Zoloft and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Lou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2019

For Depression "I've been on sertraline generic for 2 weeks today, 50 mg first thing in the morning. I am on the UK brand name version, Lustral. For pretty much the first week, I slept fine on these, but then things started to change. On day 6, I felt really high and paranoid, but later euphoric. However, I have not experienced that same euphoria since. At the start of week 2, I noticed that they started making me feel drowsy for the first few hours after taking, and I find myself having to go back to sleep for a few hours in the morning. But when 11 pm comes, I don't feel tired. Yet I regularly wake now at 5:30 am. So I tried taking them an hour before bed instead, but then had an awful night's sleep. So I went back to taking them in the morning. Mentally, I feel bland, flat, emotionless, drained, and like I don't want to go anywhere because I'm so tired. Also, my social anxiety is worse because of these effects, and yesterday I started to feel a lot lower."

• Mol...
• February 12, 2018

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I took this for 7 days right before my period. Wow. The nausea and drowsiness the first 3 days were tough (horrible the first 24 hours, then got better). But this was the first month I didn't cry at the dinner table with my family in ages. My general mood was totally normal and not overly sensitive or aggressive. I didn't have any sexual side effects and no menstrual cramps when my period arrived. I'm going to try it again next cycle, hoping that the side effects diminish."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2019

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I recently got diagnosed with OCD (almost 2 months ago). My therapist suggested I start taking something to better deal with this issue and recommended a Zoloft dose of 50 mg per day. I can honestly say it changed my life for the better. Usually, antidepressants work for OCD patients to around a 40%-80% improvement rate, and I can proudly say I am one of the people with a higher percentage. When it comes to side effects, I do get a little bit nauseous, and I'm generally more tired, but apart from that, I feel much better, and my only concern at the moment is it stopping to work for me."

• Lun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2020

For Depression "I always was scared to take an antidepressant, just because of the side effects. Zoloft is not that bad, as soon as I took it, my mind and my thoughts calmed. I did have a few side effects: dizziness and nausea. I had to take a few days off from work to get used to the medicine. I recommend being with someone while taking the medicine. Also, do the homework, eat well, and engage in some kind of physical activity. Be patient with this medication. Good luck!"

• Anonymous
• May 7, 2010

For Anxiety and Stress "I've been taking Zoloft for six weeks so far. I started at 12.5 mg, advanced to 25 mg, and am now at 37.5 mg. I am increasing to the 50 mg tonight. It was difficult at first with the side effects of a very sick stomach and increased nervousness. I see a therapist, and she explained to me that my increased nervousness is a result of my anxiety about taking the medicine to begin with! At this point, I can honestly say I feel a big difference. I am much more calm, and I feel like my mind is getting some rest. I used to think WAY too much about everything. It's nice. The side effects are going away. The sleep isn't fantastic, but I get at least 6.5 hours, so I'll take it. Overall, I'm very happy and looking forward to what's to come."

• 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."

• Dan...
• December 10, 2015

For Panic Disorder "I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. I'm 33 years old and have a son. I would panic every time he wasn't with me. I would think of the craziest 'what ifs' that could happen. I got to the point I couldn't even drive on the highway because I might get into an accident. I was prescribed Zoloft at 25 mg for six weeks... I felt nauseous for a couple of days but was fine. Then I was put up to 50 mg for another six weeks. I was really tired and my anxiety spiked, but I stuck it out. Now I'm on 100 mg. Have been for 2 weeks. Not a single anxiety attack. I feel less tired but still get sleepy throughout the day. My son can be at school, out swimming, or doing other kid things, and my mind doesn't head straight to horrible what-if thoughts. Yay!!"

• Mis...
• July 4, 2017

For Panic Disorder "I've been on sertraline (Zoloft) for eight years now, and I am so glad I started! I take a weird dose-75 mg-and that works for me! I do up my dose to 100 mg when I feel I need it, and my doc says this is okay. I am way past side effects, other than staying hydrated and eating extra fiber, I don't experience nausea or sleepiness. I use Zoloft in combination with Klonopin at night. I usually only take half a Klonopin at night for sleep. These two drugs together keep me calm but not zombie-like. The looping, intrusive thoughts and worrying seem blocked, and I rarely have breakthrough panic attacks. Regular exercise and talk therapy in combination with these drugs keep me balanced."

• Geo...
• November 25, 2021

For Depression "Been on it for 3 months at 50 mg every morning. It hasn't been extreme, the side effects just never hit me, thankfully. Of course, the first day was a bit of nausea. Overall, it is helping. The effects are fairly mild, which is what I was looking for. My depression is average and not severe. Please don't give up on yourself because, with mental illness, we tend to make things worse than they really are. I was also an opiate addict, and if you're an addict, don't expect to feel high from Zoloft. At first, I was craving a high from this drug, I wanted to feel so happy 24/7, but that's just ridiculous because you still need to put in the work to get this medication to work well enough that your depression subsides. You can't just pop Zoloft and expect to feel happy. You have to get the ball rolling with positive thoughts and a better lifestyle. You can't take your Zoloft and fall into the same pattern of laying in bed all day. You need to force effort."

• 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."

• Gri...
• November 5, 2011

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I've suffered from OCD since about the age of 9, but wasn't diagnosed until I was 44. I was prescribed Zoloft at 100 mg a day at first, combined with some cognitive therapy. After around a month, the dose was increased to 200 mg/day, which seemed to work more effectively. I have now been taking Zoloft for 10 years with no significant side effects (only feeling slightly hotter than before). I found if I didn't take the Zoloft with a meal or on an empty stomach, I would feel very nauseous. But all is great if taking it with my meal. Zoloft has helped my life considerably. My wife often comments on how much more chilled I am and how easy it is to get along with me, and we can talk about OCD openly with an understanding of why these compulsions were there, etc."

• Alf...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 30, 2015

For Panic Disorder "I was prescribed 50 mg of sertraline due to panic attacks and general anxiety. The first 2-3 weeks were almost unbearable (increased anxiety, insomnia, and nausea), but slowly but surely, after about a month, I started to feel like I could finally relax. I would not recommend coming off this medication instantly-I tried it, and I had horrible withdrawal symptoms, so now I'm on 25 mg every other day, and it's worked out great for me! Stick through the bad times because it's so worth it!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• December 6, 2011

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "Best thing that has ever happened to me. I suffer from anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. At first, I wanted to stop taking it because the side effects were too much, as in tiredness and nausea. Once I had been taking it for a month and a half to 2 months, I have no side effects and I have a significantly better quality of life. I take 100 mg and I slowly increased and found it was a good spot for me. For a while, I had the shakes and it bothered me, but those are gone now too and I have been on it for about 5 months. With therapy and Zoloft, I am a much happier and less anxious person. Keep trying and keep taking the medicine. It's worth it, I promise. I am 19."

• Tif...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2020

For Panic Disorder "When I first started on Zoloft, I had very bad nausea and vomiting, but I waited it out, and after about a week, the nausea went away. I used to be paralyzed by severe panic attacks, and they have almost disappeared on Zoloft. I’ve been on a 50 mg dose for about a month now, and it has helped me so much. I would recommend this to anyone that suffers from severe panic attacks, it has really helped me through a very dark time in my life."

• UpA...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 3, 2016

For Social Anxiety Disorder "After less than a month on Zoloft, I could start to feel the effects in full swing. Besides being all around more joyful and talkative, I could see the world open up around me by the way it tamed my anxiety. It entirely reduced the uneasiness I felt when going into public. No longer did my heart palpitate, my body profusely sweat, my hands shake, or my words stumble. It did come along with many negative physical effects, however: vomiting, nausea, hunger, heartburn, etc. I feel physically healthier without it, but it cured my social anxiety wonderfully."

• Jth...
• June 21, 2021

For Panic Disorder "Developed panic disorder in late May as a result of trauma due to an anaphylactic reaction. Wasn't allergy tested soon enough, and so my anxiety around eating got worse and evolved into a panic disorder. Without meds, I felt OK maybe 40% of the time, but had anxiety around eating and globus sensation/panic attacks. I started taking 12.5 mg on Jun 9. Thought I was out of the woods. Had an hour before bed where I fought off panic attacks. The 2nd day has been somewhat lousy. No panic attacks, but definitely some anxiety (granted no globus sensation), sweaty, uncomfortable, confused, nauseous, no appetite, and fatigued. But it's day 2, so we're going to stick to the program. I'll give a timeline of how I responded to Zoloft over time. Day 10: Anxiety WAY down. Still have some panic-attack-like symptoms here and there, but feeling a lot more normal without side effects. Side effects lasted 2 days. Feeling better each day. If you're on the fence about taking it, I'd definitely recommend!"

• Rej...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2018

For Depression "I've been taking 50 mg for stress/adjustment disorder (i.e., not diagnosed depression/anxiety) and feel a lot better. The first week was tough (nausea, insomnia, feeling very, very low), and I did use temazepam to sleep due to the alertness. It's been 2 months, and I use the stimulating effect to my advantage - if I take it at night, I wake up at 6 a.m. WIDE AWAKE. It's so good! I don't feel drowsy, and I don't wake up during the night. I also have noticed that I don't get breast tenderness with my periods anymore! Yay!"

• SCa...
• February 25, 2020

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I started having panic attacks and anxiety about physical symptoms I was feeling and trouble sleeping, which were actually caused by anxiety in the first place. My doctor prescribed me 10 mg Lexapro. I took a 5 mg dose for 3 days, then raised up to the full 10 mg dose. I felt awful all of the time with headaches, nausea, dizziness, more panic and anxiety, and would get fatigued in the middle of the day. I also started having tension in my neck and shoulders. Because of these new developments, I was given Zoloft instead. Once again, I had side effects like headaches, nausea, and brain fog, but they are not as bad. I did feel bad the first week, but things are getting better. While I still am nauseous and still don't sleep until my alarm, it isn't as bad. I have more focus, which I didn't have prior. I'm hoping that if I stick with this medicine, my sleep and phobia control will improve. I have a follow-up for 2 weeks from now to see if we might need to raise the dose from 50 mg to 100 mg."

• sha...
• February 14, 2011

For Depression "I've been taking Zoloft for 6 months now. Began at 25 mg and worked up to 75 mg. I'm a person who hates being on medicines, so I tapered off to 50 mg and then tried to go back down to 25 mg. Unfortunately, the symptoms came back, racing pulse and anxiety. I'm now back at 50 mg and feel even-keeled. It has been humbling for me to admit that I need this medication, and I dislike how it makes you feel dependent on it, but I also realize it is doing its job. I have lost 5-10 pounds since starting it. The first few weeks, I was in a fog and suffered horrible headaches and nausea, but per my doctor's words, those symptoms did subside. I've not had a single panic attack since starting Zoloft."

• SAR...
• February 16, 2011

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "After, I think, years of suffering from PMDDs and it coming to a head this month (as I am in a highly stressful ongoing situation), I self-diagnosed and went to a psychiatrist who was super and put me on Zoloft - first pill last night, and I already feel a difference, although have to go through the first week's adaptive side effects (drowsy and slight nausea). I am going to be also fascinated to see if the Zoloft will positively affect my over-alcohol consumption, which I, of course, now realize was me self-medicating against the depression, trying to find a good mood feeling each day."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2017

For Social Anxiety Disorder "If you're scared to try something new, I completely understand! I was really nervous about trying Zoloft, but I have to say I'm happy I did! I've only been taking it for a week for my anxiety disorder, stress, PTSD, and depression. It has helped me feel more balanced, and I'm a lot more calm. I'm happier, and I can tell it helps me not have so many negative thoughts that bring on my anxiety about things. I can tell it's helping me become a better mom and wife already. I hope it continues to work for me because I was under a lot of stress and always worrying about stuff, and I couldn't take the way I felt anymore. I had nausea and dizziness like the first 2 days, but then it went away. Stick with it if you want to see a difference! :)"

• And...
• March 8, 2012

For Depression "I suffered from inherited depression (chemical imbalance). My family doctor put me and my mother on it at the same time. We both were nauseous and had headaches for the first 2 weeks, they subsided. Then we went up a dose after a month to 100 mg and had the same side effects again, but then they went away. Now we are both happy-go-lucky. Zoloft made me normal again, which I had forgotten what normal was years ago. Saved my marriage and my life as well. I recommend taking it at night, though."

• 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."

• Whi...
• July 10, 2019

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking Zoloft for almost two weeks now. First time on an antidepressant. I was nervous starting it due to what I heard about side effects. My anxiety has gotten bad, and every day is a struggle. When I started taking Zoloft, I did notice right away side effects. Mainly, my arms felt really warm right after taking it for the first few days. The first few days, my stomach was pretty upset, nauseous, dizzy, tired, and weak. I was in bed for 3 days. After a few days, my symptoms got better. I feel a lot better. My stomach is still a little sensitive, and when I wake up in the morning, I’m a little shaky, but it goes away. I still feel pretty tired, but I am noticing a change in the way I feel. My anxiety is starting to decrease, and I am starting to feel more normal. I gave this an 8 due to only being two weeks. I’m seeing positives so far, but I know I still have a few weeks to go until the drug completely takes effect, and as of right now, my anxiety is still there. I am hopeful for the future, though."