Zoloft and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 16, 2015

For Depression "I think Zoloft for me is great. The only downfall I have with it was headaches. They started right when I began taking Zoloft daily. They were intense and hurt like hell. Lasted about 2 weeks. Then bam, they were gone. I took it at night before bed. I thought they made me tired. Since I've been on it, I've lost about 20 lbs. I don't have the munchies at all & honestly I have to tell myself to eat because it curbs my appetite. I don't feel bloated like I did on Lexapro, that's why I switched. Zoloft really works for me and I'm on a low dose. Headaches suck the first few weeks but what a difference from Lexapro. Everyone's different."

• Kad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2024

"I used 20 mg Lexapro (escitalopram) for 3 years, but I believed that it stopped working after 2 years, so I talked to my GP, then switched to Zoloft (sertraline) with a rapid tapering off. Started with 50 mg for the first week. This transition skyrocketed my anxiety for the first couple of weeks and I lost my appetite, but then started to feel better each week slowly. After being on 100 mg for 5 full weeks, I felt my anxiety and depression reducing slowly but surely. Please try to be patient and give the medication at least 6-8 weeks to see real benefits. Don't check your symptoms daily, focus on weekly improvements. I know how hard it is, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel! All the best to you all."

• Esw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2014

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have suffered with generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder since I can remember. I got prescribed these at 50mg 3 weeks ago. The first few days I got a horrible cold nausea feeling in the pit of my stomach. I had no appetite and I noticed straightaway that it took me longer to orgasm. 3 months into them, I still feel anxious, but for the first time since I can remember, I was able to present to a group without shaking, losing my voice, and my heart beating rapidly. It almost feels like a small weight has been lifted which gives you that control back over my thoughts. I was able to say 'put your best into it. You will be fine' and I believed it. This is only a small step to overcoming my anxiety but this medication has helped me a lot."

• LNa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 23, 2019

For Panic Disorder "A few months after I turned 19, I started to experience random panic attacks without a trigger. My heart rate would increase, my breathing became uneasy, and my thoughts became irrational, and I felt like I was out of my mind. I felt genuinely hopeless. After consultation with my doctor, I was diagnosed with panic disorder and was prescribed 50 mg of Zoloft. I will say the first two weeks were AWFUL. My appetite decreased, I was nauseous, and my depression and anxiety elevated. However, afterwards, it was like something clicked, and my thoughts stopped racing so much, and I could experience life again without fearing a panic attack. Although I still have some rough days, Zoloft has changed my life. If I can sense a panic attack coming, it’s more tolerable and not as scary. A lot of people quit this medication because the first couple of weeks of adjusting can be rough. For me, I rode it out, and I am relieved that I did. I have been on Zoloft for 10 months now, and I feel so much better."

• Cle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2016

For Panic Disorder "I am 6 days into Sertraline 50mg for panic disorder and want to reassure anyone who is terrified of starting this drug because they've read about all the terrible side effects, just as I was. I am a 23-year-old female suffering from this for 8 years. Various therapies have helped but I keep relapsing. Last week I gave in and spoke to my Dr about meds. The first night I panicked because I was so scared of the side effects, which turned out to be mild at worst. Insomnia the first night, day 2 mild headache + slight diarrhea, and slight nausea on day 3+4, also loss of appetite. Overall, it felt like a mild hangover. I have felt slight anxiety at times, but it subsides quickly and doesn't develop. I'm feeling calmer already not even a week in!"

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 5, 2020

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have been on Zoloft now for 5 weeks at 25 mg. The first 2 weeks, I had bad side effects: nausea, stomach pain, and I lost my appetite. Since the first week, I was feeling so calm, my anxiety was gone. Now, my anxiety has come back, and I really do not want to increase my dose. Does anyone know if the anxiety goes away? Is this normal? Also, what about having a glass of wine? Are you able to drink?"

• Anonymous
• April 25, 2010

For Social Anxiety Disorder "After nearly 20 years of anxiety and depression, I am finally free. Zoloft has improved my life beyond belief. No more blushing, feeling uncomfortable, or uneasy. The first 2 weeks were tough (nausea, loss of appetite, trembling, etc.), but boy am I glad I stuck it out. A 100mg pill to a new life. I thank god every day that I found a doctor and a medication that have given me my life back. A night and day difference."

• Sea...
• February 25, 2013

For Depression "I have suffered from depression for about six years now. I am a female and about to turn 22. I was put on Zoloft because I recently began to experience severe anxiety over little things. Walking around campus terrified me. I couldn't go through drive-thrus or phone someone I didn't know. My mood swings were becoming ridiculous, and I had been having more obsessive suicidal thoughts. I started Zoloft 50mg, and everything was wonderful for a month, then it wore off. I slipped back into severe depression. I just started taking 100mg and feel so much better! The only side effects I have experienced are a little insomnia, slight loss of appetite, random hand twitching, and some forgetfulness. I finally enjoy life and don't want to just give up."

• Ali...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 24, 2013

For Depression "I went through a bad period of depression after a job loss, and I tried Lexapro first for treating it. The Lexapro made me extremely tired all the time, so my doctor switched me to Zoloft. Zoloft ended up being much better for me. The main things it has helped me with are getting back to actively participating in life and being able to be more level-headed in stressful situations. The side effects I have had are reduced libido and slightly reduced appetite. Also, the first week or two after I started and after a dosage increase, I had more significant side effects, like being more depressed and anxious than usual and being angry. But once I got through that, I started feeling better than I had felt in a long time."

• kri...
• June 15, 2015

For Depression "Love this medication. I'm a 28-year-old mother of two and have suffered from anxiety on and off for the past 9 years. I have tried different meds throughout the years, and the only one that has ever worked for me was the generic Zoloft! Like... wow! This medication does its job so well that I feel 'normal,' not high or zombified! Side effects for me have been loss of appetite, difficulty reaching orgasm, clenched jaw, hot flashes, and rapid heart rate, but I was told these would subside. But I still give this medication a rating of 9 because the benefits for me outweigh the side effects by far. I've been taking it for a couple of weeks, and if it's working this great now, I can't wait to see in a couple more weeks."

• oop...
• July 21, 2010

For Depression "I've been on Zoloft for 3 weeks (100mg) and it's done wonders for me. I was always sad, uninterested in anything, quick-tempered, very negative... you get the picture. Within a week, that changed. I'm able to laugh, I want to do things again, best of all, my sex drive is returning! My appetite has lessened, but I'm not complaining. In the first week, I was taking Zoloft by itself, now I'm taking Seroquel XR in the evening in conjunction. I'm sleeping like a baby the night through (first time in years, really!). My family and friends are as glad as I am that I'm now on the right track."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2017

For Social Anxiety Disorder "After taking Zoloft (50 mg) for only a few days, I feel incredibly lucky to have had such a positive experience with it. For about an hour after I take it I get stomach cramps that resemble menstrual cramps, but after that, I go into a really positive mood and I just want to tell everybody how much I appreciate them. I don't get sick from overthinking minor details anymore, and all of my emotions feel more stable and controllable. I'm experiencing slight restlessness and difficulty falling asleep, but I'm taking that as a positive, as I feel like I got my energy back. I do clench my jaw at night now though. I have no appetite and I'm losing weight, but I used to overeat due to anxiety so I don't mind it. I never thought I could be this happy."

• Mj ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2012

For Depression "Before Zoloft, I was depressed, stressed about everything. The depression got worse once my mom was diagnosed with cancer. I began Zoloft a month ago. I am on 200mg along with Xanax. I haven't had much of an appetite, but I am happier and am now able to sleep better. Things don't bother me, and if I'm upset, I feel no urge to harm myself or cry all the time. I am able to be the wife and mother my family needs me to be. Thank you, Zoloft."

• Jac...
• January 27, 2017

For Panic Disorder "I have been on 50mg Zoloft for 2 weeks now. I confidently say this medication is the best thing that has ever happened to me since living my life controlled by anxiety and horrendous panic. It was the right decision because I'm starting to finally see that I'm getting my life back to how I was before. The side effects are not great like lack of appetite, nausea, etc. But they pass after a week or two and all these bad reviews that you see are people not giving this medication a chance to kick in and work. It takes time, and I respect that it might not affect everyone how it has me, but I can say without Zoloft I don't think I would have ever gotten better because no reassurance from family members was helping. It was the extra push I needed."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 11, 2012

For Panic Disorder "Zoloft has been a life saver! I have been on this medicine for about 7 years now. Two kids (3 and 6 months) later, I still have to use this medicine, and it works miracles. My husband deployed to Afghanistan, and I do not think I could have made it through that time while taking care of our kids without this medicine. The only side effects I had were loss of appetite, tiredness, and mild headaches, but that only lasts about a week. If you're just starting this medicine, hold on, I promise this will help you feel like yourself again!"

• Bet...
• May 20, 2009

For Anxiety and Stress "I started using Zoloft about 2 months ago for stress and anxiety. I have a teenager and we fought constantly. I would fly off at him for back talking, and we were both miserable. Since taking Zoloft, we get along so much better, and I am not as stressed. I also have a touch of OCD, I was always cleaning and stressing about everything in the house not being like it should. Now I am not bothered if something is out of place or not cleaned. I spend time with my 2 kids instead of cleaning the house. I am taking 50mg, and I love it. My sex drive hasn't been affected, my appetite decreased for about 2 weeks, but it's okay now. I recommend this medication to anyone who feels they need something to help with stress."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2020

For Depression "Day 18 on Zoloft started with 50 mg, increased to 75 mg after day 7. Day 11-15 were terrible days, I felt a lot of anxiety mixed with crying, loss of appetite, and I experienced panic attacks in the early mornings three days in a row (I’ve never once had that issue before). My physician added 10 mg of Buspirone twice a day to help fight those battles, and it helped. Today was a beautiful day — I don’t remember a single thought holding me back, I felt balanced. Hope this continues."

• Ama...
• March 31, 2015

For Depression "I got put on this medication about 3 days ago, and my first time taking it was in the morning. There are two side effects I've had, the first day taking it I felt kind of nauseous and I threw up, but after that, I was completely fine! I also have had a decreased appetite, but in my opinion, that's a good thing, considering I want to lose a bit of weight. I was suffering from major depression and got put on this medicine because I was caught in the middle of attempting suicide. But since I've started this, I haven't had a single suicidal thought! I would definitely recommend this. Although I've been on it for just a few days, I already discovered improvement."

• mar...
• August 14, 2015

For Panic Disorder "I started Zoloft 4 years ago (at age 22) for GAD/panic. The first 3-5 weeks, I wanted to die from the side effects - extreme nausea, lack of appetite (lost 15 lbs on my 125 lb frame), cold sweats, anxiety increase, insomnia, and feeling overall hopeless! I started on 50 mg and increased to a therapeutic level of 100 mg. Over the last 4 years, I have been on top of the world - traveling, camping, building a home - and have slowly decreased my Zoloft to 12.5 mg a day for the past year. Three weeks ago, I got lazy about taking my medicine and didn't take it for 3 or 4 days in a row. Then I remembered and started taking it again. Two days later, it was like I was starting from square one (all the same effects). Don't fix what isn't broken - don't stop Zoloft."

• Ali...
• June 10, 2015

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I've struggled with anxiety & depression my entire life, & I was wary of starting sertraline (at age 20) but 50mg a day has changed me for the better. I'm happier, less anxious overall, I got a job, I can do all the things my anxiety wouldn't allow, like answering the phone, going shopping alone, making small talk with people. There have been some unpleasant side effects, alcohol puts me right to sleep now. I have no appetite (lost about 15 lbs) and my sex drive is noticeably diminished. Whatever you do, do not stop cold turkey. 50mg is a very small dose but the withdrawals are hell. I ran out and couldn't get a refill for a week, I was cold sweating through my clothes 24/7, shaky, suicidal, dizzy, and my anxiety was worse than before."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was started on 25 mg Zoloft about 3 1/2 weeks ago for long-term anxiety and depression, and it has made a huge positive impact on my life already. For the first two weeks, my side effects included decreased appetite, shaking hands, head fogginess, insomnia, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and clenching or grinding my teeth when I slept. Except for the decreased appetite (which I am happy about), all of the side effects are gone, and it was well worth waiting them out, I promise. I did have to play around with the time I took it and found that morning works the best for me. Not having those crippling feelings of anxiety and not being so miserable all the time-I should have done this a long time ago. I'm finally getting my life back."

• ACR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2022

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Just give it a try. I have wasted so much money picking up various prescriptions and never taking the medication due to fear of side effects after a bad reaction to a medication years ago. I finally had the courage to start Zoloft. I started out taking 12.5 for a few weeks and had very little to no side effects. I had a slight headache and no appetite. I increased to 25 mg after about 3 weeks and did not notice any side effects. After about a few weeks, I started to notice I just didn’t overthink the things I once had. Slowly, after each passing day, I started to notice how less reactive and calmer I have become. Certain situations have come up where I would normally be an anxious mess didn’t even pass me anymore. It wasn’t an overwhelmingly everything is better all at once. It was more of a “Oh hey, that didn’t even phase me.” I find myself joking around and smiling more than ever. I am forever thankful I just took the first step and took the first dose."

• Nar...
• July 20, 2014

For Panic Disorder "Anxiety spiraled out of control over just a month following 18 months of grief, job loss, and moving. I couldn't leave the house and was prescribed Zoloft 12.5mg. The side effects were pretty bad (no appetite, trembles, and night sweats) but within two weeks these side effects passed and I began returning back to my old self 6 weeks later. I slowly built up to 175mg over 6 months and stayed at that dose for 1 year. Now, two years later, I have almost forgotten about anxiety and have begun reducing very slowly (about 12.5mg every couple of months). I'm now taking 137.5mg and feel good. Thank you, Zoloft."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2020

For Depression "Starting Zoloft again at a dose of 25 mg today. I was on it a couple of months ago at a starting dose of 50 mg. I didn't have many symptoms the first time around for two weeks. The third week, probably when it built up in my system, I experienced a continuous migraine along with high-pitched ringing in my ears. I was also very constipated, bloated, and had a dry mouth and was very fatigued throughout that third week. I also lost my appetite and couldn't reach an orgasm. I was very uncomfortable and emotionally unstable during that whole third week. I stopped taking it and all symptoms ceased within 72 hours. I saw my doctor who put me on Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin was awesome, but unfortunately, I can't continue taking it during the long-term dental work I'm having done. I hope this time Zoloft, with a lower dose, will not cause the same symptoms it did initially. Wish me luck."

• Sal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2013

For Depression "I have been on this for 3 days now. On the first day, I got severe sharp headaches in the back of my head and didn't feel as hungry as normal. The second day, I wasn't hungry at all and felt a little sick. Today, I woke up and almost fainted, my vision was blurry, I had a loud ringing in my ears, and almost threw up. I've been dizzy all day and barely eaten. The side effects are horrible, but I'm going to stick with it to see if it works."