Zoloft for Social Anxiety Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• 333...
• October 3, 2015

"I've struggled with social anxiety for almost 20 years and have tried Paxil, Celexa, counseling, and therapy, with little to no results. I've been on Zoloft for over 2 months now and it's changed my life!! It's a miracle drug-I've been lucky to have no side effects. If only I would've had this 20 years ago. I usually blush easily and had a hard time talking to people but not with this! I feel like I can finally be myself."

• Jim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2020

"I had suffered from anxiety my entire life, from giving speeches to socially to confidence issues. Going away to college made things 100,000 times worse. I would stay in bed a lot, had no motivation or energy. I stopped working out. I still had friends, but there was a big issue. I stuck it out, and on winter break, I tried this drug. I started off at 25 mg for 5 days, noticed some improvement, but it went away. I went to 50 mg and started having the worst anxiety of my life, felt extremely detached from reality, and would sit in one spot and do nothing for hours, I couldn't even go outside, terrible! For 3 days like this. Then it slowly started getting better, and I felt good again. I still had a little anxiety but felt so much better. I felt the drug start to wear off, so I went up to 75 mg, had a small uptick in anxiety for half a day, but after that, I have so much energy and motivation and have found happiness truly. The moral of the story: if it gets bad, stick with it, I promise you it gets better."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2018

"If society wouldn't shame people for taking medication for things out of their control, I would have and should have been on this medication as a child. 20 odd years late though, boy could life had been different. No looking back now!"

• Che...
• July 28, 2015

"About 2 years ago, I started experiencing the worst panic attacks of my life. I thought I was having a pulmonary embolism & went to the emergency room twice. After blood work, ECGs, heart monitors, and chest X-rays, I finally accepted I was suffering from anxiety. I went to see my doctor & I've been on Zoloft 50mg for approximately 10 months. The first 3 months on Zoloft honestly were the worst months of my life. My anxiety was 10 times worse, I was experiencing horrible insomnia, dry mouth, and a permanent yawn. The side effects have subsided, and I'm so thankful to be anxiety-free even though it took almost 4 months. I would definitely recommend Zoloft and tell everyone to just stick out the first few months! Good luck! You are not alone :)"

• 22 ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2021

"I am a 22-year-old male who is currently on 150 mg Zoloft. I was prescribed Zoloft for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). My main cause of anxiety was going out to eat. I had always enjoyed going out before, but suddenly it was a cause of great anxiety. I would avoid going out if possible, and going out was a crippling experience. I started taking 50 mg of Zoloft, I did not feel it working, so I upped it to 100 mg 6 weeks later, then eventually up to 150 mg after 2 1/2 months after starting. At 150 mg and about 3 months after I started taking it, my anxiety melted away. It really did give me my life back. I’m back to my old self. The first two to three weeks I took it, I did feel more anxious and sick, but just keep with it. Don’t be afraid to up the dosage if it isn’t working well enough for you. I suggest upping it by 25 mg so that you don’t get sick when you start taking more. This is a good medicine, try it out."

• Ali...
• April 25, 2016

"Depression has disappeared! You know those blue moods that come with not enough reasons? They will disappear completely. No more mood swings. Your life is going to be so stable and manageable. This drug won't make you happy, it will only stop your depression and stabilize your mood. Again, it doesn't add anything to your own happiness. Took it for social anxiety. Now my mood doesn't switch around people anymore. I have more confidence in myself, but I'm still a quiet person because I'm not talkative by nature. The drug has stopped me from getting stressed around people."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2017

"I thought I would share today my experience with Zoloft. Two months ago, I was the anxious one on here reading all the reviews on medications. Every one had positives and negatives. I was so worried about taking an 'antidepressant'. I suffered daily with SEVERE anxiety and panic attacks to the point where I would have a panic attack for hours. It was awful. Because I felt like that so often, I would say I had mild depression. Just felt hopeless. Could anything help my anxiety? This medicine has changed my life for the better. I started at 25mg and still felt bad, no improvement even after five weeks. My doctor upped me to 50mg and within a week, I felt 100 times better. I had no side effects other than two to three headaches. My advice to you, try it."

• Rel...
• February 5, 2018

"My now 18-year-old daughter has always dealt with anxiety-type issues that we managed on our own. If she didn't want to go anywhere, it was easy to chalk it up to being an introvert. However, the loneliness and avoidance went far beyond 'being an introvert'. By the time she entered her senior year in high school, she was spiraling into a black hole. She finally agreed to therapy and medication. Prozac was awful, sertraline was great. The low doses helped with some anxiety, but at 100mg, she flourished. No more holed up in her room, avoiding going to the store, or near panic attacks for having to place a phone call. She is smiling, singing, and dancing! She is also finally able to form connections with people. Her biggest complaint is that she has put on some weight (maybe 10lbs). I asked her - do you want to be the ultra-thin, unhappy girl who hides in her room, or would you rather walk around with that gorgeous smile of yours? My only regret is waiting."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2012

"I have been on Zoloft for only a week and cannot believe how immediate the positive effects are. I had been taking Effexor for two years for low-grade social anxiety. Whilst it was highly effective for the anxiety, I went from 120 lbs to 150 lbs in a very short time (very distressing as I am only 5'2'') and I completely withdrew socially. I also felt completely unhinged and even suicidal if I accidentally skipped a day. A week ago I switched to Zoloft (with only a day's gap in between my cessation of Effexor). Within an hour of taking it, I felt better. I have felt like my old self again--exercising daily, dropping weight each day, feeling social--even a little sexy (!) and laughing more. Thank goodness I switched medicines."

• Mat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2015

"From bad to good. Week 1 was great. Obviously placebo. Week 2 was a low week. So tired all day long. I struggled to concentrate. Work performance was affected. I learned that alcohol brings you right down. DON'T DO IT! Some anxiety in Week 3. Another low week in Week 4. I felt zombified. Tired all day. I could barely stay awake in meetings. I couldn't pay attention for more than a minute. Noticed my hands are shaking. Some anxiety. Week 5 was better but still tired. Small improvement but still zombified and shaking hands. Week 6 was less tired but still shaky. Mood is lifting. Strange confidence. Loving it! Confidence and mood grows in Week 7. Little anxious in Week 8. Feeling great. There is hope! Avoid too much alcohol and coffee. 2 or 3 per day is okay."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2017

"After taking Zoloft (50 mg) for only a few days, I feel incredibly lucky to have had such a positive experience with it. For about an hour after I take it I get stomach cramps that resemble menstrual cramps, but after that, I go into a really positive mood and I just want to tell everybody how much I appreciate them. I don't get sick from overthinking minor details anymore, and all of my emotions feel more stable and controllable. I'm experiencing slight restlessness and difficulty falling asleep, but I'm taking that as a positive, as I feel like I got my energy back. I do clench my jaw at night now though. I have no appetite and I'm losing weight, but I used to overeat due to anxiety so I don't mind it. I never thought I could be this happy."

• mjr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2017

"I hope that my review can help someone who was in my shoes a month ago. I had randomly developed social anxiety. It came later on in life, and I couldn't even hold conversations with friends, family members, coworkers, etc. I also felt generalized anxiety, as well as OCD. My mind was constantly going, and it deterred me from enjoying life and building relationships with others. I decided to go to therapy, and was suggested Zoloft. I was a skeptic at first, since there is such a stigma around antidepressants and I heard so many negative reviews about Zoloft. However, I tried it and my doctor prescribed me 50mg. I fought all the side effects, but it got better! I would suggest sticking it out, because it has changed my life for the better!"

• fee...
• May 22, 2017

"I've been on 25mg for 2 weeks. In 5 days, it started to work. Let me tell you, I'm doing 80% better than before. I've developed awful social anxiety and (almost) panic attacks over the last 2 years, and I don't know what's going on. I've been in psychotherapy for a year, and it hasn't done much, although the therapist, on occasion, suggested that I look into anti-anxiety meds. After 3 years, I've taken the plunge. I almost feel like I have my life back. I'm able to be around people with 80% less anxiety than before. I'm confident again. I like myself. It's like this dark cloud is finally starting to dissipate. I'm recovering. At 2 weeks, I have no side effects except diarrhea in the first week."

• Geo...
• January 23, 2016

"I have been on Zoloft (Lustral/Sertraline) in the UK on and off for 20 years. I trust it. I have never written about it online or discussed it much with anybody other than medical professionals. I am writing this for those that are in the first 6 weeks of treatment. I take 50-150mg, usually the maintenance dose of 50mg is enough. Sometimes I will take it up to 75mg and rarely up to 100mg. On 50mg, no side effects at all after 8 weeks of treatment. 75mg and upward causes problems in the man department for me. I change dose at +/- 25mg at a time. I would never dream of going straight to 50mg, but that's just me. Weeks 3-6 you have to just grin and bear it. You will not feel like that forever, it goes away and you will feel well. I promise."

• Jus...
• February 25, 2013

"I have suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety for years. Anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder run in my family, and for some reason, I have been hesitant to get on medication. I have a very stressful job and am currently in graduate school, and finally decided enough is enough. I have been on Zoloft for 2 days, and I can already tell a difference. The tightness in my chest is gone from chronic stress, and I feel happier. I am kicking myself for not getting on this medication earlier."

• zan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2023

"I have just started taking Zoloft, and I am very nervous and scared about how it will react to my body. It has taken away my major anxiety and has stopped my brain from critical and obsessive thinking. I have really bad ADHD and OCD. I now feel calmer and happier, and my relationship with my partner has improved dramatically. I relied on marijuana and alcohol to slow my mind down, and now I don't even need or want that. I am very happy! I am just worried about the long-term effects of memory, weight gain, and sexual desire being lost, etc. Can anyone share their experience with me, please?"

• Kat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 12, 2019

"I’ve been on Zoloft for almost 5 years now, actually for generalized anxiety disorder. It was luckily the first antidepressant or anti-anxiety med that I tried, and it turned my life around. I've been on 100 mg for 2-3 years now. I did try to taper down to 75 mg once, as I thought it may be contributing to weight gain (it wasn’t), and I became very anxious again. I’ve come to accept I’ll probably be on this drug forever, lol. No side effects to note!"

• Zol...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 16, 2018

"I have been taking Zoloft for about 8 months now. I used to be so anxious and worried about everything all of the time. I had crippling social anxiety. My face would shake whenever I had to talk to large groups of people. I no longer feel like this. I feel FREE. I actually look forward to social events and talking with others! I also didn't experience any numbing of emotions or sexual issues; the only side effect I'd say I've had was an increased sensitivity to alcohol. Something to be monitored for sure! I definitely did not think the medication was working as it took a very long time to take effect- at least 2 months till I noticed a difference. But now that I have been on it for a good amount of time, I can honestly say I feel normal, finally. If you're thinking of trying this medication, I would strongly recommend it. However, be patient and don't lose hope if you don't see results right away. It's all so worth it in the end!"

• Man...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 7, 2019

"I have been on Zoloft 200 mg for nearly two years for SAD. I started on 50 mg and increased until I found the right dosage. Social anxiety has debilitated my whole life, and after taking Zoloft, I can live and be a 'normal' person without constant fear, without people wondering what's wrong with me or thinking I'm just rude or weird. I can be who I knew I always was inside but could never let out. I agree that when you start Zoloft, it can make your condition worse, and it is a time where you need a really good support network around you, but ride it through because the benefits in the long run are truly worth it. I have found if I miss a few days, it can really mess me up, or if I've had a binge on the alcohol. But taken properly, it's a life-saver. Saved mine, that's why I'll give it a 9."

• Lor...
• March 27, 2014

"I have a problem with anxiety and depression. I've been using Zoloft for about one year, and it is so much better. No depression, no bad mood, anxiety is not so high, perfect. I tried a few times to stop, but I always fall into depression after that."

• Ydu...
• July 17, 2015

"Honestly, I feel guilty for feeling great... But I've been taking Zoloft for 6 months now, and I feel totally different. I was diagnosed with GAD, generalized anxiety disorder. I had serious issues with social anxiety, irritation, nervousness, constant worrying, and seldom depression. After taking the medicine for about 3 months, I felt like I've never felt before. I started to worry a lot less, I started to avoid confrontation, and also was able to talk to people without feeling intense anxiety. This medicine really works well. The only negative side effects I've experienced were nausea in the first month and consistent fatigue. Working out and midday naps have subsided the fatigue. My suggestion would be to take your dose in the evening."

• Cat...
• July 12, 2015

"My 15-year-old daughter was practically a recluse. She is bipolar and taking Seroquel, Lamictal, and Intuniv, but she was depressed and had such social anxiety that she couldn't even leave her room. After 3 weeks, she is the daughter I knew to be. She still has issues, but going outside of the house is not one of them. I am so happy with this medication. She started at 25 mg and is now at 50 mg. What a godsend."

• Ste...
• November 23, 2016

"Zoloft has significantly lowered my anxiety, particularly social anxiety. Before, I would avoid certain situations and just worry about the most irrational things. Now I can honestly say I feel like a normal person, and I am succeeding in parts of my life I never have before."

• doi...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 27, 2012

"I suffered with social anxiety for many years. My neck would get red blotches when I had to be the center of attention. Zoloft, along with alprazolam, has helped me tremendously! I always thought I had to live with this, and there wasn't a cure. After researching the internet, I found out what I had. My husband also takes Zoloft to control his depression, withdrawal, anger, and road rage, and it helps him sleep really well. One drawback is that it made us both gain weight, but that has leveled off. I hope my post helps someone else out there."

• cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2015

"I am 43, suffering from extreme social phobia that prevents me from all kinds of activities and work too... most symptoms are blushing, shaky voice, sweating, and general depressive feelings. Doctor started me on my first treatment ever of 25mg Zoloft for the first week, then 50mg up to 100mg in 1 month. I just took my first pills and crossed my fingers... I just like to thank you all that made me feel so much better, knowing I am not alone out there."