Zoloft for Postpartum Depression User Reviews (Page 2)

• Sta...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 3, 2018

"I’ve always been an anxious person, but it really spiraled out of control after the birth of my second child. About five months postpartum, I decided I needed to get help. I was diagnosed with postpartum anxiety/depression. The only anxiety medication that was considered safe while breastfeeding was Zoloft. I started at 25 mg and am now on 50 mg. I’ll preface my experience with the effectiveness of this drug by saying it's a hard drug to get onto, but STICK WITH IT! It really helped after about four to six weeks. The first two weeks were hell due to the horrendous nausea, insomnia, and severe bouts of panic/anxious feelings - for a while, it felt worse than what I was initially experiencing, and I felt like quitting altogether. All of this seemed to disappear after about two weeks. After about six weeks, I felt much better. This drug is truly a miracle (I’d been on Paxil years before and it didn’t help nearly as much as Zoloft has). Thank you for giving me my life back! If you can get through the first few weeks, this drug can really help."

• esk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2021

"I had postpartum anxiety, which led to depression with my first child. After 4 weeks of living in a nightmare, I started medication, and it saved my life. For my 2nd child, I started Zoloft the day after giving birth. They gave me 50 mg, and I had a full-blown panic attack. I was terrified. The uneasiness I felt was horrible. They decreased my dose drastically. I took 12.5 mg for 2 weeks, then 25 mg for 1 week, then 50 mg. The first 2 weeks were absolutely awful. This medication will make you feel worse before making you feel better. After 2 weeks, the uneasiness and anxiety started to subside and gradually got better nearly every day for 6 more weeks. By 8 weeks, I was COMPLETELY myself again. It's an amazing medication once it kicks in. You HAVE to let it work, though. The first 2 weeks are ROUGH, but do NOT quit. I promise you, you will be beyond grateful when it starts to actually help."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2022

"Take this med! I promised myself I would come review this if it worked, and wow, does it work! I never realized how much I sabotaged my life before because of the anxiety I had on a daily basis. Anxiety had become a normal feeling for me. I had some severe postpartum depression that set in about 7-8 weeks post-baby. I had lost interest in everything, couldn’t connect with my baby, couldn’t sleep, was just wishing away time. I decided to see a psychiatrist, and she prescribed Zoloft. I expressed my fear for this medication, and she made me a plan to start at 12.5 mg until I could move on gradually to 50 mg. The first week was tough. My brain felt heavy, I had insomnia, was tired… But after the first week, all side effects disappeared. I'm one month in, and I am living life again. I’m enjoying everything, I am no longer anxious, I’m sleeping, I am enjoying motherhood, I am just a brand new person. Wish I had taken this medication years ago."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 9, 2023

"Zoloft worked for my postpartum anxiety! I reread so many reviews, waiting for it to take effect, so I wanted to pay it forward. I experienced severe PPA and started Zoloft at 6 weeks postpartum, when I started having panic attacks in addition to previous anxiety symptoms (dread, overwhelm, guilt, pins and needles, inability to sleep, low appetite). Wish I'd started sooner! My baby is now 13 months. I started with 25 mg and moved up to 50 after a week or two. Now I'm up to 100 mg, which I've been taking for ten months or so. I experienced some side effects for the first week, the worst of which was insomnia. But it went away completely and I never had side effects when I increased the dosage. My doctor also prescribed Klonopin to help alleviate my anxiety while the Zoloft took effect, which took about 2 months. I still have the Klonopin if I have an off day, but I've honestly used it only a handful of times. Hang in there!"

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

"I started Zoloft about a week ago. I think I feel better. My anxiety and the 'what if' thoughts do not seem to bother me as much. I still feel sad at times. I am going to stay on it longer to get the full effect. Side effects: loss of appetite, stomach pain, headache, mood swings. I was in a bad place. My anxiety was terrible. Racing thoughts-my brain just would not shut off. I had no control. It's just a really bad feeling. I didn't want to try any medicine, I put it off for a week, but my doctor kept calling me and convinced me to come in. She said PPD is a real thing and it's nothing I did wrong. I felt ashamed of my feelings. I should be happy, I just had a beautiful, healthy newborn baby. All I felt was sad and worried about everything."

• LHL...
• August 5, 2019

"I have suffered terribly from postpartum depression/postpartum anxiety, but we missed it because it was presenting in physical symptoms such as muscle twitching, numbness, paresthesia, all of which would come and go. Long story short, I went through a couple of therapists, and the second one caught it right away and suggested Zoloft for the anxiety and intrusive thoughts. I started on 25 mg and had some intense side effects, so I cut the dose in half and slowly worked my way up. Now I’m on 50 mg and feel pretty good. When you increase the dosage slowly, you have way less side effects and can tolerate this drug much better - you are messing with your brain chemistry, so it makes sense! Anyway, I still have some anxiety, but I also have a lot going on. This drug has made everything more manageable, and now I know what’s real and what’s just my anxiety. I also should note that I have not had noticeable PMS since being on it!"

• Rac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2015

"Zoloft has given me my life back. I had anxiety during my pregnancy that turned into OCD when I was 3 months postpartum. I was a mess, but I kept telling myself that as long as I was still functioning, I didn't need medication. There was an adjustment period where we figured out my ideal dose (100 mg), and I had to get through a sharp increase in anxiety while my brain adjusted, but little by little, I started to notice changes in my thought patterns. It doesn't happen suddenly, you may not notice how much better you're doing until you stop and look back on situations that used to give you terrible anxiety and realize that you weren't nervous much at all. I continue to notice improvements after almost 4 months on my ideal dose (100 mg)."

• Eme...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 16, 2020

"After my second child, I had severe PPD. I could not sleep, eat, and lost 50 lbs in about 4 months. I took an antipsychotic for sleep and mood for a couple of months on and off until I could see a psychiatrist. She recommended Lexapro. I took this, and the side effects were intense. I felt in such a dark place, dissociation, things I’d never felt before. I stopped within a couple of weeks and quickly upped my dose of Zoloft to 200 mg with no side effects. I also take 25 mg of trazodone to ensure I sleep. After a year, I am starting to wean down a little, but this drug saved me. I have gained weight, but I am hoping that will go away once I wean myself down."

• SGa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2021

"I’m writing this because postpartum anxiety snuck up on me. This was my second baby, but a completely different experience from the first. I had a complicated pregnancy and a baby born six weeks early. We had a short NICU stay, and I thought I was great when she came home. Slowly, I kept slipping into constant worry and became a nervous wreck. It affected my husband and four-year-old. I kept thinking that exercise and sleep could solve my issues but eventually came to realize I needed a little extra help. I started taking 25 mg of Zoloft, and the first week sucked! I felt worse, had night sweats and insomnia. But I want to give you hope, with time, the medication will help. It’s been 11 days now, and I’m seeing my life come back together. I enjoy being with my baby and family and worry only when it’s necessary. Don’t give up hope! You can feel better."

• Anonymous
• December 6, 2009

"I have been on Zoloft for 18 months now, and I LOVE it. I first went on it for some postpartum depression paired with several other major situations that were going on in my life. After the first few days, I felt like I could deal with my life, like this was something I always should have been on. I have always dealt with bouts of depression and anxiety but was never put on any medication, but I should have been. I will continue this Zoloft as long as my doctor will allow."

• Pp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2023

"After suffering from vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme nausea for a number of days, I went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with postpartum depression. I was prescribed 25 mg of sertraline, and today, six months later, I'm on 200 mg and finally feel like myself. Within three months of taking it, I felt 50-60% like myself, with less severe symptoms, and my ability to manage anxiety and fear improved. I'm still taking a sedative, which helps me get through the harder days. I had some side effects with each increase, but I was happy to know it was doing something, and nothing felt worse than what I already was going through."

• Anonymous
• August 18, 2009

"I have been taking Zoloft for two weeks now. I have noticed an increase in my appetite. I have had horrible mood swings (my poor children). I sleep all the time and have no energy. I feel dizzy and sick to my stomach all the time."

• Anonymous
• February 18, 2009

"I have been on Zoloft for 3 years, and I have no idea how I did anything before without it. After I had my 2nd daughter, I did not want to be around anyone but her. That included my 1st daughter and my husband. I felt terrible for feeling that way, but it would not go away until I started taking Zoloft. After that, I was feeling great. It also helped with my OCD. I cannot take the generic version because I get really dizzy, just like I do with the regular Zoloft if I miss a dose. I just have to make sure that it does not happen."

• Anx...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 26, 2021

"I should’ve been on this for years. It saved me from postpartum anxiety, intrusive thought loops, and crushing depression. I didn’t realize how bad my sleeping habits were due to depression until I started treating myself with Zoloft. My anxiety is completely manageable now, and the thought loops have stopped."

• dud...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 20, 2022

"I am just now ready to taper off sertraline. I’m currently at the last step of it. I started it for postpartum anxiety 5 years ago and feel ready to take this journey without it. Zoloft saved my life. My postpartum anxiety was so insanely terrible I would beg my husband not to go to work. Terrified to be alone. So depressed. I only needed a low dose of 37.5 mg that I was stable on. This medication is there if you need it, and it was good to me. The only downfall that I dealt with was the extremely vivid, at times terrifying dreams. Also, since my taper, I have lost 10 pounds in the last month, which has been amazing. So in the 5 years, I gained 35 pounds of Zoloft weight and am now ridding it. I still recommend it."

• EmM...
• April 8, 2016

"Took it after baby was born in September 2015. Felt normal again in December, so I decided to get off. Felt fine until about a week ago in April. 2nd day on it. Makes you feel jittery and crazier for a few days, but I know it will get better if I stay on it. Definitely recommend not being alone the first week you are on it and make sure you have some help!!!"

• Dan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 16, 2019

"Zoloft pulled me out of a dark time, but I also literally cannot stop eating. I have no self-control and gained 15 lbs in 4 months. I’m titrating myself off because being fat is making me feel horrible."

• SGa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2021

"I’m writing an update, as it has been a few more weeks of taking 25 mg Zoloft. It is definitely still helping, but the most interesting revelation happened. I have an amazing general practitioner who really wanted to help me figure out where my anxiety was coming from. We had many conversations, and she then asked if I had the Mirena IUD. I did. After going over the timeline of when it was placed and when my panic/anxiety really started, she came to the conclusion that the IUD was part of the problem. We removed it about 17 days ago, and the general anxiety I had been feeling has gone away. The rash I had on my neck is also gone. And the insomnia is pretty much non-existent. My OB swears it couldn’t have been the Mirena, but my GP says she has seen this a few times. I have learned to always get a second opinion if you are experiencing postpartum issues. I will be weaning off the Zoloft soon and will try to write an update."

• gen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2022

"I started having panic attacks 3.5 months postpartum. I had a difficult time finding a trigger (probably hormonal shifts), so it was hard to be able to avoid. My doctor gave me a prescription for hydroxyzine to use as needed until the Zoloft kicked in. I did not want to start the Zoloft. I was super concerned about having to be on it forever, and I am also breastfeeding and worried about transfer to the baby. I tried to just use the hydroxyzine, but it did not stop them, it just calmed me down after they had started, and I started getting anxious about the next panic attack. I was super worried about being emotionally blunted as well as not being able to perform at a high level (I have a demanding, technical job). I have been taking it for a little over 6 weeks, and it is a game changer. I haven't had a panic attack since I started taking it. It doesn't eliminate anxiety, it just dampens it. If you are debating taking it, don't. Just take the meds. You will be happy you did."

• Ali...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2020

"I’ve been on this for about a month now. It gives me horrible headaches, and I notice if I don’t take it, my depression comes back 10x worse. I’ve been battling PPD for 2 years, and I hate feeling like I’m not doing enough for my kids."

• Sav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2022

"I was really struggling with obsessive thoughts and lots of anxiety. Now I feel way more relaxed, and I let things go! It’s a great medicine to me compared to other medicines, it has lower side effects, in my opinion."

• Jil...
• October 21, 2022

"Reading these comments and reviews has me looking forward to taking Zoloft. My son is almost 2, and over the past 6 months, I have been falling apart. It was hard when he was a newborn, but it's even harder when they want you all the time. I know I should want to tend to my crying baby and not be annoyed. Rage over everything big or small, overthinking everything, thinking of when my parents pass away and what I'm going to do as a single mom. Thank you all for these reviews. I can't wait to feel better for me and my baby."

• JRa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 14, 2021

"I was prescribed Zoloft for my severe PPD a month after I had my son. It did not work well for me at all, however, I was extremely unwell already. It did not make life better for me in any way. I can’t say for sure if it was what caused this, as I was severely depressed and had horrible anxiety, but my main symptom was severe diarrhea and upset stomach (I had purple, blue, orange, green, etc. stool daily and no appetite, but gained 25 pounds in 30 days not eating. I also had terrible, terrible jaw clenching, almost to the point of crying after sleeping (I read this was a common side effect online). It was terrible for me. I didn’t notice any other specific side effects but wouldn’t ever suggest it, as it didn’t help me."

• Mid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2015

"I started taking Zoloft the other day. I only took 2 days' worth, and at first, I just felt out of it, and I heard that was common. But then I started having even worse panic attacks and trouble sleeping. In the middle of the night, the second night, I started having mild hallucinations. Things were moving and just looking weird, and I had to wake up my fiancé."

• Mam...
• May 2, 2019

"I have been on this medication since 6 days after I had my baby. So it needs exactly 359 days, and I took this daily as prescribed. It’s 50 mg, and it’s not working anymore. Before I started taking this, I was crying nonstop, and I felt so detached from the world when I wasn’t crying. It was bad. I started taking it, and after about 3 weeks, I started feeling okay. It’s been a month since I felt okay. Still taking this medication daily, I feel no different from where I first started. Crying every night, and feeling so detached. It’s good for something temporary."