Zoloft for Social Anxiety Disorder User Reviews (Page 4)

• Sil...
• July 20, 2017

"I have suffered from severe anxiety punctuated by depressive episodes all of my life. At 58, having been prescribed many medications, this is the best ever. Before this prescription, I was feeling so anxious I thought I would break. I am now feeling what I think is 'normal' for the first time ever, by which I mean I feel 'normal' amounts of anxiety in 'normal' degrees in appropriate situations - I feel I am in control of situations instead of them controlling me. I feel so much better, calm, and relaxed, and it worked quickly. I wish I had tried it years ago."

• 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."

• Hol...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 30, 2018

"I suffered from social anxiety for as long as I can remember, and I fell into a depression that left me unable to function when I was 22. I had problems with concentration, memory, and I was suicidal in the end. I started using Zoloft 50mg, and it made a huge difference after a couple of weeks. My head 'cleared', I could finally think, and I started to be more outspoken. I actually liked being the center of attention, and I didn't find speaking with guys a problem anymore and started a relationship soon after that. Public speaking was still a problem, but at least I could go through it quite clearheaded and not black out. It has been 6 years that I've been on Zoloft, and my life is completely different. I am a little scared of the idea of taking it my whole life, but I'm more scared of the life without it. I had minor side effects, like the shakes and vertigo, but nothing else, I was lucky."

• fra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 24, 2015

"I've been on Zoloft 50 mg once a day for social anxiety disorder/generalized anxiety disorder and it has worked great. After trying several other medications, I'm happy that I've found the one for me. It took about two weeks for the effects to become noticeable, and fortunately, I have not had any negative side effects. I've noticed quite a few changes thanks to Zoloft. For example, I used to hate making phone calls for work and would always feel serious anxiety, now I can do it with no problem. I also find it easier to speak in front of people, and in general, my thoughts seem more organized and calmer. I would recommend Zoloft to someone trying an SSRI for the first time, as it is the only one that hasn't caused me a negative reaction."

• awe...
• July 17, 2008

"I have been on Zoloft for about 1 year now. I have severe anxiety. I don't know why I used to constantly think of bad thoughts, which would give me anxiety because they seemed so real to me. My mood is much better. I don't get so mad all the time either. Now I feel so much better, and I am a better wife and mother. I didn't have any side effects either."

• Che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2019

"I started on Paxil, and those side effects were so awful I quit after 6 months. I was then switched to Zoloft, and it's so much better. Side effects are more subtle than Paxil. I did wake up wide awake in the middle of the night, couldn't sleep, diarrhea, tossing and turning, shaky euphoric feeling, but it only lasted about a week, then my body got used to it. It is an awful feeling, let me tell you, but as long as you tell yourself to push through and do things to tire you out, it does get better. I would read or watch boring sitcoms till I dosed off. I did take an over-the-counter sleep aid a few times when the restlessness was really bad, and it did help. About the second week I was able to fully sleep, then the third week I was sleeping better than ever before. The side effects aren't fun, but now that my body is used to the medicine, I haven't had any anxiety attacks, and I don't feel like such a failure. Don't give up, the side effects are only temporary!!!"

• PEI...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 2, 2024

"Prescribed for social anxiety and OCD. Really helped a lot. Short-term side effects included sleep issues and gastrointestinal issues. Sole long-term side effects are erectile dysfunction and low libido. Started at 25 mg per day, now on 50 mg per day. Sexual side effects are a non-issue for me as my wife and I have a long-term sexless marriage, and this actually makes me much more comfortable with that."

• Jda...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2020

"I started experiencing anxiety/panic attacks/social anxiety last year, and then towards the end of the year it became general anxiety. Zoloft was the very first antidepressant I have taken. Honestly, taking this medication for the first time, you need to be prepared for every possible side effect. I’d recommend eating before taking the pill and taking a non-drowsy, anti-nausea medicine, e.g., Dramamine. So luckily I did not experience any nausea. I did experience tunnel vision, my head felt cloudy, it was almost like I was in a dream the first 3 to 4 days, but it was manageable. I was very jittery and energetic, but at the same time my muscles became weak when lifting almost anything. My anxiety increased a lot the first 3 days. So I recommend starting this pill when you have a few days off from work. I gave the pill a chance though and waited a month and a half for it to be effective, and I can say that it was definitely worth the wait."

• rob...
• November 19, 2013

"Been on 50 mg for 2 days now (started for a week on 25 mg) and now that I take the higher dose, my mood is a bit better, but my social anxiety is a lot better. The feeling of making people laugh is amazing when you are not afraid to speak, although maybe not drink on this? I had 3 drinks and became so upset and depressed."

• Ali...
• June 10, 2015

"I've struggled with anxiety & depression my entire life, & I was wary of starting sertraline (at age 20) but 50mg a day has changed me for the better. I'm happier, less anxious overall, I got a job, I can do all the things my anxiety wouldn't allow, like answering the phone, going shopping alone, making small talk with people. There have been some unpleasant side effects, alcohol puts me right to sleep now. I have no appetite (lost about 15 lbs) and my sex drive is noticeably diminished. Whatever you do, do not stop cold turkey. 50mg is a very small dose but the withdrawals are hell. I ran out and couldn't get a refill for a week, I was cold sweating through my clothes 24/7, shaky, suicidal, dizzy, and my anxiety was worse than before."

• MMH...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 29, 2013

"31-year-old female. I was on Zoloft for 4-5 years in college and then tapered off. After being off it for 5 years or so, my daily anxiety gradually started creeping back into my life until I reached a point last year where I would have horrible panic attacks every day. I've been on 75 mg a day for the past 7 months and I feel better than I have in years! It took a while to find the correct dosage for me, but once I have, it's been amazing. Along with the Zoloft, I also take 15 mg Buspar daily and Lorazepam as needed."

• Nic...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 5, 2015

"Zoloft is wonderful, this antidepressant has made me feel so lucid for the past 9 months. It's helped me fight social anxiety and anxious depressions after I had a neurotic breakdown and had to be admitted to a hospital. This medicine has made things so clear for me, I absolutely love my life now! Recently I had not been taking it for about 6 days, DO NOT DO. It completely drained me, but I continued taking it and the side effects dispersed completely after 3 days of taking 150 mg again. Zoloft has completely leveled out my S.a.d., g.a.d, and major depression. No, it did not work immediately, but it totally works in the long run and waiting for it to take effect. Zoloft you've truly helped me become lucid in my consciousness :)."

• Fra...
• April 29, 2021

"I started three years ago as an analyst at a high-pressure job. I work for one of the top banks in the country. The pressure for me was incredible. I felt unable to speak and interact properly with my coworkers. Had lots of racing thoughts, afraid to lose my job, and constantly ruminating. I take Ritalin and was afraid to take anything else. Finally, my girlfriend convinced me to call my doctor. He prescribed Zoloft 50 mg. At first, I didn’t see much of a difference. Around the three-month mark, I completely let go of all my anxiety and I started doing amazing at my job. I don’t care what anyone says as this miracle drug has changed my life!!!"

• Typ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2016

"This medication has changed my life over the past 5 wks I've been on it. I take Zoloft for severe anxiety. I have always been a high-stress, high functioning overachiever. I started having all kinds of odd stomach issues, heart palpitations, I hardly slept, etc. With this medicine, I feel MUCH less stress and anxiety with everyday things. I am more patient and relaxed. I started on 50mg for 2 wks and asked to increase to 100mg and been on that for 2 wks too. I take Ativan and hydroxyzine as needed. This medication has changed my life!! I have lost about 10 lbs on it. I think some of my appetite was anxiety-driven. But I love this med, and this has made me a better person!!"

• Cep...
• December 16, 2016

"I've been meaning to post my positive review of Zoloft for a while. This past summer, I suffered probably the worst social anxiety I had ever encountered in my life. I had started a new job where I was expected to speak to others on a daily basis. It was gut-wrenching. I fell apart, crying, screaming, and forcing myself to go to work. Even when I was at work, I would hide in the bathroom and pee incessantly out of nervousness. Finally, I found a good psychiatrist and got back on Zoloft. I had been on Zoloft 50 mg earlier in the year, but stopped because I feared it might affect my fertility. After meeting with the shrink, I was upped to 200 mg gradually. Since then, I have been so happy and full of life. This drug really has worked for me."

• Ano...
• November 26, 2014

"Did NOT want to take meds, but I am so glad I finally hit rock bottom and decided Zoloft was an option worth considering. Seriously, it has completely changed my life. As long as you have a reputable therapist/doctor giving you the meds, there should be no major issues. Had some problems with sleep at first, but I started taking melatonin at night and now it's all good."

• bab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2013

"I am 15. I have been on Zoloft (25 mg) for over a month now. I was prescribed through my gastroenterologist for social anxiety and generalized anxiety, which was causing ongoing digestive trouble. I have suffered through severe anxiety disorders and depression for most of my life. Since the first pill, I have cried only once. My overwhelming loneliness and hopelessness have gone away. I haven't had any side effects that I've noticed. The only downside to this medicine is that it hasn't worked well for me in social situations when I am nervous. It does not prevent me from shaking, turning red, tensing up, etc. It might be necessary for me to move up to 50 mg, but that isn't urgent as of right now. I would recommend."

• Anonymous
• October 3, 2010

"I am 46 years old and have been on Zoloft for 11 years, yes 11 years. I originally took it for anxiety, and my life has changed so much that I continue to take it. I am on 25 mg and will go to 50 mg during hard times (went through a hurtful breakup). I have had zero side effects. My doctor tells me I am the poster child for Zoloft, and I agree."

• ACR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2022

"Just give it a try. I have wasted so much money picking up various prescriptions and never taking the medication due to fear of side effects after a bad reaction to a medication years ago. I finally had the courage to start Zoloft. I started out taking 12.5 for a few weeks and had very little to no side effects. I had a slight headache and no appetite. I increased to 25 mg after about 3 weeks and did not notice any side effects. After about a few weeks, I started to notice I just didn’t overthink the things I once had. Slowly, after each passing day, I started to notice how less reactive and calmer I have become. Certain situations have come up where I would normally be an anxious mess didn’t even pass me anymore. It wasn’t an overwhelmingly everything is better all at once. It was more of a “Oh hey, that didn’t even phase me.” I find myself joking around and smiling more than ever. I am forever thankful I just took the first step and took the first dose."

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 22, 2021

"I have always super disliked the idea of antidepressants, but needed to end the panic attacks and the anxiety, which made me come across as an angry person. They have changed my life for the better. I am back to the person I was years ago. Calm, happy, and feeling better about myself. I thought with the side effects the first couple of months that I couldn’t do this, but wanted change so badly, I did persevere and have never looked back. If you persevere with the horrible side effects at the start of the treatment, things get better and you take the tablets daily without any problems and emerge a much more relaxed person. This treatment helped me turn my life around, and I am so grateful."

• Anonymous
• July 28, 2010

"I am a 17-year-old female who has been on Zoloft for almost 6 months. I used to have terrible social anxiety and was diagnosed with an anxiety and panic disorder. Since I have started taking Zoloft, my ability to speak with people has grown tremendously. I can't remember ever feeling happier than I do now, and the biggest change in me is the fact that I now feel emotionally stable. I'm only on 25mg, but I have found that it has helped me in incredible ways. The only side effects I have experienced are loss of appetite and slight nausea - I have lost a bit of weight while on this medicine, but not a dangerous amount. I highly recommend talking to your doctor about this medicine if you experience social anxiety or have panic attacks."

• krq...
• January 5, 2015

"I have been struggling with social anxiety disorder and a low-level functioning depression for most of my life. Four years went by with no medication, and during this time, I was very paranoid and lost all of my friends. It wasn't until I met my boyfriend that I saw I couldn't truly function this way. I finally admitted to myself that I might need to be on medication. It's been about two months and I feel awesome. I am taking 50mg every day, and was able to go on a Christmas vacation where my boyfriend and I met each other's families. This would never have been doable before. I am thoroughly satisfied and am so happy with my decision. I still have leftover anxiety symptoms but I am working on that in therapy."

• Cro...
• August 23, 2016

"Been suffering with anxiety since Jan this year, tried natural products, CBT also citalopram. Citalopram made me worse, sick, crying, just feeling awful. Doctor suggested sertraline to which I was very nervous to try, started 25 mg for one week then increased to 50 mg, no side effects at all. Day 18 on 50 mg feel more myself, feeling better daily. My advice don't read any negative reviews, only the positive, give them a go. Def working for me."

• CMT...
• October 29, 2012

"I started this two months ago to help with my light depression and anxiety problems as a long-term replacement for Xanax. So far, I haven't had to use my Xanax in almost a month. I didn't think this would do much, but I was wrong. The first two to three weeks, I had some mild nausea and tiredness, but that went away pretty quickly."

• Ano...
• August 8, 2019

"I've suffered from general anxiety and social anxiety my whole life. I recently started Zoloft at 100 mg and experienced side effects like diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and an increase in anxiety. I thought the side effects would be worse, but surprisingly, it wasn't that bad. My birth control medication affected my hormones way worse. It's been a little over a month now, and I don't wake up anxious anymore. I am able to socialize better, look people in the eye, and talk more in meetings. The only downside about this medication is that it completely got rid of my sex drive. My boyfriend does not pressure me and is very understanding of my mental health journey. I'm going to see my doctor and discuss possible alternatives. It actually terrifies me because I'm scared that there is not a better alternative that will bring back my libido. For once in my life, I feel normal. I highly recommend Zoloft. If you're a single person suffering from anxiety, this would help."