Zoloft and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• Mer...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 9, 2019

For Depression "I have taken Zoloft for about 22 years. When the generic came out, Sertraline, I was overjoyed. At times, I did not have insurance, had to pay for Zoloft out of pocket. Very expensive. So when Sertraline came out on the market, I switched right over. Three months later, my bubble burst. I felt like I wasn't taking anything. I felt very depressed. Had to go back to the brand name and have been on it since. Please do not let anyone tell you it is the same medication. I have had arguments with doctors and pharmacy workers. They insist it's the same. If Sertraline was the same as Zoloft, it should have worked the same. I tried it again, with the same results. The doctor said to me, we just have to adjust the dose. I told him where to go."

• Yas...
• February 5, 2009

For Panic Disorder "I have been on Zoloft 100mg for a few months now for my anxiety/panic disorder. It has completely controlled my panic attacks, which is awesome. When I first started this medicine, I became depressed, had suicidal thoughts, and no appetite. But those have since gone away as well. The only issue I have noticed still is I have no sex drive. Just wondering if this is normal with this drug and if it will eventually go back to normal."

• rch...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 29, 2014

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was offered sertraline (Zoloft) after a relapse of generalized anxiety disorder, which brought with it a severe case of pure-O intrusive thoughts of the harm variety. These thoughts were ruining my life and making me depressed. I was prescribed 50 mg per day. The first three days were hell, with a huge increase in fatigue, depression, and intrusive thoughts. I almost gave up, it was that bad. I was using diazepam 2 mg in those first three days and thought they weren't playing nice with the Zoloft, so I stopped them. I saw instant improvement after doing so. Now I am seven days in and have had the best day ever. My intrusive thoughts are far fewer and far easier to simply dismiss. I'm amazed."

• gra...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 5, 2013

For Depression "I am 74 years old and have been taking 100 mg of Zoloft once a day for 10 years. But I am feeling some depression, and my doctor wants to increase it to 150 mg per day. I sure hope this works. Also, I am not sleeping well, only about 4 to 5 hours each night."

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2022

For Postpartum Depression "With my second child, I started experiencing severe anxiety about the three-week mark postpartum. At first, I thought it was the baby blues, but quickly realized something was wrong. I didn't feel like this after the birth of my first child. The anxiety got more and more intense, and then the depression kicked in. I wasn't sleeping, and I felt like I regretted my decision to have a second child. I wasn't bonding with her, and I felt like I just needed to disappear and escape. It was a very scary feeling. I immediately called the doctor around 4 weeks postpartum after staying awake for 48 hours, unable to sleep (even though the baby was sleeping). She prescribed me 50 mg of Zoloft immediately. The first week, the anxiety was more intense (but that's common). By week 3, I felt almost normal again, and by week 6, I felt like myself. I started bonding with my baby (now 5 months and obsessed with her). This medication saved me. Please don't hesitate/wait. You will be okay and feel like you again."

• AnS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2016

For Depression "I started taking this drug to battle mild depression. 50 mg a day. Pros: 1) more energy than usual. I go to the gym more than I used to (losing weight). I go the 'extra mile' at work, I got a promotion (financial industry/hedge funds). 2) depression started to fade. Cons: 1) the doctor told me to take it before bed. Insomnia was so severe I switched to morning. 2) no desire for sex. 3) I started to feel numb, not literally. Stuff I care about, I no longer do. This is where the depression starts to fade (partly). Hard to explain this one... 4) I'm alienating myself from friends. I like spending time alone, but I'm spending even more so now. 5) I have to take Ativan before bed from time to time due to extra energy."

• Lou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2019

For Depression "I've been on sertraline generic for 2 weeks today, 50 mg first thing in the morning. I am on the UK brand name version, Lustral. For pretty much the first week, I slept fine on these, but then things started to change. On day 6, I felt really high and paranoid, but later euphoric. However, I have not experienced that same euphoria since. At the start of week 2, I noticed that they started making me feel drowsy for the first few hours after taking, and I find myself having to go back to sleep for a few hours in the morning. But when 11 pm comes, I don't feel tired. Yet I regularly wake now at 5:30 am. So I tried taking them an hour before bed instead, but then had an awful night's sleep. So I went back to taking them in the morning. Mentally, I feel bland, flat, emotionless, drained, and like I don't want to go anywhere because I'm so tired. Also, my social anxiety is worse because of these effects, and yesterday I started to feel a lot lower."

• sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2014

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, I was very hesitant at the start to try medications and thought I'll battle through with the help of therapy. Three months later, I gave in for medication. Couldn't get through a day without my anxiety being an obstacle. Was prescribed Zoloft for the first time at 25 mg. For the first week, things were fine, just the usual upset stomach and dry mouth, nothing I couldn't handle, but surprisingly it made me depressed (never was), but anxiety DID settle a little (hence 5/10). Then was pushed up to 50 mg... the upset stomach stopped, the dry mouth decreased, but restlessness and insomnia kicked in, including the zombie feeling. This went on for over two weeks, but had to stop, it was affecting my work. Withdrawal symptoms, depression."

• vvi...
• May 25, 2009

For Depression "I was taking 50mg of Zoloft a day for two months, and it made me even more irritable and down. I didn't want to do anything. When I did force myself to go out and socialize, I'd snap at people. Nothing was fun. Nothing seemed to be worth doing. I've tried both Lexapro and Zoloft. Neither have made me feel any better. I got worse on both. I don't always want to feel depressed, but at least off of medication, I have the ability to hide my feelings from people, not to place other people under the weight of my moods, but on those two medications, I didn't even feel like I had the power to fake it. Zoloft also gave me migraines, ones that would last for a week straight. Glad it works for some people though."

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 3, 2020

For Postpartum Depression "I was on Zoloft before I got pregnant because it was the only drug that worked for my anxiety without making me feel like a zombie that wasn't able to orgasm. After I gave birth, I was smacked in the face with intense anxiety with horrible physical symptoms. My OB got me right back on my script of Zoloft, and within two weeks I no longer feel paralyzed. I still have some depressive symptoms (lack of interest in hobbies, etc.), but the anxiety has all but vanished. Zoloft has saved me from postpartum anxiety without taking anything else away from me, like my sex drive."

• Rya...
• February 6, 2017

For Depression "I took Zoloft consistently for about three months, and it was the hardest three months of my life. It made my depression significantly worse. I thought if I stuck with it for a while it would eventually help me, but it didn't. It did help with my anxiety, though. As soon as I stopped taking any antidepressant, my anxiety skyrocketed, and I was able to beat my depression by finding God. I hope this helps whoever is reading this. Stay strong."

• Lun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2021

For Postpartum Depression "I was terrified to start this medication, but I knew I needed it. It took me a few months to muster up the courage to take the first pill. After I had my baby, I had intense anxiety, intrusive thoughts, depression, and rage. Everything would annoy me so, so much. I lived like this for months, and it was ruining my relationship with my husband. I called my doctor and said I needed help, I didn’t feel like myself. I am on 25 mg, and it took 2 months for me to feel the full effects... I was doubtful it would work at first. So glad I feel like myself again, I want to cry with happiness because I haven’t felt like this in so long. Please, if you are suffering, don’t be afraid to try this medication. I believe it saved me and my marriage."

• Tos...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2015

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I have been taking Zoloft since September 2014. I was diagnosed with PTSD and started on 50mg. During the first month, I had a slight reduction in my anxiety and general mood, but the flashbacks continued. My dose was increased to 100mg, and I felt better with mild anxiety and no emotions. I can be happy but not sad. Anxiety continued and some flashbacks. My doctor increased my dose to 150mg, and I have been well for the last couple of months, until last week when a combination of work and family issues pushed me over the edge once again. I had weekly psychologist visits for the first two months. I started today on 200mg daily. I think Zoloft works very well for me, but my trauma plays out in my dreams most nights."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have pros and cons with Zoloft. I suffer from MDD, panic disorder, and bipolar. I noticed my anxiety moments are not that intense as they used to be, and I don’t dwell on my thoughts as much, which is a plus. I don’t feel my anxiety deep in my gut like I used to. Some cons are my sex drive is almost completely gone. I usually don’t even like to be touched, I’d rather be left alone. My agitation is almost always at an all-time high. I also really have no motivation to get out and do things, I’d rather be inside hiding away. I necessarily don’t feel happy or sad, I just feel “blah.” As of right now, I’m on 100 mg, I just don’t feel like it’s helping me the way I’m wanting it to. At this point, I’m really wanting to wean off. I don’t feel “happy.” I feel like I’m just here, and it’s the worst feeling ever."

• Lov...
• January 21, 2015

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Zoloft got rid of my anxiety (I have general anxiety) at 50 mg. At 75 mg, my tics started improving greatly (lessening). Unfortunately, though, Zoloft made me more depressed, in an apathetic way. I suspect it's the decrease in dopamine due to raising my serotonin. Dr. is adding Wellbutrin. Maybe I'll get my sex drive back too (which Zoloft also squashed). Overall, for anxiety, it works very well for me."

• Lov...
• January 21, 2015

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Zoloft got rid of my anxiety (I have general anxiety) at 50 mg. At 75 mg, my tics started improving greatly (lessening). Unfortunately, though, Zoloft made me more depressed, in an apathetic way. I suspect it's the decrease in dopamine due to raising my serotonin. Dr. is adding Wellbutrin. Maybe I'll get my sex drive back too (which Zoloft also squashed). Overall, for anxiety, it works very well for me."

• Mon...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 1, 2013

For Depression "I started taking Zoloft in October of 2011. Although it has helped me tremendously with anxiety, depression, and severe mood swings, it makes me very tired and withdrawn. I've gained 20 lbs since October 2011! I haven't seen a lot of reviews with this type of side effect for Zoloft, but I know I'm not overeating to that degree. I've gained 3 lbs since my doctor visit last week. My doctor lowered the dosage by 1/2. But needless to say, the weight gain is more depressing than anything."

• Syd...
• July 12, 2015

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have struggled with depression since I was a teenager and always assumed it would go away on its own. After someone close to me passed, I hit rock bottom. I was depressed, anxious, couldn't sleep, etc. I talked to my doctor, and he prescribed this for my depression and anxiety. Besides making me apathetic, I have been surprisingly happy. This pill is amazing, I have not been this genuinely happy in a long time."

• sup...
• November 16, 2016

For Depression "I've only been on 50 mg Zoloft for about a week, and I feel like I'm in a way better mood at times and haven't felt as depressed as I was before taking it. However, I've lost a lot of sleep because of it, lost my appetite, getting confused at times, and absolutely no libido even if I tried. At times, I feel like a complete zombie, and it gets difficult trying to work because I feel so numb. I also feel a lot slower mentally, but that may be because of lack of sleep. Before Zoloft, I was having a suicidal thought every other day and cutting myself almost every day, and now off Zoloft, I am NOT thinking of hurting myself, and 1 suicidal thought in a week. I've been a lot happier on this medication."

• Ash...
• July 27, 2019

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I’ve taken Zoloft for 3 years. I’ve been taking 100 mg a day, and I can tell you it helped me so much with my anxiety. However, if you choose to take this medication, it will 100% deplete your sex drive. Like, to the point where the thought of sex makes you cringe. I’m a 29-year-old female, and I feel like I’m an 80-year-old woman with no libido, lol. Being in a relationship, this will create major problems. The withdrawal effects if you miss days are also pretty gnarly: vertigo, anger, sadness, etc. But if you’re on top of your refills and taking them on time, you won’t experience those effects. I would continue taking this if it wasn’t for what it did to my sex drive. For everything else, it worked great. I discontinued Zoloft today, and I just started on Wellbutrin since that medication is supposed to help with libido, but we’ll see."

• NEV...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 17, 2021

For Depression "One of the worst, if not THE worst, experiences of my life was taking that drug and slowly losing my mind after an initial period of having it make me feel better. It has been almost two years since quitting, and I still have not fully recovered, though things are much smoother. My motivation for life has been wrecked. Total time taking drugs (all prescription psych meds) is at least 10 to 15 years. They might make the clouds roll away and make you feel so much better for a while, perhaps years, but they have the very real possibility of destroying your life. If you are considering using Zoloft, PLEASE Google 'antidepressants ruined my life' and enter the dark world of people whose lives have been destroyed by these drugs. Psych meds promise relief, but using them is playing Russian roulette with your brain, and you may be one of the people who are going to wish you had never touched them. The experience has been a mental and emotional nightmare unlike anything I've ever been through."

• Izz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 17, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "Zoloft literally saved my life and I wish I were exaggerating. I was in a deep depression for about 2 years, then started having manic episodes on top of erratic behavior. The first week, it felt like someone had poured cold water on my brain. I felt so relieved. For the first month or so, I was emotionally flat, but that improved with time and I no longer have that symptom. I started out on 50 mg and now moved up to 150 mg. There's no cure for depression/anxiety, and I still have episodes, but nothing compares to how I used to feel. I'll be sure to stay on this for as long as I can."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I took sertraline 50 mg for two months and found myself sleeping through most of the day, decreased appetite, and no motivation. I was less social as well, so not sure how my anxiety was treated by it. I cut it down to 25 mg and still found myself sleeping way too often. This wasn’t the fit for me, but when I was out of bed, my friends and family said they felt I was less anxious. I just didn’t want the anxiety to come at a price of oversleeping!"