Zoloft and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• 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."

• Sta...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 3, 2018

For Postpartum Depression "I’ve always been an anxious person, but it really spiraled out of control after the birth of my second child. About five months postpartum, I decided I needed to get help. I was diagnosed with postpartum anxiety/depression. The only anxiety medication that was considered safe while breastfeeding was Zoloft. I started at 25 mg and am now on 50 mg. I’ll preface my experience with the effectiveness of this drug by saying it's a hard drug to get onto, but STICK WITH IT! It really helped after about four to six weeks. The first two weeks were hell due to the horrendous nausea, insomnia, and severe bouts of panic/anxious feelings - for a while, it felt worse than what I was initially experiencing, and I felt like quitting altogether. All of this seemed to disappear after about two weeks. After about six weeks, I felt much better. This drug is truly a miracle (I’d been on Paxil years before and it didn’t help nearly as much as Zoloft has). Thank you for giving me my life back! If you can get through the first few weeks, this drug can really help."

• 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."

• FLG...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 6, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've had a lot of success with Zoloft, both as an antidepressant and for generalized anxiety disorder. It has worked for me for almost 2 years now and has really kept my symptoms under control. I'm of very small weight and sensitive to medications, so 25 mg works for me reasonably well. I have had to up my dosage to 50 mg during times of high stress, and it has helped so much. The only side effects I have experienced were a little nausea, some apathy, and insomnia. Other than that, I have tolerated this medication very well. It helps me put things into perspective and stops me from having such negative, anxiety-ridden thinking patterns. It helps me live in the moment and takes away a lot of my worries. I would definitely recommend."

• 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."

• 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!"

• MHR...
• November 29, 2015

For Depression "Taken sertraline (Zoloft) for 25 years, 100 mg/day - 15 years ago decided to wean off, which I did slowly for three months. The 2 months I was totally off before I could be seen by a psychiatrist were absolutely miserable. Took longer to get back to feeling good the second time. It is inexpensive and covered by a small deductible with insurance. One significant negative: because of the initial very 'high' I got from it for about two weeks, my psychiatrist put me on 1 mg lorazepam (Ativan) as a sleeping aid - unfortunately, Ativan dependency is common and I have bad dreams and sleepless nights without it! - Ativan is a highly regulated drug, but fortunately, also cheap/covered by insurance - so Zoloft plus Ativan is an excellent combo for me for the rest of my life - feel great!"

• Ece...
• February 28, 2021

For Depression "I started taking Zoloft 6 months ago due to extreme depression and generalized anxiety disorder (too much overthinking and worrying due to overthinking), been prescribed 25mg. It has helped me a lot. Though I still feel depressed from time to time. Still get anxious and have insomnia. This is NOT the first time I have taken Zoloft. The first time I was a child (bad idea), for sure, I had a higher dosage due to that and a serious episode. After that, around the age of 18-20, I took it for the first 4 days (am), which caused me to have a serious panic attack in the middle of the night. I stopped taking it. It was a very low dosage. Nothing bad happened, though I had suicidal thoughts. It has not been easy. All I can say is life is not easy. Never will be, but let us be positive and make the most of it. Be thankful for the good days."

• gon...
• November 1, 2010

For Anxiety and Stress "I've been taking Zoloft since June of 2010. I was really struggling with anxiety and a little depression. I got anxiety so bad that I did NOT leave my house from March until June. I couldn't even go outside without having an anxiety attack. Then I tried Zoloft (I've had the pills since February but didn't want to use them. I wanted to try and get over it by myself), and taking the pills was the best choice! I've only had one attack since I started taking them, and I even feel better about myself. The only side effects I've felt are I can't sleep when I want to, but remember we are all different and just trying it won't hurt. But I definitely recommend Zoloft for anxiety and panic attacks!"

• Jes...
• August 23, 2018

For Panic Disorder "I was dealing with anxiety and panic attacks for 5 years. My ex-doctor had me on lorazepam for all these years. I was having a lot of side effects of lorazepam, like forgetting things. I had different anxiety disorders, like general anxiety, social phobias, severe panic attacks, and fibromyalgia. I prayed, and finally, one lucky day, I changed my doctor. This new doctor prescribed me Zoloft for 3 months. The first 10 days, I had a severe stomach ache and saw no results. After a month, I would say, I started feeling like 5 years ago, normal I would say. And after 2 months of taking this medicine, I was feeling a real difference in my life. No more panic attacks, no more anxiety, no more pains, the only side effect was insomnia. I stopped taking it after 3 months, and it's already 8 months with no medication, and I feel normal. It was a wonder for me. Please don't suffer anymore, and please take it. It is going to help you."

• FAs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2018

For Panic Disorder "For about ten years, I smoked high-strength skunk (high-potency cannabis) every day from the age of 15. One day, I snapped and had a mental breakdown. Nonstop panic attacks. After about 6 months, I discovered Valium, and I coasted through the next 2-3 years with a mask. Then it got too much. I quit my job and got prescribed sertraline (Zoloft). The first few weeks were so hard, but I was used to it. For the past 3-4 years, I couldn’t get a tube, train, or go into central/shopping centers without having crippling panic attacks. Now, 8 weeks after this medication, wow, I’m actually normal. Finally, after all this time, I can live normally. It’s incredible, I could cry, I’m so happy. At first, I lost my appetite (gone after a week) and lost libido (gone after about 6 weeks). My only side effect is bad sleep, but hey, it’s worth it. This is a wonder drug, and I’m not ashamed to say I’m taking it. I’m only on 50mg. Life changer. Subtle as well. You’re not doped up."

• Rox...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2022

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have never had anxiety in my life. I didn’t even know what that meant until last year in October when I ended up in the ER for palpitations. They checked my heart, but everything turned out to be okay, and they sent me home. After that episode, I started to have bad anxiety and panic attacks, which concluded with insomnia and losing my appetite. My doctor prescribed me Zoloft 50 mg. The first day I took it, my anxiety was so much worse, and I had panic attacks ending with me throwing up all day long. I was sure I was dying, but my doctor told me to stick with it, and I did. The first 3 weeks were the worst in my entire life. I’ve never felt so bad in my life, and I started to read all the reviews in here, and they gave me hope, and I stuck with it. By week 4, I started to sleep better and eat more, but the anxiety was still there. By week 6, my panic attacks were gone, and by week 8, my anxiety is gone. Stick with it, it works."

• Wil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2016

For Depression "My doctor started me on Zoloft for longstanding low-level depression that was increasing due to menopause and for possible migraine prevention. It did nothing for the migraines, but it has definitely improved my mood. I started on a 50 mg dose, and the doctor had me increase it to 100 mg after a few weeks. Still no migraine relief, but the holidays didn't depress me as they always have since my father passed away. I did notice trouble sleeping, but taking it in the morning instead of at night helps with that. Also, a slight weight gain. I might try going back to 50 mg if the doctor okays it. It seemed to be enough, and I don't want to overmedicate."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "I promised I would share my experience to offer hope to those who might be struggling like I was. This spring I suffered from major anxiety resulting from medical issues. When I began Zoloft at 50 mg, I had so many side effects! Insomnia, tremors, muscle twitching, jittery feelings, buzzing in my extremities, night sweats, and sexual side effects. I was discouraged because so many others felt better in 4-6 weeks and, while I had seen some improvement, I was nowhere near where I wanted to be. I started taking the medication in the morning to address insomnia, and that helped tremendously. Tomorrow marks week 8 for me, and I can honestly say this week has been a turning point. Side effects have reduced significantly, and I now am beginning to feel like my old self. Sexual side effects remain, and my doc said they would likely not improve. At some point, I will likely wean off. That said, it has still helped me tremendously, and I was slower to respond than others! Hang in there!"

• Kik...
• February 15, 2016

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I had been suffering from chest pain for about 3 years. I had all kinds of tests done, and they all have come out normal. This chest pain was interfering with my everyday life. I started avoiding many things that I thought would contribute to my chest pain, all with no success. My doctor then said that it was anxiety. He prescribed Zoloft, and I was really hesitant to take it. I have never been on an antidepressant, and I was afraid. Well, today is my 6th day on it, and I already feel an improvement. I haven't had any side effects, well, only the 1st night I couldn't sleep, but all is well now. I don't want to be on this forever. I am planning on taking it for 6 months. I highly recommend Zoloft. I am on 50 mg daily."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2022

For Postpartum Depression "Take this med! I promised myself I would come review this if it worked, and wow, does it work! I never realized how much I sabotaged my life before because of the anxiety I had on a daily basis. Anxiety had become a normal feeling for me. I had some severe postpartum depression that set in about 7-8 weeks post-baby. I had lost interest in everything, couldn’t connect with my baby, couldn’t sleep, was just wishing away time. I decided to see a psychiatrist, and she prescribed Zoloft. I expressed my fear for this medication, and she made me a plan to start at 12.5 mg until I could move on gradually to 50 mg. The first week was tough. My brain felt heavy, I had insomnia, was tired… But after the first week, all side effects disappeared. I'm one month in, and I am living life again. I’m enjoying everything, I am no longer anxious, I’m sleeping, I am enjoying motherhood, I am just a brand new person. Wish I had taken this medication years ago."

• str...
• May 28, 2009

For Panic Disorder "I've been on 75 mg for 5 months. I slowly started to feel normal, and before I knew it, within 2 months, I had a huge breakthrough. I was no longer having panic attacks. What I like about Zoloft is that it makes me feel like me, not a drugged-up version of me. I had a few side effects like loss of appetite and insomnia, but all in all, I feel a lot better."

• Anonymous
• May 3, 2012

For Depression "I've been on Zoloft for about a month now. I was suffering from depression for a few years now. I'm 30 years old. About 4 months ago, I became severely depressed and suicidal. I finally went to the doctor to start something. My depression was horrible. The first week I began taking this, my suicidal thoughts stopped. I still had a hard time getting out of bed, but I wasn't feeling this horrible despair, I was just depressed and continued for the next weeks. I knew I felt a little better. About 2 days ago, I started feeling better. I was able to get out of bed easier and stay out. I do have trouble sleeping, but I feel okay. This medicine has saved me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 15, 2012

For Panic Disorder "I am in my 30s and have been experiencing debilitating panic attacks since I was a teenager, to the point where I could not function on a day-to-day basis. Sertraline seems to be very effective in blocking this reaction. I feel like myself again, thank God. I no longer have racing thoughts and all the physical reactions of panic. This is my second time taking it, the first was for PPD, and it helped then too. I did have side effects for the first 4-6 weeks, including dry mouth, insomnia, and a foggy out-of-it feeling, but it all lifted."

• Kje...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2017

For Depression "I started Zoloft after being on citalopram. Citalopram worked the best for me, but due to my age, my GP wouldn't raise the dose after 25 mg stopped helping. I've been on Zoloft since around February or so, and it's increased my anxiety dramatically. To the point that I can't sleep, and I'm writing this at 4:49 am. I also noticed I started to struggle with death anxiety a lot, which I hadn't had problems with in the past. I am still taking Zoloft but will hopefully be changing medication in the next few weeks."

• ASc...
• May 19, 2017

For Depression "I was on Zoloft due to depression and anxiety. I am an Army veteran who was diagnosed with GAD and mild to moderate depression. I have been on a variety of medications, however, this one was hell. I couldn't concentrate, my insomnia was worse (I had to take melatonin in order to sleep), I was lightheaded almost every day. The one thing I hated was being irritated easily when it came to my family asking me questions, I just wanted to be violent."

• Loz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2016

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Started taking sertraline 8 days ago, 25 mg for my anxiety. Well, so far it has been hard. I am experiencing all side effects: increased anxiety, insomnia, nausea, complete loss of appetite, sweating. I am waking up at 5 every morning with anxiety and have to force myself to go to work. I also take 1/2 a Xanax 2-3 times a day. I have 2 teenage kids and am barely able to function, i.e., cook dinner because I feel so nauseous. At times of increased anxiety, I feel like I am losing my mind. Tonight is night 8, and I have been awake since 1 am. I took 1/2 Xanax and still can't sleep. Trying to stick it out, but I am really struggling because I have to go to work to pay the mortgage. Reading these pages gives me a bit of hope, but I don't know how long I can last."

• Rac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 5, 2018

For Depression "I was put on 50 mg per day in 2015-16. It made me extremely wired and anxious at first but then improved my depression, although with regular insomnia. I have been on 25 mg per day during 2017-18, and this is a far better dose. I feel normal/happy/functional and usually sleep well. On occasional days when I am fatigued and have a 'brain shutdown' due to low serotonin (sometimes stress, sometimes hormonal), I am allowed to take an extra 25 mg, which brings me back to functional within 30-60 min after taking. If you are struggling with the overstimulation and jitters on 50 mg, I recommend trying 25 mg, as it makes a massive difference for me. I also do slow yin yoga relaxing poses with deep breathing twice a day for 15-30 min."