Zoloft and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 3)

• San...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "Please don’t give up on Zoloft! It took almost 10 weeks for 37 mg of Zoloft to help me with my major suicidal depression! I had bad side effects at first (little sleep, paranoia, anxiety, couldn’t think straight, brain zaps, chest pain). I stuck through because I had read that it can take a while to get in your system and work. Then, by around 10 weeks, I felt like a new person! I was genuinely happy (wanting to be social, singing, laughing, cracking jokes) for the first time in a year and a half! I had tried tons of different antidepressants (Remeron, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Wellbutrin… the list goes on… nothing would work without really bad side effects! Zoloft has helped tremendously, plus I’m taking 2 mg of lorazepam a day if needed! So the combination, plus I walk every day for at least ½ an hour, has changed my outlook, and I have tons of energy too! I’m 52 and feel like I’m in my 20s once again! Give Zoloft a chance to work!"

• Ali...
• June 10, 2015

For Social Anxiety Disorder "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."

• Bla...
• June 29, 2015

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I began taking Zoloft four months ago after being diagnosed with OCD, which I have suffered with for probably 15 years. I started with a dosage of 25 mg and experienced quite a bit of nausea for the first few weeks. I also dealt with a spike in anxiety, which I combated with Clonopin and relaxation techniques. My psychiatrist slowly increased the dosage to 150 mg over the past few months. During that time, with the addition of psychotherapy, I began to slowly recognize that my symptoms were decreasing. It has become much easier to recognize my intrusive thoughts as OCD, and to say 'no' to the multitude of rituals that I engaged in on a daily basis. In fact, since I have reached 150 mg, my anxiety and other symptoms have almost disappeared."

• Jos...
• November 29, 2019

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "BEST DRUG EVER! Let's start from the beginning. I'm 17 and about 4 months ago I greened out on edibles. Little did I know my family has past mental health problems :/ and sure enough this brought them out. I was high for a literal week and thought the intrusive thoughts/paranoia would soon stop. It didn’t. My life turned into a nightmare. I started to feel extremely disconnected from reality and had anxiety so bad it was debilitating. Me being a stupid stubborn 17-year-old, I thought I could let it pass. It also didn’t. I finally gave in and told my parents. The doc gave me 100 mg of Zoloft to take. The first week was GREAT. I felt high as a kite, numb, and out of it. I can see how people can’t handle it and panic, but I looked at the bright side. The dreams were EPIC. The next day I woke up and I FELT LIKE THE OLD ME! I just felt normal! Another upside is delayed ejaculation lol can last in the bed for 3 hours now. Girlfriend loves it! 10/10 just push through the first week or so."

• Fhd...
• October 1, 2018

For Panic Disorder "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."

• Cep...
• December 16, 2016

For Social Anxiety Disorder "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."

• Cep...
• December 16, 2016

For Social Anxiety Disorder "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."

• JLf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2025

For Postpartum Depression "I am yet another mom who frantically looked up reviews of this medication in hope of finding some relief from crippling postpartum anxiety and panic disorder. I have been on Zoloft for exactly 12 weeks now and can honestly say it was life-changing. I suffered from PPA shortly after birth but delayed getting help until my daughter was 7 months old. I, like many other moms on here, tried everything before medication: CBT, meditation, exercise, yoga, you name it. Nothing could help me escape the crippling intrusive thoughts, daily panic attacks, irrational fears, and insomnia. Starting Zoloft was awful. I had diarrhea, worsening anxiety, and nausea for the first 7 weeks. I was ready to give up the medication until I gradually noticed a change in my thought patterns. I worked my way (very slowly) up to 50 mg and have been there for six weeks. My family notices so many positive changes in my attitude and behavior. Best of all, the side effects dissipate."

• mow...
• January 30, 2013

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have OCD/general anxiety and depression as a result. I was considered a very severe case. A few months after the worst time in my life, I am happy and healthy. I am managing anxiety/OCD a lot better and I have VERY rare bad days. I have been taking Zoloft with therapy for a little over six months. I experienced about a week of side effects (nausea, increased anxiety, fatigue) but over quickly. I get away with taking 50 mg. Apparently the most common side effects are weight gain and loss of interest in sex. I am happy to say I am experiencing NEITHER! I gained a little bit of weight (5-10 lbs) in the last few months, but I lost about 30 lbs before Zoloft due to anxiety-linked anorexia. Now without depression/OCD, I finally have my sex drive!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2022

For Depression "I suffer from GAD, that triggers depression. I started at 50 mg, then went up to 100 mg after 7 days. Week 1 was a living nightmare - increased anxiety, very suicidal, headaches, and some insomnia. I’d constantly read other people’s experiences on Zoloft for the slightest glimpse of hope, and I’m so happy I can say on day 9, I felt like myself again. I was on this drug for close to a year and thought because I was doing well, I should get off… well, 2 months after I relapsed. And now here I am, back on meds. I hope my experience can give others hope. Do not give up. I promise it gets better and is 100% worth the wait. Zoloft saved my life."

• Tor...
• March 12, 2019

For Postpartum Depression "I wanted to share my experience with postpartum depression for those that are new to Zoloft. I was diagnosed with postpartum anxiety depression 6 weeks after my baby was born. I was under severe stress since my baby was born at 7 months, hence, that’s where the postpartum hit me. It was the scariest thing I have ever felt in my life. I thought I had lost myself, I just didn’t feel like me anymore, and the anxiety was beyond horrible. I had anxiety 24/7, couldn’t eat, sleep, was an emotional wreck! I started Zoloft, and that only intensified my symptoms for the first 3 weeks, then I slowly began to feel like me again, not 100% me, but it felt like I was getting there. My anxiety slowly began to lessen as well. I had to go up on my dose, and the side effects came back for about 5 days, then they began to subside, and 8 weeks later, I was me again!!! I started on 25 mg, then bumped up to 50 mg, and have been on 50 mg for a few months now. There’s light at the end of the tunnel!!"

• Lov...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 10, 2022

For Social Anxiety Disorder "This is my second time on Zoloft for generalized anxiety disorder. I didn’t give it enough time on the first go. It’s been an absolute godsend this time around. I’m currently on 75 mg (1.5 tablets, 50 mg tabs) and have been for about 6 months. It has toned down my anxiety, which is manageable now, along with my OCD. It quite literally allows me to see the light again - I can laugh and let things go. I still get anxious and pedantic, but it’s in a more logical and rational sense, and I can work through it quickly, rather than dwell and go down the anxiety rabbit hole. The first few weeks were tough in terms of heightened anxiety, weird dreams, and mood swings, but stick it out. Sunsets, sunrises, clouds, and the wind are just magic to me now. No side effects really, other than some agitation if I delay taking my tablet or miss it altogether. Every SSRI is different for everyone, but this has honestly been the best thing for me."

• Ano...
• August 8, 2019

For Social Anxiety Disorder "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."

• lan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 14, 2022

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I told myself when I started this drug, 10 months later I would come back and write a review because I remember when I first started Zoloft, how helpful the reviews were. We are 10 months in! I had a baby 10 months ago and suffered from severe postpartum OCD. I also suffered from postpartum depression and anxiety. I cried every day, had very bad OCD thoughts, and it would make me depressed and have anxiety. I started Zoloft, and all the reviews said to give it time. I started out at 25 mg, and I got a little better, but it was still very bad. She moved me up to 50 mg. It was about the same. After she moved me up to 75 mg, I quit crying every day and was happier, but I still was having OCD thoughts, and it was still bad and not where I wanted to be. She put me on 100 mg, and I am so much better. I think I finally found my dosage. I’m very happy I didn’t give up on this drug. I still have OCD thoughts, but it’s 90% better. Zoloft saved me. I hope you decide to give it a try."

• jes...
• November 8, 2015

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Zoloft is an excellent medication for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and anxiety, all of which I have. Ever since I started taking it, I have been so much happier and worry-free. However, I am 24 years old, and I enjoy going out to the bar with my friends. Let me tell you, if you want to drink on this medication, be advised that it will completely cancel the drug out. Every time I drink, I have severe anxiety the next day. But other than that, I would recommend this drug."

• Den...
• March 23, 2017

For Panic Disorder "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!"

• Gp2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2025

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I’ve been on this medication for about 5 months now, and I promised myself that I would return to this site and write a review. In the beginning, I was skeptical and really had no hope that there would actually be medication out there that can help ease my OCD and anxiety. I can say that my obsessive thoughts and ruminations have lessened in a big way. I’m no longer consumed with random thoughts and the uneasiness that came with the ruminations. I started at 50mg and increased all the way up to 150mg, and that’s when I noticed a change in my thought process. The first month is definitely not easy… increased anxiety, no appetite, a ton of fatigue. The anxiety subsides and you get your appetite back, but the fatigue lingers a little bit. The change is not drastic, but it’s enough to not want to pull your hair out from not being able to control your thoughts. I am a big advocate for this medication if you’re struggling."

• B10...
• July 3, 2016

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Before taking this medication, I was experiencing sleepless nights. Sometimes this would happen for three nights in a row. There was no reason for me to feel anxiety or feel as if a panic attack was coming on. My panic and anxiety feelings were in my stomach and my throat. I felt like I could scream, but I could never get it loud enough. I was also experiencing stomach ulcer symptoms. I had no clue what was wrong with me. At work, I started to experience social anxiety. I would feel panicked, my face would get flushed, and my neck and chest would break out in hives. One other extremely annoying symptom was getting up during the night to pee when I really didn't have to. My doctor prescribed 25, then 50, then 75, then 100 mg of Zoloft, and I'm 100% better."

• B10...
• July 3, 2016

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Before taking this medication, I was experiencing sleepless nights. Sometimes this would happen for three nights in a row. There was no reason for me to feel anxiety or feel as if a panic attack was coming on. My panic and anxiety feelings were in my stomach and my throat. I felt like I could scream, but I could never get it loud enough. I was also experiencing stomach ulcer symptoms. I had no clue what was wrong with me. At work, I started to experience social anxiety. I would feel panicked, my face would get flushed, and my neck and chest would break out in hives. One other extremely annoying symptom was getting up during the night to pee when I really didn't have to. My doctor prescribed 25, then 50, then 75, then 100 mg of Zoloft, and I'm 100% better."

• Get...
• September 4, 2015

For Panic Disorder "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

For Panic Disorder "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."

• Han...
• March 19, 2015

For Panic Disorder "After I had my baby, I was in constant stress recovering from my C-section to having to take care of my two toddlers and a newborn baby. I started having terrible panic attacks that would last all day. I was completely housebound. So, I went to see my doctor and he prescribed Zoloft 25 mg. I was always afraid to take medicines, but my condition got to the point where I needed to try. I needed help, I had three babies that rely on me. So, I started Zoloft 25 mg, the anxiety got worse for a whole month and a half. I waited it out because my doctor said it takes time to work. And he was right! After a month and a half, I was a different person, the attacks stopped. I haven't had an attack for almost a year now. I'm still at the same dosage too, only 25 mg."

• Tip...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 15, 2018

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Don’t give up! It took 8 weeks for it to work for me! I was on Paxil since I was 18 (I’m now 43), but the older I got, the worse weight gain got, so I switched to Zoloft. I had morning anxiety and loss of appetite for the first 7 weeks. By week 8, I noticed it was going away. I’m on week 10, and I’m feeling myself again. I take 200 mg."

• Kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 27, 2022

"On a vacation, I randomly had a few bad nights of sleep. This quickly snowballed into insomnia after my body went into fight or flight, and the anxiety would not let me sleep or eat for 2 months. It was horrible (especially with kids and a job), and I was desperate for a safe solution. Thank goodness my DR recommended Zoloft. After about 2 weeks on the meds, I was sleeping again. My appetite slowly came back. I still have an off night now and then, but I know that is normal. Very thankful for this medication and sharing my story in case it can help someone else."

• tei...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 24, 2013

For Depression "After changing jobs, I was feeling depressed and was having anxiety attacks. Although Zoloft worked, and the first day or so was fine, I experienced intense prolonged anxiety in the remaining days of the first week. There were a couple of days when it was relentless and extremely difficult to deal with. I'm on day 6 now, and it seems to have passed. I get the odd pang, but it goes away reasonably quickly. I feel calmer and more relaxed, much less likely to react to little things. I do feel like my sex drive has dropped, and it is harder to orgasm. I have a slight dizzy feeling that's manageable (I hope it goes away). I also commonly have a dry mouth and lost my appetite. I haven't felt like exercising. Only 1 week in."