! I feel like myself again, and my rationality and naturally positive outlook have returned to me. Plus, I haven't gained a pound! The only really negative side effect is reduced sex drive. This can also be due to hormonal birth control. I have also had very vivid dreams since going on Zoloft (50mg). That, I'm not complaining about. Amazing medication!"

• Rhy...
• December 27, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "First of all, sertraline does help, it helps you get through a hard experience as I was and numbs you. But as with everything, there are pros and cons. I felt happier and less worried, but I was like a zombie, forgetful, dopey, and couldn’t concentrate for long periods without feeling dizzy. I took them for two months, the first three weeks, my anxiety skyrocketed, so plan a few weeks off work if you plan to start. I’ve always found that approaching a situation that you find anxious more and more will help you become better in that situation. For me, this should only be considered if you are finding it hard to cope with everyday situations. I have anxiety, which can spike in, and for me long term, it just wasn’t worth the side effects of feeling numb, dizzy, no sex drive, and constantly tired. Hope it works for you, and I wish you all the luck in the world, anxiety and depression are a battle."

• Anonymous
• March 20, 2012

Sertraline for Depression "I have been on Zoloft for about 6 weeks. I was experiencing depression, which manifested itself in crying spells, anger, helplessness, and loss of motivation. It took approximately 4 weeks for me to notice any changes, but I have noticed recently that I have motivation once again, and I have not experienced any side effects, which I was dreading, such as loss of sexual desire and weight gain. I feel like my normal self again and am now able to handle the issues of my life. Prior to this, I was sad a lot and having many crying bouts. I haven't noticed any negative side effects whatsoever."

• Mal...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 2, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I was prescribed sertraline a few years ago for MDD and bipolar disorder. Even though it took some time to produce positive effects, sertraline was, indeed, effective (especially when combined with bupropion and escitalopram). The mood variations disappeared, and depression decreased. From the negative side, it produced a decrease in libido and an extreme decrease in creativity. If you are a composer, a painter, a writer, etc., you should, in my opinion, expect a possible and very pronounced decrease in creativity during its use. The temptation to interrupt the treatment for the benefit of recovering creativity should be strongly resisted."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2015

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "The first day I took 25 mg and randomly about 3 hours later I was just smiling uncontrollably along with a calm feeling in my head. The next few weeks were hell with the side effects, but it was worth the wait. Two months later and I really understand how this drug works on me. It sort of keeps my mood at a 'flatline' level where the peak of my sadness is lower, but my happiness seemed to have less of a 'peak' as well. My libido was absolutely destroyed. I seem to have an apathetic sense about life now. Everything seems bland. My appetite was killed as well, and I keep losing weight, and I am underweight as it is. I am going back from 50 mg to 25 mg. Overall, I am happier on Zoloft, but there are horrible side effects too."