Zoloft and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Guy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2018

For Depression "I was prescribed 50mg by my GP. 1st day felt like I was on speed, lots of energy, jittery. 2nd day I felt neutral, anxious. 3rd and last day of taking, I woke up in the middle of the night with suicidal thoughts, which was very overwhelming and scary. Also lost appetite and 2kg in just 3 days. Terrible stuff."

• Hel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been taking Zoloft for a few months now, and I can honestly say this has helped me. I was so depressed I could barely take care of my toddler, and I had so much anxiety I didn't like leaving my house. Since taking this, I do not have panic attacks anymore, and I do not feel as depressed all the time. Now my depression comes in waves and does not last for long, whereas before, I would feel depressed for days at a time. I will say the side effects are annoying. I experienced nausea, nightmares, decreased appetite, followed by increased appetite, extreme fatigue, and jaw pain (weird, I know). After taking this for a few months, most of the side effects have subsided. I do still have VERY vivid dreams, which I have never had before, but it's not a big deal to me as long as they are not nightmares. As far as dosing, I started off with 50 mg, after two weeks increased to 100 mg, and have just recently been told to up it to 150 mg to help with lingering anxiety."

• Anonymous
• March 28, 2011

For Depression "I have depression and anxiety, lately more depression, from being 40, with kids, uncomfortable marriage. Lexapro has suppressed things but I had become unemotional. On 50mg for a week now of Zoloft and the difference is incredible! I have reasonable emotions and more energy to want to do the things I planned on but didn't do before. Sleeping is off and on a problem, has always been, but dreams are waking me up for being so vivid. Appetite is down, I'm glad. I had been steadily gaining weight because I didn't want to do anything, but now my stomach is bad, and I'm scared to go anywhere. Hoping that will go away. Can't say much about sex, not having any."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2012

For Depression "I've been taking Zoloft for 3 days on a doctor's recommendation and don't notice any of the benefits yet. I have felt a whole bunch of side effects including nausea, loss of appetite, drowsiness, and diarrhea. I'll be seeing the doctor in two days, and from what I understand, these side effects should decrease over time."

• AJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2019

For Depression "It is okay. I have lost weight. I have no appetite. My anxiety has increased greatly. My depression is under more control, but I still have bad days. When I first started, I was very ill and couldn't even get out of bed. About 8 weeks later, I was okay other than not eating and my anxiety being through the roof."

• Nur...
• March 6, 2017

For Panic Disorder "Works great, but you'll never sleep the same again. I can sleep for about 3 hours per night, and then I'm up every 30-45 minutes after that. Always the same thing every night around the same time, 3 am wake up, eyes wide open, and often cannot fall back asleep. Hardly ever enter REM sleep due to the frequent awakenings. I'm exhausted all day, every day, but hey, I'm happy, right? WRONG! I need sleep to function. Stopped taking it. Other side effects: dry mouth, decreased appetite, tremors, dilated pupils the size of Texas, CONSTANT HEADACHE, decreased sensation with orgasm. There has to be another way to deal with anxiety and panic attacks, right?!?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2021

"The first 3 weeks starting Zoloft is brutal or was for me. I had increased anxiety/panic, palpitations, leg shaking, tremors, insomnia, nausea, no appetite, flu-like, and much more. I felt like I was losing my mind!!! After 3 weeks or so, things start to improve, and by 4-6 weeks, you start to really feel great. You just have to make it through the ramp-up period, which I'm not going to lie, is tough. Thankfully, not everyone experiences all the negative effects, and some people adjust quickly. I just wanted people to be aware of the potential effects. I know I didn't have serotonin syndrome because I didn't run a high fever, but nevertheless, the adjustment period is very hard for me! I have had minor long-term effects such as GERD/reflux and sometimes teeth clenching at night, but it's the price you pay for anxiety relief."

• cwi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 29, 2020

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I know for some this drug has done wonders. But in my experience, it did nothing but make me worse. I had horrible IBS problems on it, to where I had to go to a GI doctor. It made me unable to sleep, eat, and enjoy life. I had no energy on it, at times it would make me have such bad anxiety that I would get hot flashes on my neck. I do not like SSRIs, they do nothing but make someone fat and sick. But that is my experience. Did not do anything for my OCD issues or BDD issues."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2021

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "Took 25 mg for PTSD and panic disorder. I'm a 23-year-old male, I was put on the lowest dose because I didn’t want any terrible side effects. Even at the lowest dose, I suffered almost all of them. No appetite whatsoever. I felt disassociated from reality. My mood was all over the place, and I got hot flashes and tremors. They say to stick it out and it all gets better, but how is that possible when you can’t even function for three weeks straight? My advice would be to not take Zoloft. It’s just not worth it, I would rather have panic attacks and deal with them normally. I was insane on that drug, literally crazy."

• Gec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2020

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I do not know why I was prescribed this, as I do not have social anxiety but generalized anxiety. This medication made things worse for me, I had suicidal thoughts, loss of appetite. I read that it can change your brain. I did a ton of reading about anti-anxiety meds, and someone mentioned gabapentin. A lifesaver for me, it so helps with many body pains. On 100 mg three times a day. I only take 2 and use Sam-e for my depression issues, which is found in the body. Thank God I feel normal now. Also, take B12 and an adrenal support."

• L C...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2021

For Panic Disorder "I'm on sertraline for severe anxiety. I might also have OCD or PTSD. (Either way, I experience compulsions, dissociation, panic, and intrusive thoughts.) I started on 25 mg and noticed an improvement right away. I was scared it would make me jumpier (I've read it can cause either stimulation or sleepiness), but luckily it knocks me right out. I actually had to start taking it at night instead because I was yawning so much my jaw started hurting. I went up to 50 mg when I was tolerating the side effects. I have been on it for about 2 months now. Side effects for me have included, and I will tag (R) if the symptoms have reduced or gone away as time has gone on: Nausea (R), lack of appetite (R), difficulty sleeping through the night (melatonin has greatly helped with this), earworms (R), difficulty reaching orgasm (but no reduced libido), increased hypnic jerks, reduced alcohol tolerance (cannabis tolerance is the same), HAVING MY LIFE BACK. (!!!!)"

• Kas...
• July 3, 2021

For Social Anxiety Disorder "The day after I heard my mom has a year to live, I had a panic attack/fainting episode. I told my doctor how I think my stress and anxiety are the reason I fainted and was prescribed 50 mg sertraline. My side effects were awful! Increased anxiety, excessive sweating in hands and feet, loss of appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, and overall panic. I missed 2 days of work and wondered each day if it would be the day I'd start to feel better. I cut my pills in half after 5 days. I've been taking 25 mg for 2 weeks. Lowering my dose helped the side effects subside. There are still times when the uneasy feeling comes over me then passes. I feel happier and more relaxed, but I know it takes longer for it to kick in. I'm afraid of gaining weight on it because I've already gained 25 lbs in the past 2 years. I've always been a small girl, so I'm struggling with my body image. I've also noticed a difficulty being able to finish in the bedroom. Hopefully, the benefits of this drug outweigh the side effects."

• Loz...
• 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, 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."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2018

"I was on Zoloft 2 years ago and thought I no longer needed it. 2 years later, anxiety and panic attacks. To be honest, I forgot how horrid the side effects were. And I got them all again! Nausea, increased anxiety, headaches, no appetite, terrible indigestion, and insomnia. I was losing hope the second time round. But I just wanted to hang in there. I had all these side effects for the first 4 FULL weeks! Finally, one morning I woke up feeling like myself. I'm now on week 8 and I can function like my old self. I still have a bit of insomnia now and then. And a tad bit of anxiety. But the improvement is night and day. I'm glad I stuck it out. 4 weeks can seem like forever being so sick. But I still pushed myself to do household chores and plenty of sunshine outside to keep my brain busy. There is a light at the end of the tunnel! Good luck, everyone. I take 50mg after breakfast every morning."

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

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have had a lifelong anxiety disorder coupled with moderate OCD. A couple of years ago, I spiraled and became worse. The tipping point was dealing with mild DP/DR due to excessive anxiety. I avoided dealing with my anxiety head-on, especially as I didn't want to get on medication. Finally, I came around to it earlier this year. I titrated up over 2 months from 25 mg to 100 mg, which I'm currently on. Like many comments have indicated, it takes time, and you could need up to a 100 mg dose to feel better. Some of my early side effects included mild insomnia, loss of appetite, and blurred vision. In retrospect, I would have gone on this medication sooner. You don't have much to lose if you're desperate. It could give you your life back. It has for me."

• Anonymous
• December 20, 2011

For Depression "I've been taking Zoloft for maybe 2 months now. I've gradually gotten up to 200 mg and notice a big change in my mood, after Lexapro wasn't cutting it anymore. I have severe depression, and I notice a big improvement. So far, not many side effects besides fidgeting, I can't sit still for the life of me. I've also noticed that if I miss a dose of Lexapro, I didn't feel much different. If I miss a dose of Zoloft, I become horribly agitated. When I sleep that night, I have horribly vivid nightmares and cold sweats all throughout the night and rarely sleep. I have also noticed a bit of decreased appetite and energy. Overall, so far I'm very happy with the results and hope I can continue on this path."

• Anonymous
• July 21, 2009

For Anxiety and Stress "I'm 12, and I've taken Zoloft for about three months now. It has helped with my anxiety a lot, but the side effects are horrible. My depression has worsened, it has disrupted my sleep patterns, and I'm never hungry anymore. I'm also taking Concerta (I have ADHD, Asperger's syndrome, depression, anxiety issues, and signs of mild OCD)."

• Cou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 1, 2016

For Panic Disorder "I was started on Zoloft two weeks ago. I went to my PCP because I could not handle my anxiety anymore. I am a single parent and work two full-time jobs. Life is just a little much for me. She decided to start me on 25 mg of Zoloft. I took it for 5 days. Every night I tossed and turned. I could not sleep. My appetite was poor, which was a good thing because I had some weight to lose. But on my fifth day, I came home and had a panic attack in front of my three-year-old son. I have never had one in my 26 years of life. It was the scariest thing ever. I called my PCP, and she never called me back. The Xanax did not help. So the next day, I went to the ER, and they gave me Ativan and told me not to take the Zoloft, that I had an adverse reaction."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• April 6, 2009

"I started taking Zoloft a little over a week ago. At first, I got really dizzy, had dizzy spells, and nausea. Then I found out the doctor gave me 100 mg to start, and that was way too high of a dosage. I started breaking them into quarters, and so far, so good. Side effects since the change in dosage: I've suffered loss of appetite, very little food makes me full. Other than that, I think it may be working, but too soon to say for now."

• Bla...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 30, 2020

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Awful side effects! Took Zoloft in high school and gained 50 lbs along with an eating disorder because the psychiatrist brushed off all my complaints as irrational, even though the weight gain was detrimental to my mental health (still cannot drop the weight years after stopping), hair loss, constant cold sores, cavities, very heavy periods (and eventually severe anemia), brain fog, loss of creativity, eventually developed severe Tourette's syndrome after stopping. The list goes on! Avoid if you value your health and well-being! Also did not even help that much! Not worth it at all for me."

• Jaz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2016

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Tried this medicine for the first time about 4 days ago. After being on clonazepam, my doctor thought Zoloft 100 mg would be good for me. And ooooo boy when I tell you it made me feel my anxiety to the 10th power. I was all emotional, couldn't sleep or eat, then my chest felt like I had bricks sitting there. All I can say is my experience with Zoloft was not fun at all. I'm still trying to recover from that one pill I took."

• 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)."

• Jen...
• September 18, 2011

For Depression "Fastest working antidepressant I have ever tried, decreased my voracious appetite."