Zoloft and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ddc...
• April 28, 2016

For Panic Disorder "Zoloft has helped me tremendously! I am going on week 6. I kept going on the Internet reading the terrible side effects. I kept putting it off even though my sister-in-law is a pharmacist. I was scared. Terrified. I'm in my 40s, very fit. I kept thinking I would feel better. I thought it was hormones. I kept having panic attacks which didn't last long, but it still happened. There was a lot that happened over the course of the months, and I believe my body just said enough. So once I experienced the panic attacks, it fueled the fire, worry set in, and it was a terrible cycle. I started it after my friend opened up. I didn't feel alone. The first week I experienced diarrhea three days. No insomnia, no weight gain. I'm calmer for sure!"

• 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."

• 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."

• ALD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2023

For Panic Disorder "I was just like all of us on here looking through the comments, scared to death to start. I have had panic disorder, anxiety, and OCD issues for the past 5 years. I could not drive far, I never went to social gatherings, stayed home for work, and made every excuse for why I could not drive to the office. At one point, I could not even walk my dog down the street. I was always at the doctor's and the emergency room. I have been in therapy for 2 years. I finally gave up my tactics that were not working and started Zoloft. I was originally prescribed 50 mg, and I was supposed to titrate up to 100 mg. I started at 12.5 mg. I stayed on that dose for 3 weeks. I had awful side effects, and you will too. I was so tired and had awful headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. The worst part about it was it made my anxiety and panic go through the roof. I am now on 37.5 mg, and my anxiety and panic are almost gone. Take it. It’s going to suck at first, but it will change you for the better."

• CMP...
• March 17, 2014

For Panic Disorder "My doctor put me on 25 mg to help me sleep and stop unwanted thoughts as a result of marital stress. I was experiencing a knot in my stomach and episodes of weeping. Since starting this medication, I feel so much happier, rested, and relaxed. I had diarrhea for the first 2 days, but it was mild. I am not feeling out of control anymore. I think when my marriage issues are over, I will stop taking it. This medicine has really come through!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2019

For Depression "I took this for 7 days but was sick from day one. Tried to hold out. Became suicidal and panicky, anxiety through the roof to where I had to take Ativan. Nightmares were horrible. Also, I had an upset stomach and diarrhea. Couldn't get out of bed, had to stop it."

• Zol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2022

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I told myself I would post on here after I felt Zoloft had helped me. I'm a 28-year-old female who has never been on medications before or treated for anxiety. Currently, I’m an RN who works in a high-stress area. This summer, I experienced severe anxiety (21/21 on the GAD scale) and was very distraught by it. My GP started me on Zoloft in conjunction with therapy. I started at 25 mg for a week and increased by 25 mg until my dose is now at 100 mg. The Zoloft onboarding for me was HARD. Increased anxiety the first couple of weeks, loss of appetite, insomnia, diarrhea, loss of libido. I think if I would have known beforehand and received better education on Zoloft, it would have been less distressing. BUT I’m here to tell you I’m over 3 months on Zoloft and feel 90% better. I also supplement with CBD gummies when I feel stressed or hydroxizine and propranolol when required when I feel even more anxious. Also, exercising, meditation, and decreasing my caffeine and alcohol intake has helped. My GAD score is now 6."

• liv...
• April 3, 2013

For Panic Disorder "After a heat stroke, I would have random, uncontrollable cry spells-sometimes for hours. I also developed horrible anxiety. I always had knots in my stomach, and sometimes in public, I would suffer from 'fight or flight.' It was just exhausting. I tried Celexa 20 mg, and that made me cry more. So, a few months later, I tried Zoloft. On 50 mg, and it's been only 6 days. I feel more at ease, better when I wake up, and sleep better! It's easier to go to work. Have the courage to try this, it seems like it is turning my life around for the better! The only side effect I have had is diarrhea, but it is a small price to pay for happiness, trust me."

• mat...
• April 8, 2012

For Panic Disorder "After 1 week of loose bowels and strange stomach noises/sensations, week 2 came and the jaw clenching/teeth grinding sensation in my temples started. Along with throat pain and suicidal thoughts, it was tough to stick it out and stay on, but I did. I started on 25 mg, then up to 50 mg, then on to 75 mg by week 3. Things got better around then. I still felt anxious, but the medicine was blocking my physical response that my body would produce from stress and anxiety. I would get chest pains, stomach pains, head pains all the time, got checked out by every specialist under the sun, and I'm a healthy 31-year-old man with normal or better than normal heart, brain, lung, and organ function. It was all in my head, and Zoloft stopped my suffering."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2018

For Panic Disorder "For many years, I have dealt with generalized anxiety disorder. Earlier this year, I began having severe panic attacks that landed me in the ER. The first week on 25 mg was really hard, I had a very upset stomach, diarrhea, and increased anxiety. The side effects started to lessen after that, only to start back up all over again when I went up to 50 mg. Those side effects only lasted about a week again, but I didn’t get a good night's sleep for about a month after starting 50 mg. It was awful. But that has also now passed, and I can truly say that I feel better than ever entering month 3. The one side effect that I think is here to stay, unfortunately, is the sexual side effect. However, I have none to very minimal anxiety, no panic attacks. I feel back to my normal self. This is a medication that you definitely have to ride out the storm in order to get to the positives. It helps going into it knowing that it’s going to be hard, but it’s worth the outcome!"

• Its...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 13, 2019

For Postpartum Depression "First off, don’t stop taking Zoloft. I learned it the hard way. I suffered from postpartum depression (PPD) severely after I had my son in 2009. I was hospitalized for 2-3 weeks. Zoloft did give me side effects the first couple of weeks, like headaches, insomnia, loss of appetite, anxiety, panic, and diarrhea. It felt like I was a zombie the first 3 weeks. My PPD gradually subsided the 3rd week. I weaned off of it when my son was 3. Fast forward 2 years later, I went through a rough patch and needed to be on Zoloft again. Then again, I tapered off of it after 2 years. Then I had another child 10 years after 2009, and my PPD came back, so I’m on it again. So far, I’m trying to pull through this tough time again. Zoloft has helped me plenty of times, and I hope this will help someone that is going through PPD."

• Jaz...
• December 3, 2015

For Depression "My psychiatrist started me on 25 mg for a month and then upped my dose to 50 mg for my anxiety. I have to say that I'm doing great. The only side effects I had were diarrhea, which only lasted for a couple of days. Now the only thing I have is a tingling feeling in my legs, but other than that, Zoloft is a lifesaver. Going on two months with this medication."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2020

For Depression "I went on Zoloft for 4 days. I had been on it before and did not experience any side effects. However, this time I experienced every side effect in the book: dizziness, drowsiness, hot flashes, nervousness, shaking, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea. Most importantly, my mental state declined immensely. I felt 100x worse on the pill than before taking it. I had uncontrollable crying, anxiety attacks, and feelings of hopelessness. I really scared myself, and I felt that I was never going to get better. And this was only after 4 days of being on the medication, and I was at my lowest point I ever have been. This was not the right medication for me."

• kal...
• June 3, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was apprehensive about trying Zoloft, but I wanted to share my experience. I started taking Zoloft 2 weeks ago primarily for major depression. When I'm less depressed, I also suffer from social anxiety disorder. I took 25 mg for the first 4 days, then upped it to 50 mg. The first few days on 25 mg, I had moments of feeling very spaced out. When I increased the dose to 50 mg, I had a few days of nausea, diarrhea, and again felt quite spaced out, but after 4 or so days, this stopped. I also experienced a few waves of anxiety, but this has since disappeared. 2 weeks in, and I'm feeling better. Not all the way there, but I feel more stable. Less hopeless, more in control. Calmer. I'm starting to feel like myself again."

• Lee...
• June 1, 2015

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have suffered from OCD for over a decade, and it has taken over my life. I've been on Zoloft for three months and am seeing progress. It has helped mildly with the anxiety. I am finding that my life choices are changing. I am eating healthier, going outside more, taking up new hobbies, reconnecting with old friends, maintaining a healthier relationship with my family members, my anger has decreased significantly, and I am not ruminating on repetitive thoughts quite as often. This medication is very helpful for getting on the road to recovery. I am using it in conjunction with meditation and mindfulness therapy. The only drawback is that it gives me diarrhea and short-term memory loss. I have been using Post-it notes."

• Boy...
• April 7, 2014

For Depression "I took it for 8 weeks, 53-year-old male. I moved to a new town for a job. It is pretty depressing when you don't know anyone. Zoloft 50 mg. First night, NO sleep. Started taking it at night with Ambien. I sleep for about 5 hours, then I'm up at 3 am. Major side effects: inability to orgasm, clenched teeth, restless legs, trembling, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and sweating. The first week was nausea, trembling, but emotions were better. After 8 weeks, I think the side effects aren't worth the benefit. Quit cold turkey 4 days ago. No major problems. Teeth clench still, but not as bad."

• Lun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2019

For Depression "I started Zoloft 50 mg a week ago. I’ve been battling depression for a long time and finally had the strength to seek help, but the side effects have been a problem: diarrhea, headache, panic attacks, and extremely lightheaded to the point that I fainted and ended up at the ER. The doctor recommended to keep drinking and give it at least two more weeks while my body adjusts to it. I hope to start feeling better."

• Car...
• August 24, 2017

For Depression "I have been on Zoloft for years now and love it. This medicine saved my life. Before I started taking Zoloft, I was a mess!!! Depressed and angry all the time. I finally, after several years, decided I'd had enough. I told my therapist I wanted an antidepressant. I was going to call the doctor myself, but she called the doctor. Honestly, I remember a girl I met when I was in college who told me I needed help and to go home for the weekend. However, I was reluctant to get help only because my parents felt that at the time, antidepressants weren't that safe. I must say she was right. I feel so much better, not a lot of side effects. Sometimes I get diarrhea from it, but mostly it works."

• NT...
• February 4, 2010

For Panic Disorder "I have been taking Zoloft 100 mg for over a month now for my anxiety disorders and panic attacks that have gotten in the way of my peace and my family welfare. The results have been positive, I feel less stressful, less jittery, and do not snap at my family for anything. Also, it makes me feel more positive towards life and people. At first, it gave me mild diarrhea for two days, and yes, my sexual appetite has dwindled a bit. I fully recommend it, it is worth trying some medication rather than living with emotional distress a whole life."

• Tta...
• June 23, 2020

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "My doctor switched me to Zoloft. I was taking bupropion for about 5 months, but it was causing me to be snappy and a lot of anxiety. So he switched me to Zoloft, it's been 3 weeks, and the first week and a half was the hardest. I had nausea, diarrhea, and tiredness. But it went away, now I'm only tired at times but feel way better. I recommend it."

• AL1...
• May 18, 2012

For Depression "I switched from Prozac (which, if anything, made me feel more depressed) to Zoloft about a month ago, and it has been FANTASTIC. 75 mg a day, kicked in about 2 weeks, little to no side effects, more energy, and generally just a massive relief. In my case, it's also caused a bit of weight loss (around 5 pounds), which is likely due to the medicine causing a loss of appetite and some diarrhea, which is far from pleasant."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2020

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I had high hopes for Zoloft to help my fibromyalgia, PMDD, PTSD. The first week I took this, I began having the worst anxiety attacks of my life. Too nauseous to eat, diarrhea, and migraines. I waited it out a month, suffering from extreme anxiety, which it was supposed to help me get rid of in the first place. Made my usual anxiety seem like nothing. It did nothing at all for my chronic pain, made me feel as if I was going crazy and not able to function."

• Els...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "Started at 25 for about two weeks, then went to 50. Each dosage change brought back a few symptoms, but all are gone in a few days. Zoloft helped me a lot, I had never taken an antidepressant before, so I was nervous. My intrusive thoughts are gone one month later!! Don't read too much into this page, it caused me to have anxiety/panic attacks. My biggest problem was swallowing, but that was due to anxiety. I didn't want to take the anxiety meds on top of Zoloft, so I just waited the attacks out, last max two hours. Just know to gradually increase your dosage and to check in with the prescribing person when you have concerns. Side effects: nausea, fatigue, loose stools, blurry vision in the morning, breast felt numb (gone now), dry mouth (gum!!)."

• Koa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 25, 2014

For Major Depressive Disorder "Zoloft is a very good medication for anxiety and depression. For me, better with anxiety. I am bipolar I, am also on Zyban 150 a day. Taking these two medications together is fine, as is also taking when you are bipolar. Only with a specialist's direction, though. I have been on Zoloft a couple of times, the only side effect before was severe diarrhea. This time when I started taking it, I got butterflies in my stomach and flutters, but over time, this unusual for me side effect left me. Some say how many weeks to feel an impact. For me, this last time was around 6 weeks. Which is normal. It's been proven that any time prior to 4 weeks is most likely a placebo effect. But if you feel better, well, whether a placebo effect or not, it's good."

• Rea...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 1, 2022

For Panic Disorder "I started back on Zoloft this morning due to a bad decision to take Wellbutrin. I am sorry, but Wellbutrin isn't the pill of choice for anxiety. I was on it 6 days, and I have been without sleep for 3 nights in a row and have lost my appetite today. My heart pounded constantly, and my body would never settle down. I am having intrusive thoughts (one song keeps looping in my head). I had several panic attacks in the last few days after stopping it. I made the decision to go back to my old faithful, Zoloft. I got off of it in July due to weight gain after having been on it twice within 8 years. I gained about 10 or 12 pounds from it. At this point, I don't care about the weight gain! I want sleep, a calmer spirit, and peace of mind. Zoloft did give me diarrhea this morning and made me nauseous, something that I did not experience the first two times taking the meds. I know that the next couple of weeks will not be pleasant, but I will push through it to get to the other side."