Zoloft and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Anonymous
• April 19, 2010

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Zoloft about a month ago. I started with 25mg, and I'm up to 100 now. I didn't have any side effects, and by the time I was taking it for 2 weeks, I felt amazing. I was really happy, and I felt like I did before the anxiety and panic attacks ruined my life. It is my second week on the 100mg dose, and now I don't feel too hot anymore. I have pretty severe diarrhea and I have to urinate frequently. My body is obviously trying to get rid of this medicine. I still go to school, I now worry about having an accident there if I can't leave the class in time. So now my anxiety is back. Also serious. If not for the diarrhea, this drug would honestly get a 10. It's amazing, mostly."

• Hop...
• November 19, 2011

For Depression "Recent depression creeping up; extreme lows and mood swings, general and especially social anxiety, lethargy, nighttime binge eating ... so gained weight (52 lbs) in the last 1.5 years, which destroyed my self-confidence/image. I've been spending my life in bed, only getting up to go to work where I'm very distracted and have difficulty concentrating, mind racing with negative thoughts and having anxiety. I finally decided that it was time to try medication. Started 50 mg with dinner tonight. Halfway through dinner, I lost my appetite and became very tired, decided to take an hour nap and woke up 1 hour later with pupils dilated, jaw clenched, shivering, and diarrhea, feeling cloudy mentally. Hope it gets better."

• VPa...
• April 25, 2020

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "Started taking Zoloft on September 8. The first month was very tiring with headaches. October: headaches and no appetite that persisted until the third month. Had some hair loss and diarrhea for a month or so in December. Then I had nausea and bad brain zaps around February 9. That was when I was fully off for a week. January: I was taking half dosage the whole month. Now it’s April, and I still have a few dull brain zaps when I’m really tired or if I cried. Plus the sexual side effects did not go away. Decreased libido, and I don’t feel horny anymore. There’s literally not the same feeling as before I started taking the medication. Not as much natural lubrication either. The doctor that gave this to me told me nothing about it but gave me a printout. Always ask what medications your doctor is supposed to be upselling before accepting ANY. ALWAYS look at the warnings. Sadly, this did not work, and it’s taking me a long time to try to get back to a normal libido and mind again."

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 6, 2021

For Panic Disorder "I was prescribed Zoloft and was brave enough to start it 3 days ago. I'm always scared to try new meds and try holistic as much as I can. I was able to manage anxiety with diet and exercise until I got COVID 6 weeks ago. 3 days in, I started having panic attacks and then experienced insomnia like I never had before. I would lay awake all night and couldn’t sleep. Saw family doc who gave me Xanax, which would give me a few hours of sleep here and there. Well, I hadn’t slept for 8 days and had a full-blown panic attack that landed me in the psych ER. They started me on some meds to help me sleep, which they do, but now the anxiety is back and added depression on top of everything. The doc wanted me to start Zoloft right away, but I was nervous, so now, 2 weeks later, I’m desperate and started it. Have had diarrhea and just feel very anxious, running thoughts and can’t sit still. I still have to work, so I’m pushing through and praying I start feeling something positive soon. Will update."

• Mag...
• October 13, 2019

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I started this medicine on a Monday, and a couple of hours after taking it, I had diarrhea, vomiting, and had a panic attack that lasted hours. I stopped the medicine that Thursday when I realized it was making me have suicidal thoughts, constant anxiety, I couldn’t get out of bed, and still vomiting. I have a toddler and a 5-month-old, so there was no way I could risk something happening and push through. Even after stopping the meds, I’m still feeling the effects till it gets out of my system."

• pan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2021

For Panic Disorder "I've had horrible panic attacks for 3 years now. It started when I took a muscle relaxer after an injury. I hated how it made me feel, and I went to the ER because I thought I was dying. From that day forward, I lived in fear of another panic attack CONSTANTLY. It got worse and worse. I started panicking when I had to go more than 30 min from home, I'd panic every time it rained. I even started to get scared of the dark. I felt like my life was over, and I'm only 25. I finally caved and got a Zoloft prescription. I started VERY slow. I was on 6 mg, and the first day I felt a LITTLE weird and drowsy, but by day 2, I could already tell a difference. After 5 days, I went up to 12.5 mg, and it's now day 2. I already feel so much better. I still get anxiety, but it passes instead of me obsessing. It's like I don't care to entertain those thoughts anymore. I can't wait to see how much better it gets! If you're scared of side effects, start slow. My only side effect was diarrhea and feeling sleepy."

• Amy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 1, 2021

For Panic Disorder "I've been on 25 mg of Zoloft for 1.5 weeks now. I moved up to 50 mg, there were no noticeable side effects by increasing until day 5. After that (around 2-2.5 weeks on Zoloft), I started having pretty hard side effects to deal with. I took 4 days off work because I don't do well when I physically feel sick, can't eat, or have diarrhea. I went back to my doctor, and he said if you can keep going, definitely do, otherwise, we can change your meds. I'm going to stick it out due to all the great reviews. I work from home, so I'm going to suck it up. Update to come!"

• JRa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 14, 2021

For Postpartum Depression "I was prescribed Zoloft for my severe PPD a month after I had my son. It did not work well for me at all, however, I was extremely unwell already. It did not make life better for me in any way. I can’t say for sure if it was what caused this, as I was severely depressed and had horrible anxiety, but my main symptom was severe diarrhea and upset stomach (I had purple, blue, orange, green, etc. stool daily and no appetite, but gained 25 pounds in 30 days not eating. I also had terrible, terrible jaw clenching, almost to the point of crying after sleeping (I read this was a common side effect online). It was terrible for me. I didn’t notice any other specific side effects but wouldn’t ever suggest it, as it didn’t help me."

• Koa...
• September 11, 2011

For Depression "I have been on Zoloft several times. The only side effect was the 'runs,' which is fine, you can take anti-diarrhea medication. I am also on Epilim, I was recently diagnosed with bipolar, which in itself is a good thing. No antidepressant worked for me, I was always low. And off them, I was both hyper and low. It was horrible, then the anxiety kicked in. So that's why I am glad to be finally diagnosed, as at least I can get help and proper treatment. Zoloft is brilliant for anxiety, but it didn't stop the bad lows, and I was so tired. But no side effects whatsoever. Well, only the runs - which you learn to live with."

• Zue...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 17, 2021

For Depression "Unfortunately, while Zoloft (first 50 mg daily and then 100 mg and then back to 50 mg) did work for my depression and OCD at the 100 mg dose, it also came with a lot of side effects for me - nauseous stomach, diarrhea, weight loss, lack of energy, and temporary short-term memory loss. All of these side effects went away when I went off Zoloft. I am amazed with how much better I feel without it. I now take another antidepressant (Paroxetine 20 mg daily) that actually has a side effect of moderate constipation, which I will gladly take, and it is working well right now for the depression and OCD. I now have more energy as well."

• blu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2018

"My doctor prescribed me this for help with symptoms caused by IBS. After taking this for a week, I did my own research and did not find that anyone had found this effective for IBS. This medication gave me the worst cramping and sore stomachs that I have ever experienced. I lost 4 kg over the week because it made me feel so sick, so I couldn't eat. I had a constant headache and constant diarrhea. Would not recommend this to anyone with IBS."

• Icy...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 8, 2022

For Depression "When I first started taking 25 mg of Sertraline in 2020, I didn’t notice much of a change in the beginning (of course, lol), but after about one and a half months, I noticed my suicidal thoughts and tendencies were becoming null. I was able to get out of bed with ease and go about my day. I spoke to my doctor, he suggested I up the dosage to 100 mg. But I knew the jump from 25 mg to 100 mg was a bit much, so I took it upon myself to cut the pills in half to go from 25 to 50 and work my way up to 100. After a year on it, I decided I was stable enough to work my way down since I had also been going to therapy. However, I ended up at square one and decided to try again. This time around, my stomach was NOT agreeing with the meds. I feel like a zombie. So I’m trying something new! During my time on Zoloft, I was projectile vomiting, fainting, diarrhea, fatigue, and drowsiness."

• Ale...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "I experienced very severe diarrhea with Zoloft, since the first day. It was so severe that I had to stay at home and have a toilet next to me. I stopped the medication after 2 days. I am non-tolerant to lactose, maybe that is the problem. I am sorry it did not work for me because they say it is the most efficient medication for general anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I went back to paroxetine for the moment, which is good, but makes me too sleepy (12 to 15 hours of sleep a day)."

• Liz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2017

For Panic Disorder "Started Zoloft 25 mg but was told to break it in half for three days, then go to the 25 mg for two weeks, then to 50 mg. The first week was hell! Was throwing up nonstop, horrible diarrhea made my anxiety so much worse. I weighed 85 pounds and went down to 73, was in and out of the ER because I needed fluids. After week two, I could tell my depression was better, but my anxiety was still bad, got to the point I couldn't leave my bed. My son missed basketball games, had to have my mom go to the store for me. After week three on the 50 mg, the doctor prescribed me Xanax (one a day if needed). It helped a lot with my anxiety, but my side effects kept getting worse, so the doctor got me off the Zoloft. A lot better now off the Zoloft and haven't had anxiety in a week."

• Bek...
• August 28, 2016

For Panic Disorder "Have experienced anxiety my whole life, along with occasional panic attacks that come and go. I was so excited to try Zoloft after reading all these positive reviews, but I only ended up taking one pill, and I won't be taking another! It's different for everyone, but for me, I took 25 mg at 5 pm, and the next morning I was nauseous, was pissing out my butthole, and couldn't eat for another 12 hours. I woke up again this morning still feeling very sick with diarrhea. I would rather have the stomach flu than ever experience that again. I'm going on the second day without taking it, and I'm still not fully recovered from being that sick. I gave it a 3 because other than that, I felt no other side effects except a little tingly the first hour or so."

• Eri...
• December 12, 2020

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "This is my first time ever with an SSRI. I am a therapist myself and working with severe trauma in my clients, so I got burned out. I had about 8 negative side effects: inability to reach orgasm, extreme appetite, permanent jaw clenching and pain on the side of my tongue, diarrhea, headaches at night, exhaustion to the point of going to bed at 7 pm, muscle twitching, restless legs. I had my birthday, and I was having all these symptoms and couldn’t even enjoy! I wish I could just stop them in this second, but I know it’s not wise, and it could be dangerous. Never again. I just couldn’t believe it took away the most important thing in my life: my orgasms!!! I normally reach one in one minute with porn or my toys, and I also experience multiple. The pill took this joy away completely. I see reviews that say decreased libido, but I don’t see any story like mine. I would rather suffer all my life than have the best thing in life removed. What a shame!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 1, 2021

For Social Anxiety Disorder "My doctor just prescribed me Zoloft, and I have been on it for 3 days now. I definitely feel more anxious, sleepy, and just emotionless almost. It also gives me diarrhea and tremors. Should I stick with it?"

• Jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2021

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I took it with food. One hour later, constant nausea and daytime drowsiness. I had diarrhea all day and had to drink Gatorade to cleanse the Zoloft out of my system. Small tremors also affected me because my hands kept shaking and my teeth kept chattering. And I'm only on 25 mg, which is the smallest dose. It may work for some, but it was a definite NO for me. I refuse to play Russian roulette with this stuff. Social anxiety is more tolerable than this sickening drug."

• Sie...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2022

For Panic Disorder "I’m still taking Zoloft 25mg. I’ve been on it 5 days. I was taking 5mg Lexapro, and it stopped working after 2 years. Bumped it to 10mg, and my body said nope, it just didn’t like it. Zoloft has been the hardest. I’m trying to tough it out because of other reviews. I've had extremely bad panic attacks, was at the ER (before Zoloft), and would have them at night and couldn’t sleep or eat, and started losing weight. Now since I've taken it, my panic attacks are still there, but it’s only been 5 days, and they aren’t as bad, so I’m still trying to give the medicine a chance. I've had terrible brain fog, like feeling I’m not myself, crying every day, having nausea and diarrhea, and a little tiredness. I’m so tired all the time, but like I said it hasn’t even been a week. If I don’t feel better soon, I’ll switch medications, but I really want to tough this out since other reviews are really good. I’ll come back and leave another review after a few weeks."

• Mal...
• December 11, 2019

For Panic Disorder "The psychiatrist prescribed the generic drug. Started with 50 mg. After three doses, total loss of libido, zoned out, extremely dehydrated, and constant diarrhea. Stopped taking it after the fifth dose. No withdrawal symptoms other than a return of the anxiety. The long-term use of this drug is frightening. I'll take anxiety and depression over impotence. I had a nervous breakdown over marital issues and just needed to get past my anxiety so I could calmly and effectively work things out with my wife. Ditched the psychiatrist. My GP prescribed Buspirone HCL."

• Bee...
• May 31, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I was put on 25 mg, the lowest dose, mind you, personally, it destroyed my stomach. The first day I took it, I was so nauseated and had the worst diarrhea, which is a common side effect, especially after first taking it. I have been on Celexa in the past and never had such stomach problems like I did with Zoloft. After 1 day, never again. To each their own, though. Wouldn’t recommend-especially if you have a stomach that is sensitive or if you have IBS."

• Zol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 14, 2019

For Depression "Zoloft made me sick to my stomach. I couldn’t eat, yet somehow had diarrhea? I had a perpetual migraine, was burning up and sweating for no reason, with heart palpitations and tingling. I could barely walk and had to be in bed all day. I read that I should have gone to the ER because these were bad reactions to the medicine, yet the psychiatrist tried to keep me on. What? Garbage. Be warned! I have real, severe depression, and I did not get better with this garbage. I am thinking only people with very mild 'depression' do well. Zoloft side effects make you feel worse and gave me anxiety and kept me bedridden. I’m trying to get out of bed and live my life. Thanks for nothing."

• res...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2014

For Depression "Diarrhea, uncontrollable muscle spasms, severe panic attacks, severe anxiety, severe restlessness, sweating, and bruising is all this medication did to me."

• Anonymous
• February 3, 2010

For Depression "Started on 50 mg 48 hours ago. My side effects have been diarrhea, zero appetite, clenched jaw, 'foggy' feeling, and my pupils have stayed dilated the entire time (day and night)."

• Anonymous
• June 3, 2010

For Depression "I felt better on Zoloft, but the symptom of diarrhea was too much because it wouldn't go away. I was on it for a whole month, and for the last 3 weeks on it, the diarrhea was unbearable."