Zoloft and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 5)

• sma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2020

For Postpartum Depression "This drug, Zoloft, saved me... and my family from postpartum depression. I was experiencing terrible emotional turmoil during my pregnancy, and afterwards my anxiety was so high that I was afraid I couldn't work, I couldn't have conversations with friends/coworkers without almost having a panic attack. I was afraid of taking medicine, that it might make me feel like a zombie... I was wrong! I feel like myself, except calmer and less anxious. It's harder to orgasm, but my drive is through the roof because... I'm not depressed! Thank you, Zoloft! I started at 50 mg and now I'm on 100 mg, and it's the perfect dose for me. I did have an anxiety increase at first, but got much better after a few weeks of use."

• Lin...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 12, 2019

For Postpartum Depression "I started Zoloft after my first child was born in 1986, and I experienced postpartum depression. It worked great, and after a while, I quit on my own, thinking I was in the clear. Big mistake, within a month or so, the depression returned, and my PCP stated, if it ain't broke, why fix it? Meaning, why did I quit? He said if you feel well, it's because of the Zoloft, so stick with it. My son, who just turned 16, has been on it as well, along with Adderall. While both drugs make me quite nervous, he has gone from a disaster at school to excelling in many categories, and I feel he is in a good place mentally. Hope I don't live to regret these choices! Good luck to all of you!"

• Jth...
• June 21, 2021

For Panic Disorder "Developed panic disorder in late May as a result of trauma due to an anaphylactic reaction. Wasn't allergy tested soon enough, and so my anxiety around eating got worse and evolved into a panic disorder. Without meds, I felt OK maybe 40% of the time, but had anxiety around eating and globus sensation/panic attacks. I started taking 12.5 mg on Jun 9. Thought I was out of the woods. Had an hour before bed where I fought off panic attacks. The 2nd day has been somewhat lousy. No panic attacks, but definitely some anxiety (granted no globus sensation), sweaty, uncomfortable, confused, nauseous, no appetite, and fatigued. But it's day 2, so we're going to stick to the program. I'll give a timeline of how I responded to Zoloft over time. Day 10: Anxiety WAY down. Still have some panic-attack-like symptoms here and there, but feeling a lot more normal without side effects. Side effects lasted 2 days. Feeling better each day. If you're on the fence about taking it, I'd definitely recommend!"

• Cry...
• October 21, 2011

For Depression "I love, love, love my Zoloft. It's been a life-saver. I'm on 25 mg, and I did have some insomnia and jitteriness for the first two weeks, but that has subsided. Doctor tried to 'up' my dosage to 50 mg, but side effects came back, and I was happy at 25 mg, so I went back down in dosage, and I'm content. For the first time in my life, I feel like I have some self-control and am not constantly on the verge of a meltdown. I feel put back together, and I can enjoy my family. I am a 35-year-old female who works full time and has two children."

• SCa...
• February 25, 2020

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I started having panic attacks and anxiety about physical symptoms I was feeling and trouble sleeping, which were actually caused by anxiety in the first place. My doctor prescribed me 10 mg Lexapro. I took a 5 mg dose for 3 days, then raised up to the full 10 mg dose. I felt awful all of the time with headaches, nausea, dizziness, more panic and anxiety, and would get fatigued in the middle of the day. I also started having tension in my neck and shoulders. Because of these new developments, I was given Zoloft instead. Once again, I had side effects like headaches, nausea, and brain fog, but they are not as bad. I did feel bad the first week, but things are getting better. While I still am nauseous and still don't sleep until my alarm, it isn't as bad. I have more focus, which I didn't have prior. I'm hoping that if I stick with this medicine, my sleep and phobia control will improve. I have a follow-up for 2 weeks from now to see if we might need to raise the dose from 50 mg to 100 mg."

• Bad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 14, 2023

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have had anxiety and panic attacks for over one year now. I ended up at the hospital in very bad condition because I had not slept. What this drug did to me I can't even explain, it was the most horrible three days of my life. It wasn't anxiety, it was something 1,000 times worse! I was passing out several times with waves of anxiety and disorientation. After 30 hours, I began to ask for help on the floor. Finally, after 30 hours at the hospital, I was given diazepam to cool off. It was helpful a little bit, but I have the biggest trauma of my life. Please be careful with this drug. I was using Remeron and escitalopram, but this one almost killed me as I was thinking I would jump out of the window."

• sha...
• February 14, 2011

For Depression "I've been taking Zoloft for 6 months now. Began at 25 mg and worked up to 75 mg. I'm a person who hates being on medicines, so I tapered off to 50 mg and then tried to go back down to 25 mg. Unfortunately, the symptoms came back, racing pulse and anxiety. I'm now back at 50 mg and feel even-keeled. It has been humbling for me to admit that I need this medication, and I dislike how it makes you feel dependent on it, but I also realize it is doing its job. I have lost 5-10 pounds since starting it. The first few weeks, I was in a fog and suffered horrible headaches and nausea, but per my doctor's words, those symptoms did subside. I've not had a single panic attack since starting Zoloft."

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 18, 2021

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I've come to the realization over the past year that all my life I've struggled with OCD. Intrusive thoughts and obsessive behaviors have just been something I've grown to accept without knowing it. Prozac made me way too anxious, and I gave up and thought I just wasn't meant for SSRIs. I was prescribed Zoloft a few months ago, and it was the perfect fit. It took a while for me to find my perfect dose (150 mg), but now I am a completely different person. Of course, prescription meds are only one part of the equation (in addition to diet, exercise, therapy, etc.), but this was a miracle. I'm writing this to say to anyone who is curious about medication for OCD or anyone who is struggling in general, there is hope, and if you are patient, you will see the light and find something that works. Give it time, it took me over a month to get it just right, but it was so worth it!"

• Nur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2016

For Panic Disorder "Okay, first of all! It will work! You need to give it time. Don't search up how long it will work, that gives you more anxiety! Mine took a while to work. I was originally on 50 mg, and my appetite was getting better. But after 3 weeks, my sleep still wasn't better, and I had to up my dose to 100 mg. I am starting to sleep normally again after taking this for 6 weeks! I really do fully feel like myself, and I'm not waking up with panic anymore. It makes you feel so good to the point that you feel so normal that you'll be wondering if you don't need to take it anymore. I fortunately only get anxiety because I'm in school. So I hope to taper off of it after I'm done with school!"

• Oth...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 13, 2022

For Depression "I have been on 50 mg of sertraline (Zoloft) since May 2021, and it has completely changed my mental health state for the better. I am giving it a 9/10 since when it first got introduced to my body, I got nauseous and had a hard time eating much for the first week or two. I was quite hotter than normal and somewhat paranoid, but that was me being nervous I was still going to get periods of anhedonia. I had more energy during the night, so I started taking it in the morning. About a month in, I finally started to feel emotions, such as happiness, sadness, love, etc., all the time again instead of every couple of weeks at a time. My sex drive increased tenfold when my body was still getting used to it, which is not really common when going on antidepressants. My libido is still pretty high today. I always had issues with anxiety and depression my whole life, however, I used MDMA about a year before taking Zoloft, which potentially caused a weird shift in my mental state, but it works great!"

• And...
• July 27, 2013

For Panic Disorder "I have struggled with panic disorder off and on for 11 years. I was previously on Lexapro but built up a tolerance after 4 months, so I switched to Zoloft. After week four, I am FINALLY getting some relief from the anxiety. Started on 12.5 mg due to sensitivity to SSRIs. The reason Zoloft does not get a 10 is because of terrible side effects: increase in depression and anxiety, nervousness, derealization, and insomnia. I could care less about my sex drive right now. Word to the wise: BE PATIENT, IT WILL GET BETTER."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2020

For Depression "I've only been taking Zoloft for about a week, so I haven't gotten to feel the full effects... but I will say when I introduced Zoloft to my body the first day, I had serious side effects. Insomnia, anxiety when I closed my eyes, strange thoughts (non-dangerous), dizzy. I felt super exhausted and tired but energetic at the same time. Didn't sleep the entire night. The next few days I wake up periodically to my limbs twitching like crazy, I have bruxism (grinding of teeth) and sometimes I wake up by jumping upright or throwing myself around in bed. My left pupil is more dilated than my right. I will say, aside from side effects - everyone around me has noticed I am much calmer lately. I am taking it for OCD, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. I do get random anxiety at night due to side effects, haven't felt depressed at all in a week. I hope the side effects subside because my sleep is atrocious, and bruxism causes migraines."

• Ser...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "Lifelong depression sufferer. First 3 days felt like Valium, floaty and nice, but symptoms were largely unaffected. Next fortnight was harrowing, with vastly increased anxiety and insomnia, mind roaring the entire time. After that, things chilled out a bit and life has gotten progressively easier since. First good day came at the end of week 4. Now in week 7, and it's as if depression is a thing of the past, any fog thoughts are controllable and no longer dominate my outlook. Should also mention a weird taste that stuck around for the first few weeks, has either gone now or I've gotten used to it. Sexual desire dropped off for a while but has returned, orgasm is definitely less intense, though. Weighing up pros and cons, I'm functioning better than for a long time and am seeing aspects of myself that were unthinkable just 2 months ago. I'd happily stay on it forever at this point."

• Mir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2015

For Panic Disorder "I started Zoloft 3 weeks ago for panic attacks, but I am having a hard time with the side effects. I feel like it has made my anxiety even worse, but I am going to continue taking it until I get over the initial starting side effects."

• Eka...
• January 23, 2018

For Depression "I was put on 50 mg of Zoloft for depression, anxiety, and panic. By the third day, my anxiety and depression were both outrageous, I couldn’t eat or sleep, and I was vomiting. I ended up losing so much weight and having such advanced anxiety symptoms that I ended up in the ER. That was the worst I’ve ever felt in my life. I had to stop taking it immediately. This is the worst medication I’ve ever been on. But even with my harsh critique, people still have to realize that medications work differently for everyone. This was horrible for me, but there are plenty of other people that have had success with it, so keep an open mind. Depression and anxiety are absolutely terrible, but please don’t give up until you find something that works."

• Fan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 10, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "Zoloft actually changed my life. It's helped me cope with everyday situations in a non-reactive way. My thoughts have calmed down and my anxiety is minimal. I've actually lost 15 lbs on Zoloft. I started on 50 mg and now I'm up to 200 mg per day. I've been on it for about a year now and I like that it doesn't numb everything or make me super emotional or tired. I'm very well balanced. I just wish I could sleep better."

• maz...
• December 28, 2013

For Panic Disorder "I think Zoloft can work well for panic disorders. I would've given it an 8-9, but the startup side effects were pretty rough for about 2 weeks, and a lot of other things seem to interact with it... at least in my case. I can't drink, at all. If I do, I experience side effects again for 2-3 days, including increased anxiety. Also, I've noticed that if I take ibuprofen or Tylenol, I also experience side effects again. I thought perhaps I was being paranoid, but there are actually studies that confirm they decrease the effectiveness of SSRIs. When I don't drink or take pain meds, it works wonderfully, but it's a bit of a pain. It also seems to help if you suffer from migraines."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 15, 2012

For Depression "Zoloft is a lifesaver. I was depressed and suicidal since the sixth grade, and in 10th grade had a suicide attempt that ended me up in a hospital. About 2 months on Prozac, which is horrible (for me), I was put on Zoloft 50 mg and have recently been brought up to 200 mg for depression and 1 mg twice daily Xanax for anxiety and panic disorder. I was 16 when I started taking Zoloft and am 20 now. I still have some depression and anxiety, but it is at a much lower level than before and can actually talk to people. I no longer feel like I am a complete failure and a nobody; I feel like I have a purpose in life!"

• Ski...
• November 21, 2009

For Depression "Side effects, both of which will go away eventually: dry mouth, nervousness, and jitteriness. The other 'side effects' that many mention are actually more in line with symptoms of depression and anxiety. It's very hard to come off of Zoloft as you WILL get the 'electrical shock' effect (if you've ever weaned yourself off, you know what I mean). Also, coming off any antidepressant may cause/allow some rebound anxiety and depression."

• Ski...
• November 21, 2009

For Depression "Side effects, both of which will go away eventually: dry mouth, nervousness, and jitteriness. The other 'side effects' that many mention are actually more in line with symptoms of depression and anxiety. It's very hard to come off of Zoloft as you WILL get the 'electrical shock' effect (if you've ever weaned yourself off, you know what I mean). Also, coming off any antidepressant may cause/allow some rebound anxiety and depression."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2023

For Depression "Taking Zoloft was one of the worst experiences I have had in my life. I was going through a major upheaval in my life (a partnership of 20 years ending, selling my business and house, and surviving a stroke) all within about a 4-month time frame. I was prescribed Zoloft to help me during the deep depression I found myself in. I started on 25 mg and gradually went up to 100 mg daily. Once at that dose, major panic and anxiety set in along with deeper depression, insomnia, and GI/digestive issues. I decided I had had enough and have been slowly weaning myself off (under my health practitioner's supervision). Today is my first day completely off of it, and although I realize I am in the early stages, I can't explain how much better and in control I feel. I anticipate the next 2 weeks will be challenging, but it will be well worth any discomfort. I can finally function and communicate and feel so much more 'normal' and positive. Please do not attempt to quit this nasty drug cold turkey."

• Rub...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "For months, I was struggling with anxiety, and then I had a depressive episode, where I had suicidal thoughts. I knew there was something that I should do about this, so I booked an appointment with a psychiatrist and was diagnosed with depression, GAD, and SAD. While first taking Zoloft (50 mg), I didn't notice any immediate changes, I was still struggling to get to school and with my racing thoughts, that would leave me in bed all day. However, as days went on, I noticed I wasn't overthinking as much, my brain just felt much quieter, and I noticed myself getting an interest back into things. My family even commented that I seemed much like myself once again, laughing and smiling, etc. I've now been on Zoloft for about 2 months, and I only occasionally feel anxious (which is an improvement from every single day). I'm able to go to work as normal, study (and concentrate!), gym — overall, my quality of life has improved! (My sleep has also improved.) Zoloft is life-changing."

• Mgm...
• December 15, 2019

For Depression "I have been on Zoloft for 9 years. Side effects are different every time. I started taking these meds for panic disorder. Then I had PPD after my 2nd child, so I took them again. My starting dose was at 100 mg and got down to 50 mg, and now I am at 175 mg. I think depression is worse for me than anxiety. Also, not being familiar with all the horrible side effects of depression makes it scary. But being afraid of depression only brings in anxiety with it. Anxiety and depression together is the worst! So I try not to let it freak me out. I've been extremely sleepy during the day ever since I went up to 175 mg. It's been like 3 months. I missed my 11 a.m. dosage and started feeling lots of anxiety, so I took it at 8:30 p.m. Now I'm wondering if it will help me sleep at night and not be so tired during the day? Also worried the half-life of the meds will be during the day and I'll feel like poop. Anyone have experience with switching from morning to night?"

• Max...
• January 3, 2019

For Panic Disorder "Years ago, when I was in college, I had a major panic attack due to not knowing my path after school. After that, I had chronic everyday anxiety that was debilitating. I couldn’t get out of my house, didn’t want to do anything, and was totally miserable. After months of suffering, I talked with my doc, and she prescribed me Zoloft. It was a blessing. Started me off at 25 mg, then up to 50 mg where I stayed. Was good for a year, then went off due to feeling better. I went 3 years off of them and just last month had an event that triggered a panic attack which, again, just like years ago, put on an onset of chronic anxiety, so I was recently put back on them because I remembered how amazingly they worked for me. My doc started me on 25 mg again. I’m on day 6 now, and it’s been rough. I knew it’d be rough. I’m handling it just fine. The worst part is not being able to sleep well and the increased anxiety sucks, but I’m sticking through it. Tomorrow, I’ll be upping to 50 mg in hopes I can be back to work Monday."

• Jes...
• February 8, 2021

For Social Anxiety Disorder "It was a rollercoaster of misery before Zoloft finally worked. In the beginning, I had awful insomnia that drove me crazy. I had anxiety worse than ever before, mood swings, crying often. But I heard it gets bad before it gets good. And my doctor kept pushing me to keep going too. So I did. Month by month, and going up every 2-3 weeks, it was bad until I reached 150 mg. It was FINALLY better but not 100% until I got to 175 mg. Every time I went up, I had bad muscle tension that I had to go get massages. Despite how hard these past 4 months have been, it was worth the reward of the peace I have in my life now. I’ve become a better person. I am no longer depressed and anxious. I am calm and understanding and have patience. I used to be very aggressive too, but not anymore. The one side effect I still have to this day is vivid nightmares, night sweats, and I wake up randomly in the middle of the night. Good luck to anyone out there! You got this, just bite the bullet and keep going!"