Zoloft for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 5)

• San...
• October 28, 2021

"I would rate Zoloft a 10/10. Zoloft has given me a whole new take on life. Prior to Zoloft, I had struggled with severe anxiety and panic attacks with PTSD and OCD. The doctor started me on 25 mg, and 2 years later I am still on the same dose. I am a 30-year-old female, and they say the starting adult dose is generally 50 mg, but my anxiety had me suspicious of taking anything, let alone a higher dose, so I opted for half of what is recommended. And believe me, my life is better than I could have ever imagined. I haven't had a panic attack since I started on Zoloft. My OCD is non-existent, and as for my anxiety, it is completely manageable, the only time it tries to creep up on me is if I work too much and miss out on sleep. I am on here to give hope to others."

• bva...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 11, 2012

"Long story short, I've had panic/anxiety disorder for about 4 or 5 years. Lots of things have happened through my experience... I've taken it all: Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, Buspar, Trazodone. Zoloft is the only thing that works for me without upping the dosage every month and then having withdrawals. I've been on Zoloft (50 mg once a day) for about 7 months, and it just works. Other anxiety medications work, but they're not meant for daily use. Zoloft is an everyday medication that makes me smile and proud of what I've been through."

• Ddc...
• April 28, 2016

"Zoloft has helped me tremendously! I am going on week 6. I kept going on the Internet reading the terrible side effects. I kept putting it off even though my sister-in-law is a pharmacist. I was scared. Terrified. I'm in my 40s, very fit. I kept thinking I would feel better. I thought it was hormones. I kept having panic attacks which didn't last long, but it still happened. There was a lot that happened over the course of the months, and I believe my body just said enough. So once I experienced the panic attacks, it fueled the fire, worry set in, and it was a terrible cycle. I started it after my friend opened up. I didn't feel alone. The first week I experienced diarrhea three days. No insomnia, no weight gain. I'm calmer for sure!"

• Dor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 29, 2019

"I've been on Zoloft for 8 months for panic attacks and social anxiety. I totally feel the best version of myself! The first difference was at 10 days that I went out on my own! And after 12 weeks, I started feeling myself again! I'm on a 100 mg dosage."

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2014

"My 18-year-old son was diagnosed with panic disorder after an episode occurred on his second day of college. The attacks began to come regularly after that, not only in class but even at home. He would panic when he was outside and wanted to just stay in his room. It got very bad, so bad we had to withdraw him from his classes so he could get some treatment. We initially started him on a low dose of Klonopin to help ease some of the symptoms, which helped for a couple of weeks, but he needed to begin increasing and also had some bad breakthrough panic attacks. We switched him to Zoloft 25mg for 1 week and then 50mg the second week. It is truly the best medication ever! He is back to being and feeling like himself and is able to do everything!"

• Fhd...
• October 1, 2018

"Be careful while taking this medication! You should start with a small dosage (25 mg) for a couple of weeks, then you can increase it slowly by 25 mg every 2-3 weeks. The side effects can be severe! The first week might be the worst week of your life, but you have to be patient because once your body adjusts to it, you will see the gains. Side effects were severe pressure in my eyes, headache, insomnia, high blood pressure, dizziness, stomach pain, severe nausea, anxiety, and passing out. But remember, although it has very severe side effects, it is worth your patience because once your body adjusts to it, it will change your life for the better and forever. I had anxiety and panic attacks for 7 years and tried dozens of medications (Cipralex, Seroxat, Pristiq, Effexor, Cymbalta, etc.), and this is the most effective medicine I've tried. Now I'm on 225 mg daily and will reduce it to 100 mg. Huge side effects in the first days... and huge gains forever. You decide."

• Gem...
• April 10, 2015

"I have had anxiety, panic attacks, and obsessive thoughts for years on and off. About 5 months ago, I started to get horrible non-stop intrusive thoughts. I knew the thoughts, fears, and worries were nonsense, but I couldn't turn them off. I was in a panic attack from the moment I woke up to the moment I fell asleep. I would wake up several times at night in full-blown panic... it was horrible. I never ever wanted to take medicine, I was so afraid of it not working or it making me worse. Zoloft has helped me so much. At first, I had a good day, then a bad day, and I wasn't sure if that was normal. After 2 months, the doctor upped my dose. Then, a month later, I felt better than 100%, still a little anxious during my period but very mild and manageable."

• 4Ka...
• July 19, 2013

"I am male, 53 years old, and have been on Zoloft (Sertraline) 75mg for 1 year. My problem was with anxiety, and I became very sick. I first tried Celexa, but I felt worse. After 3 weeks, I switched to Zoloft and quickly noticed an improvement. It took about 3 to 4 weeks for Zoloft to start working effectively. By the 3rd month, I felt even better and any side effects stopped - they are: trouble sleeping. I took Ativan to relax me and fall asleep. After 3 months, my sleep returned to normal. As for sex, maybe slightly longer to orgasm but no sexual dysfunction. As for alcohol, I still drink and feel fine. There was sweating, but this went away. Zoloft works, good luck!"

• ser...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2023

"Zoloft has saved my quality of life. I was having severe panic attacks nightly, had to keep waking my mom to stay with me as I thought I was seriously unwell. I have OCD and panic disorder. One thing I will say is not to drink alcohol within the first few weeks as it massively hindered my progress, however, I'm so grateful that it's working for me."

• Sta...
• January 10, 2016

"I am working on a cross-wean from Lexapro to Zoloft after Lex pooped out after ten years. Up to 50 mg now and 5 mg of Lex and feeling so, so, so much better. No more panic attacks, no more waiting in bed until my Klonopin kicks in, sleeping better, depression drastically decreased and feel I have a purpose in life again. Mild GI distress, but I'd take that forever over where I was. Wish I had had the guts to do this sooner."

• Nar...
• July 20, 2014

"Anxiety spiraled out of control over just a month following 18 months of grief, job loss, and moving. I couldn't leave the house and was prescribed Zoloft 12.5mg. The side effects were pretty bad (no appetite, trembles, and night sweats) but within two weeks these side effects passed and I began returning back to my old self 6 weeks later. I slowly built up to 175mg over 6 months and stayed at that dose for 1 year. Now, two years later, I have almost forgotten about anxiety and have begun reducing very slowly (about 12.5mg every couple of months). I'm now taking 137.5mg and feel good. Thank you, Zoloft."

• Tif...
• May 12, 2013

"Anxiety hit following 18 months of anger/grief. I was 36 years old and over a period of just 1 month, anxiety spiraled out of control - developing a fear of driving and being alone - nearing not leaving the house. Shrink prescribed Zoloft, the first week was bad. I remember massive weight loss, insomnia, and excessive yawning. These side effects soon disappeared, and six weeks later, this miracle pill started to kick in. Started on 12.5mg and have slowly increased over nine months to 175mg. Now 1 year later returning back to normal, anxiety did get worse at every increase of dose before getting better. Give it time, it will work. Exercise and CBT also helps heaps."

• Cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2021

"This medication honestly saved my quality of life. The first two weeks on it were honestly rough! I thought about stopping the medication because I was having such bad side effects. I would get terrible nausea, stomach pains/diarrhea, panic attacks, and insomnia. However, after about the 3rd week, my side effects went away. I went from someone who had almost daily panic attacks to having none at all. My anxiety has pretty much completely gone away. I feel as though I have my life back and can live normally again. Without this medication, I was unable to function properly and enjoy life. Thanks to Zoloft, I am my old self again. The first 2 or so weeks may be rough, but hang in there, I promise it is worth it!"

• Aar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 7, 2019

"I've been taking Zoloft 25 mg for almost 10 months, and all that time I was feeling so good, no problems, no fear. Then, I would feel 100% better, my doc increased my dosage to 50 mg, and now I feel way better. He told me you need to be on this medication at least for 1 year, and he said you can take it for your whole life, no problems."

• Jac...
• January 22, 2017

"Ok, so this is my first review. I had been suffering from severe anxiety and panic attacks for about 5 months. It completely changed my life for the worse. I stopped all the things I used to enjoy. I didn't go to the gym, and I wasn't physically active. I felt safe in my room, not socializing, as this did not cause me to panic. However, it was a downward spiral from there. The reason that I felt safe at first was because my anxiety was from my heart beating fast, and I was always aware of it (weird, right?). I wanted to avoid all things that would trigger my panic attacks. Gotta cut it short, so I took 50 mg of Zoloft, and after the first day, I haven't had one single panic attack and feel 10x better. I still have a little anxiety, but only on my 5th day."

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

"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."

• Den...
• March 23, 2017

"These reviews helped me so much when I first started Zoloft over 5 weeks ago that I wanted to post my experience. After several weeks of increasingly worsening panic attacks at work, I ended up in the hospital. A year ago, my psych Dr. switched me from Cymbalta to a mood stabilizer and things were good until November as stress at work increased. I was depending on too much bromazepam to get through the day. My GP started me on 50 mg of Zoloft and my anxiety was so bad, also tremors for 4 weeks. I was sure I would have to quit working or cut my hours. But this Monday on week 5 was amazing. I still have some anxiety, but I seem to be able to handle it now. It's like I have my confidence back. Good luck!"

• Kav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2023

"This medication has completely changed my life. I cannot be more grateful for the way it has completely eliminated my self-harm urges, aggressive outbursts, and panic attacks. I used to be explosively reactive, constantly in a state of fear and negativity. I would scream and yell and cry for hours, I would hit myself and self-harm. I would take everything personally and feel that everyone was out to get me, and everything felt like the end of the world all the time. Since taking this medication, I feel calm, focused, and at peace. Even if there is a stressful situation, I do not react poorly, but instead, I am clear-headed, and I can feel my hurt but handle it much better. My self-esteem has soared, I can now determine how I should be treated rather than accept disrespect due to my bad self-image. I can stand up for myself but be understanding towards others at the same time. My dosage is 20 mg, and the only side effects I have experienced are nausea, fatigue, and headache (first 2-3 weeks)."

• anx...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 7, 2015

"I had a huge phobia when it came to taking pills and refused SSRIs altogether for at least 15 years. My panic disorder was so out of control. I finally made some changes in my life and started on Zoloft. I was so afraid I started on literally 6.25 mg, and next week 12, next week 25. I stopped at 75 mg for a long while. It changed my life completely. I wish I'd done this so many years ago. I think of all of the time I wasted and it's so sad. I'm up to 150 mg now, my only fear is that its effectiveness is wearing off. I'm almost at max dose. I'm going to talk to my psychiatrist and hope we can figure out what to do. I know that I feel alive more than I had for years. I suggest no matter how scared you are, try an SSRI. It can change your life."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2023

"I wanted to share my story. I had really bad health anxiety and GAD/panic disorder. It got really hard to where I had to even take off work several times. I got on Zoloft 50 mg, and it even elevated more so for about a week or so. Then, after several months, it slowly started working. If you are contemplating, I recommend this product as it can help you start to feel back to you."

• Ste...
• October 26, 2016

"I've had wicked panic attacks, anxiety, and now panic disorder. I've tried the breathing, distractions, calming music, and all that. The only thing that really worked was praying and listening to Christian music. But that didn't do it completely, so I went back to the doctor when my latest one caused me to lose my job. I was scared to death to try Zoloft after all the reviews saying things get worse before better, and I naturally freak out any time I try any new medication. But I've been on the 25 mg for about a week and just went to 50. I've had absolutely no side effects other than my brain trying to lie to me, if you know what I mean. I also take 0.50 mg Xanax with it, and I take it at night, so I believe that helps. I feel so much better."

• Yas...
• February 5, 2009

"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."

• Get...
• September 4, 2015

"June 2015 I was in an accident as a passenger and I developed a fear of driving, and my PTSD was triggered. I've been diagnosed prior to the accident with GAD, bipolar, panic disorder, depression, and PTSD. After a month of panic attacks, my psych prescribed me Zoloft 50 mg, I had terrible side effects. Mine were heightened because I was on an SSRI months before. I felt uneasy when I'd take the medication, so I was put on Lamictal 50 mg (will go to 100 mg). Panic attacks were gone by the third week, and side effects were gone by the fourth week. All I can say is if you doubt the medication is working, ride it out. I second-guessed this medicine because of how bad my side effects were, I'm in the fifth week of taking it and I feel amazing."

• Kri...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 25, 2016

"I've been on Zoloft since I was 21, and I'm now 31. One day I woke up with intense crying, depression, anxiety, fear of family and friends dying, and self-harm. My personality is one of a very happy-go-lucky girl, and I refused to live with this nightmare. So my doctor put me on 50 mg Zoloft. It took about a month for it to work, and I had the tiredness, yawning, feeling completely out of it, to waking up and feeling amazing. I have tried to come off Zoloft throughout the years, and man, the side effects suck! Intense anxiety, feels like your brain is exploding and vertigo. If you do decide to come off, make sure you're under the supervision of your doctor. To this day, Zoloft has helped me, and I will be on this for the rest of my life."

• zol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2013

"Zoloft has really helped my life a great deal. You never understand how much you needed help until you get treatment and are able to see such a better difference in your life. But it all starts with you, and yes, it's a journey, but it's one worth taking."