Zoloft for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• Incog...
• June 17, 2019

"So let me just say that not all medications work for everyone. That being said, when I was 15 I was put on prozac for depression. The first few months were so awful. Soon I was switched to Zoloft, which literally saved my life. 5 years later at the age of twenty I was prescribed Zoloft again for anxiety, not depression. Again I’m experiencing amazing results. I tend to panic, which triggers my asthma and sends my body into over drive. Zoloft has been my life saver for everything. Not all drugs work, out bodies are complicated and complex. However, don’t be scared to trying new drugs cause you might find your life saver too. Also, expect the first few days to be filled with tunnel visit and head ache. Your chemical levels are raising, meaning you will feel it. The second time I tried zoloft I felt strong tunnel vision and over all weirdness. I almost couldn’t drive, no joke. But it’s worth all the worry and you will feel amazing afterwards. I’m 21 and still on Zoloft."

• Cassidy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2023

"My anxiety and panic came out of nowhere. I was terrified, but I knew I needed to start an antidepressant, so I was put on Zoloft. As with others, I promised I would come back and leave a review. I read ALL the reviews. Stop reading them. You're gonna be okay! Give it time to work. It gets better! I'm on 3 1/2 weeks and am feeling so much better. The first weeks were rough!! Increased anxiety. I had to take Xanax in the morning and at night. Now I'm off of it and just using the Zoloft. My anxiety and panic are gone. So thankful for Zoloft!!"

• LNano
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 23, 2019

"A few months after I turned 19, I started to experience random panic attacks with out a trigger. My heart rate would increase, my breathing became uneasy, and my thoughts became irrational and I felt like I was out of my mind. I felt genuinely hopeless. After consultation with my doctor I seemed to have panic disorder was prescribed 50 mg of zoloft. I will say the first two weeks were AWFUL. My appetite decreased, I was nauseous, and my depression and anxiety elevated. However, afterwards it was like something clicked and my thoughts stopped racing so much and I could experience life again w/o fearing a panic attack. Although I still have some rough days, zoloft has changed my life. If I can sense a panic attack coming, it’s more tolerable and not as scary. A lot of people quit this medication because the first couple weeks of adjusting can be rough. For me, I rode it out and I am relieved that I did. I have been on zoloft for 10 months now and I feel so much better."

• mbmb
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2017

"First, let me start off by saying that I did not know which category to choose, as this medication has helped me with several (OCD, PTSD, panic disorder, antenatal depression, claustrophobia, agoraphobia, social anxiety, and GAD.) For years, I debated and even fought the idea of taking medicine. After many years of struggling from a host of debilitating mental illnesses, I vowed if I was brave enough to try SSRI's, that I would come back and write about my experience in hopes that this post could at help at least one individual. At first, my antenatal depression and anxiety got so much worse, and I pretty much experienced every side effect in the book (yes, even the scary ones). I cannot even believe how amazing I feel just 8 weeks later!"

• Anonymous
• February 1, 2012

"I remember looking at this website 5 or so months ago trying to find reviews on Zoloft and I must admit it scared me to even try it. I have been struggling with anxiety/panic disorder since the age of 13. (I am now 19) It would come and go, I would be good for a few months and then have a month of extreme anxiety. I have tried almost every medication out there from Celxa, Paxil, Lexapro, Abilify and many more. All of them made me feel emotionless. Yeah, the anxiety was gone but so was all my other emotions. I went a year without any medication only to hit rock bottom. I couldn't leave the house, I quit my job, and overall lost my passion for life! Zoloft changed that, it truely saved my life! I HIGHLY recommend Zoloft!"

• mazz
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2014

"I've suffered from panic disorder for over 10 years now. After a bad panic attack put me in an ambulance, I finally decided to try Zoloft. I would recommend that anyone with panic disorder start off at 12.5mg for a couple of weeks before you decide to up the dose. Mainly because the side effects can be rough when you first start. Only increase when YOU feel you need to, and not based on what a doctor feels is an effective dose. You are probably going to feel crappy the first couple weeks, this is the case for most people, and does not mean the medicine isn't working. It does eventually get better."

• Anna
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2022

"I have had panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, and depression. I have struggled with anxiety since I was a child. I have been in therapy since I was young, have done CBT and seen my therapist regularly. I have done all of the things that I was supposed to do. Exercise, healthy eating, sunlight, sleep, etc... I developed an intense fear of not sleeping. Literally it consumed all of me. I was insanely depressed because I was mentally exhausted from the anxiety and obsession I developed about sleep. I was able to get through it without medication but it took time and it was very hard. It happened again out of nowhere, nothing triggered me. That's when I realized I needed medication as I clearly have some time of imbalance in my brain and this isn't my fault nor something I can control. I have been taking 50 mg of Zoloft for 5 weeks now and have improved drastically. I literally have stopped caring about the sleep. Do not give up. Do not let the negative reviews deter you."

• Cleo
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2016

"I am 6 days into Sertraline 50mg for panic disorder and want to reassure anyone who is terrified of starting this drug because they've read about all the terrible side effects, just as I was. I am a 23yr old female suffering from this for 8 years. Various therapies have helped but I keep relapsing. Last week I gave in and spoke to my Dr about meds. The first night I panicked because I was so scared of the side effects, which turned out to be mild at worst. Insomnia the first night, day 2 mild headache + slight diarrhea, and slight nausea on day 3+4, also loss of appetite. Overall, it felt like a mild hangover. I have felt slight anxiety at times, but it subsides quickly and doesn't develop. I'm feeling calmer already not even a week in!"

• Alabama...
• April 13, 2015

"I had been a marijuana smoker for many years but stopped and then found I was depressed, couldn't sleep or concentrate very well and would get panic attacks. My drug & alcohol physician put me onto Prozac but after just one tablet, I suffered anxiety and was very jittery and almost felt sea-sick and terrified. He then prescribed Zoloft for me. What a WONDERFUL drug! After one day, I felt focussed, clear headed and happy. I went on to attend Melbourne University as a mature aged student and studied philiosophy - it was amazing. I'd never felt so intelligent or capable in my life. I eventually came off Zoloft after a few years and have never looked back. It may not suit everyone but it certainly was just what I needed!"

• Lamb
• October 9, 2015

"My Dr. started me on 50mg then slowly went up to 100 then 150 and now 200 mg within 3 months. I had anxiety for about 15 years and didn't realize I was that bad. My general practioner had me on Ativan and I have been on that for a good 10 years. I thought that was the end all/be all because it took away the panic for the time being - instant fix. I'm 42 years old, like to excerise, working mom with a full life and I hated having panic attacks at the mall, small spaces, etc. I really thought I would always be that way and just had to deal with it but honestly the Zoloft saved me. It makes you so positive and you don't focus on the stuff that would bring on anxiety. I wished I would've had this long before now. Give it time.. it WILL work"

• Sprin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 21, 2022

"So grateful to God I am finally better and gotten past the panic, obsessive thoughts, and immobilization. I am back to being myself - even better. Will keep pushing as realize being better is not an end result but an onward process daily. It is essentially what being alive is for all of us - living and learning to find how to live with more love and thus life. So I wanted to wait until after Easter to post my success story, ready to live with peace, hope, joy, and love after the worst winter of my life. Likewise, I hope my success story can encourage others like I was encouraged by reading and re-reading the positive reviews. Especially since took me over 4 months to get better 1 month on 50mg and 3 months on 75mg. Also seems trend of what helps from other success stories to help medicine work are 1.) Counseling, Spiritual Life or Mindfulness if not religious, exercise, diet changes, find supportive friends, avoid anything negative you can. Healing takes time, growing each day. Blessings!"

• Saman...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 1, 2021

"For the last 12 years I have experienced anxiety however I have always been able to cope without medication. Then last March my random bouts of anxiety and panic attacks became crippling. I suffer from health anxiety and most recently panic disorder. I started have panic attacks that would last days. I couldn't go anywhere. I started on 50 mg and the first day extreme drowsiness, tiredness, and just felt off. I really did not like the side effects so I switched to 25 mg and took it at night before bed. The first week sucked but the anxiety really went away. I'm on week 5 now. Last week I went back up to the 50 mg. I feel great! I feel like my old self again. My heart rates down and I have had no panic attacks at all! My husband and daughter are so happy. Side effects suck but they do get better! I promised myself to write a review because the others help me get through that first week. It was scary but Im so grateful."

• drama...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2023

"I was on Lexapro for three years to treat anxiety and depression. Throughout that time, I felt as though it had a very minimal impact, if any. Recently, I met with a psychiatrist and switched to Zoloft. I was nervous at first because I hated switching medications. I never know how my body will respond to it, and it makes me anxious. I struggle with panic disorder and would have a minimum of one panic attack per day prior to taking Zoloft. After the first week of taking Zoloft, my panic attacks completely stopped. I had some minor headaches the first week and had some pretty vivid dreams, but other than that, I didn't have any intense side effects. I am SO thankful for this medication. It is the biggest relief not having to deal with having panic attacks constantly."

• Anxio...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 12, 2021

"I wanted to share my experience with Zoloft because I know reading reviews helped me. I was 22 and started experiencing extreme panic attacks and aniexty. Depersonalization, out of body feelings, weird, basically off. You name it. I had it. I started Zoloft 50 mg and it took a month to work, I know it’s sounds like long time but when it kicked in.. it saved me. I was able to do life again, and it’s not like suddenly I changed I just felt normal again and I could function again. I had a few side effects initially like stomach aches. Headaches. But it was worth it. If you are considering Zoloft well it really saved me... coming off it was also not bad, as long as you taper slowly. But it was a god send for 3 years for me"

• MossieG
• October 25, 2016

"I suffered from severe anxiety for years particularly social anxiety. Been on 100mg a day for about six months now. I feel like a new person now ,feel normal and calm and doing things I hadn't thought possible. For me this is a wonder medicine. Took weeks before I felt an improvement but well worth sticking with it. Don't want to stay on it long term but worried about stopping as I never want to go back to chronic anxiety again. I'm sure it's different for some people but I never felt better since taking Zoloft. Hope this helps"

• Upsta...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 8, 2019

"Please don’t come here to read reviews before starting the medication. Everyone reacts differently! Zoloft saved my life, twice. Yes, the side effects were rough for a couple of days, but I managed. The pros highly outweigh the cons! I gave it 8 out of 10 because the side effects were a little rough for me and sometimes it gives me acid reflux, but it’s worth it."

• anicko
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 13, 2014

"I promised to come back and do a review of the medicine if it had worked for me. About a year ago I had constant panic attacks which eventually became fear to drive, fear to be at a restaurant, waking up and feeling that it would be my last day on this world. Doctor said I have anxiety disorder. After trying another medicine with no results started me on 0.5mg Sertraline. After a year I can honestly say that I am 98% "panic free". Huge relief within the first couple weeks but give it some time to experience the full medicine effect (couple months). Noticeable side effects: Sometimes I need to focus on remembering simple things, weight LOSS (at the beginning) now I'm normal again. "

• Fi86
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2013

"For most of my life I have felt something was wrong. Recently my anxiety began to feel worse than usual so I went to a new doctor. He prescribed me Sertraline. For the first week I felt anxiety and headaches, just quite 'wired'. I was worried I was going to damage my brain and the meds wouldn't work but then suddenly I felt 'fixed'! I am so relaxed now. I don't feel like I'm going mad from anxiety anymore! This is how I should have always felt. Glad I've sorted this out in my twenties. I wish I'd been prescribed this medication sooner!"

• Life...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2023

"I started having panic attacks about 5 months ago, out of absolutely nowhere. I think once you have one, you are so scared to have another, and it is a ripple effect. My first one I called 911 because I actually thought I was having a heart attack. They have happened periodically since and were really consuming me. I was constantly on edge. I was on buspirone for a year or so and asked my doctor to change me since it didn't seem to help my anxiety. He decided to put me on 50mg Zoloft daily. The reviews were accurate in saying it does take time to work. Things did get worse before they got better. I was extremely anxious my first 2-3 weeks on Zoloft but decided to stick it out. I'm now on week 5 and I feel great. I was needing Xanax to sleep and haven't needed that in 2 weeks now. Definitely try to stick it out."

• Elise
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2015

"Growing up I always exhibited symptoms of OCD, however, my mother didn't believe that medication was the best route at a young age. I respected her decision throughout adolescence and tried to cope with my OCD on my own, using different vitamins such as b complex, etc. I met the love of my life last year and everything was wonderful until my relationship OCD kicked in with a vengeance. It almost ruined my relationship and my life, but I decided to seek professional help. My psychiatrist started me on Zoloft in June and I cannot express how much my life has changed because of it. I am a kinder person, and I can focus on the people and things I love, instead of constantly worrying about my health, relationship, etc. I highly recommend it!"

• lolli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2015

"I have suffered with depression since I was 16. When I was 21 I started to experience anxiety which developed into a full blown panic disorder. I was afraid of driving, going to work, being with friends, almost anything made me experience horrible physical sensations. In September 2014 I was prescribed prozac this increased my anxiety so was given an anti psychotic which worked but I did not feel anything I felt like a zombie. 5 weeks into taking sertraline I haven't had a panic attack since the first week and when I do get anxiety it goes away quickly and is much less intense. It has given me my confidence back and lifted my mood. For anyone suffering with panic disorder I would recommend giving this a try. I'm on 50mg a day."

• Jack
• January 27, 2017

"I have been on 50mg Zoloft for 2 weeks now. I confidently say this medication is the best thing that has ever happened to me since living my life controlled by anxiety and horrendous panic. It was the right decision because I'm starting to finally see that I'm getting my life back to how I was before. The side effects are not great like lack of appetite, nausea etc. But they pass after a week or two and all these bad reviews that you see are people not giving this medication a chance to kick in and work. It takes time and I respect that it might not effect everyone how it has me but I can say without Zoloft I don't think I would have ever got better because no reassurance from family members was helping it was the extra push I needed."

• Britt...
• September 29, 2015

"I promised myself I'd come back to this site and share my experience since it has helped me so much. About four months ago I had my first panic attack, a week after a very serious surgery, my doctor suggested it was from the anesthesia. Went two weeks without another one, then boom, full blown panic disorder. I thought I was losing my mind, I had to drop out of school and take off work. Went to see a psych who gave me Zoloft, started on 25mg (2weeks) then 50mg where I'm at now. I've been at the full dose for 2 months now and I finally feel "that switch" that people talk about go off. The side effects? HORRIBLE. If I didn't need to stick with it I wouldn't have. Headaches, insomnia, palpitations, excessive yawning. They go away."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2022

"I was once just like many of you when it came to taking medication for my anxiety and panic disorder. I was scared and put it off for about a year! I finally started and I’m on week 2 and it has helped me so much! The first week definitely was rough because of course it does increased your anxiety. I only had diarrhea, headache, fatigue and insomnia for the side effects. Day 8 is when I seen the changed! I was happy and doing things again! I’m happy I looked at all the positive reviews instead of the negative reviews. Zoloft has really been helping me a lot and I feel like I got my life back! Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for taking care of your mental health. It’s okay to take medication that will help you! You got this!"

• Anonymous
• June 21, 2013

"I am a 44 year old women, I have had anxiety attacks since I was 30 but didn't know what it was. A year ago I started having panic attacks, I would wake up with them I thought I was going to die. I went to the E.R about three times everything was fine. I was depressed, paranoid, scared to drive, had every panic symptom, went to the doctor and couldn't stop crying. Thank God they knew what to do. I was put on some medicines at first that made me sicker then having a panic attack. It was horrible I then was put on Zoloft. I started on 25mg and work up to 150mg I slowly started feeling better besides not eating and sleeping but I am now feeling like myself and haven't had any panic attacks, minor side effects but I feel so much better thanks to the Zoloft."