Zoloft and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 2)

• man...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 3, 2024

For Panic Disorder "Zoloft was the only medicine that worked for my general anxiety and panic attacks. I started on 50mg and after a few weeks of mild side effects, I started feeling much better. I was able to sleep and wake up fresh. The anxiety and worry that came for no reason was clearly going away and it was noticeable. After about 2 months on 50mg, I noticed it changing my life but I was still having panic attacks if I was going to a major event. My doctor upped it to 100mg, which is the perfect dose for me. I can live my life how I want without any unnecessary worry. I can plan trips, meet friends, go out, take risks without any worry. The biggest downside for me was decreased libido / sexual functions. The thought of sex didn't arouse me, I also noticed weaker erections and some ED issues. This does improve over time but will linger. There are ways to treat this, so don't let that stop you. The only other downside is you feel a bit emotionless and numb when you start taking it for a while."

• man...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 3, 2024

For Panic Disorder "Zoloft was the only medicine that worked for my general anxiety and panic attacks. I started on 50mg and after a few weeks of mild side effects, I started feeling much better. I was able to sleep and wake up fresh. The anxiety and worry that came for no reason was clearly going away and it was noticeable. After about 2 months on 50mg, I noticed it changing my life but I was still having panic attacks if I was going to a major event. My doctor upped it to 100mg, which is the perfect dose for me. I can live my life how I want without any unnecessary worry. I can plan trips, meet friends, go out, take risks without any worry. The biggest downside for me was decreased libido / sexual functions. The thought of sex didn't arouse me, I also noticed weaker erections and some ED issues. This does improve over time but will linger. There are ways to treat this, so don't let that stop you. The only other downside is you feel a bit emotionless and numb when you start taking it for a while."

• 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."

• mow...
• January 30, 2013

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have OCD/general anxiety and depression as a result. I was considered a very severe case. A few months after the worst time in my life, I am happy and healthy. I am managing anxiety/OCD a lot better and I have VERY rare bad days. I have been taking Zoloft with therapy for a little over six months. I experienced about a week of side effects (nausea, increased anxiety, fatigue) but over quickly. I get away with taking 50 mg. Apparently the most common side effects are weight gain and loss of interest in sex. I am happy to say I am experiencing NEITHER! I gained a little bit of weight (5-10 lbs) in the last few months, but I lost about 30 lbs before Zoloft due to anxiety-linked anorexia. Now without depression/OCD, I finally have my sex drive!"

• ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 3, 2014

For Depression "I've dealt with many periods of depression in my life, but I hit an all-time low a year and a half ago culminating in a suicide attempt. This medication helped me get back on my feet. I started with a low dose (25mg/day - I'm small and female) and have slowly increased to the normal dosage my doctor prescribes for adults (50mg/day). I went off of it for two months after five months of taking it and fell back into depression. Went back on it and have been fine since. I don't think I will stop again for a while. Only problems are occasional insomnia and inability to orgasm anymore."

• Ano...
• August 8, 2019

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I've suffered from general anxiety and social anxiety my whole life. I recently started Zoloft at 100 mg and experienced side effects like diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and an increase in anxiety. I thought the side effects would be worse, but surprisingly, it wasn't that bad. My birth control medication affected my hormones way worse. It's been a little over a month now, and I don't wake up anxious anymore. I am able to socialize better, look people in the eye, and talk more in meetings. The only downside about this medication is that it completely got rid of my sex drive. My boyfriend does not pressure me and is very understanding of my mental health journey. I'm going to see my doctor and discuss possible alternatives. It actually terrifies me because I'm scared that there is not a better alternative that will bring back my libido. For once in my life, I feel normal. I highly recommend Zoloft. If you're a single person suffering from anxiety, this would help."

• Coo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have major depressive disorder, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Within the first month of taking Zoloft, my depression symptoms had decreased by about 70%. I started at 50 mg a day. After the first month, it began to lose its effectiveness, so my doctor upped my dosage to 200 mg. It's helped me a lot with my mood, my sadness, and overall feeling of worthlessness. The side effects I've experienced are lack of sex drive and vaginal dryness. I did, however, find an herbal supplement that has been very effective."

• Noc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2022

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I am on 200 mg of Zoloft, and I had no worse side effects (compared to lower doses), but it helped me more with my OCD thoughts. Yes, night urination and less sex drive are true, but not a big deal. If it will be needed, I'll go up to 400 mg. 200 mg is the maximum FDA approved for MDD. For OCD, your doctor can take you up to 400 mg. I wish I never had OCD. Stupid pure O total waste of time, thoughts fill us with fear and anxiety."

• Yas...
• February 5, 2009

For Panic Disorder "I have been on Zoloft 100mg for a few months now for my anxiety/panic disorder. It has completely controlled my panic attacks, which is awesome. When I first started this medicine, I became depressed, had suicidal thoughts, and no appetite. But those have since gone away as well. The only issue I have noticed still is I have no sex drive. Just wondering if this is normal with this drug and if it will eventually go back to normal."

• Twi...
• November 5, 2016

For Depression "I've been on Zoloft for 2 months for depression and anxiety. The reason I don't give it top grades is that I don't have anything else to compare it to. Started 1 week on 25 mg and then moved to 50 mg. The first two to three weeks, the side effects were the same people describe: headache, tiredness, stomach issues, death thoughts, lack of appetite. After that, the first sign was no more tears, less anxiety for eating, my emotions went away, social anxiety too, fear and death gone too. Calmness, ability to focus on the now, lower PMS, ability to focus and interact. Some days are still hard, but it takes less for me to cope with them. I didn't know life could feel this way. Side effects: lower sex drive and return of big appetite and weight gain."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 19, 2019

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I am on Zoloft 75 mg, and it has really helped me with my PTSD and PTSD-related sleep disturbance. It takes the edge off, so I’m not in a state of flight/fight. It helps regulate my emotions. It doesn’t alter me too much at all besides making me happier and more balanced. Things that used to seriously stress me out don’t seem to bother me as much anymore. Only downside is it really affects libido."

• Col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2014

For Depression "20-year-old male. After failing 2 of my college classes in one semester, I decided it was time to do something about my increasing depression. The doctor started me on Zoloft. It took about 4 weeks to start to notice the effects. I experienced occasional shakes, and memory loss was frequent. I immediately noticed a decrease in sex drive, which wasn't a problem until I started dating again and couldn't get it up the first time I was with my current girlfriend. Luckily, she is understanding. My doctor is switching me to Wellbutrin. If it hadn't been for the decreased sex drive, I probably would have stayed on it."

• AnS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2016

For Depression "I started taking this drug to battle mild depression. 50 mg a day. Pros: 1) more energy than usual. I go to the gym more than I used to (losing weight). I go the 'extra mile' at work, I got a promotion (financial industry/hedge funds). 2) depression started to fade. Cons: 1) the doctor told me to take it before bed. Insomnia was so severe I switched to morning. 2) no desire for sex. 3) I started to feel numb, not literally. Stuff I care about, I no longer do. This is where the depression starts to fade (partly). Hard to explain this one... 4) I'm alienating myself from friends. I like spending time alone, but I'm spending even more so now. 5) I have to take Ativan before bed from time to time due to extra energy."

• Anonymous
• November 2, 2011

For Anxiety and Stress "I love it! I have only been on the product for about two weeks now. I had an upset stomach for a week initially, which is now a mild ache. It has curbed my snacking, which may have been from depression, but no weight loss yet. Aside from that, I have no anxiety, or it's very minimal. I am taking 50mg and don't feel doped up. I even raised my hand and asked questions during a meeting, which I never used to do without severe stress and anxiety. I don't have the 'what if' in traffic and have more confidence in myself. It kills anxiety if you are a true sufferer, but it also kills your libido."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2018

For Panic Disorder "For many years, I have dealt with generalized anxiety disorder. Earlier this year, I began having severe panic attacks that landed me in the ER. The first week on 25 mg was really hard, I had a very upset stomach, diarrhea, and increased anxiety. The side effects started to lessen after that, only to start back up all over again when I went up to 50 mg. Those side effects only lasted about a week again, but I didn’t get a good night's sleep for about a month after starting 50 mg. It was awful. But that has also now passed, and I can truly say that I feel better than ever entering month 3. The one side effect that I think is here to stay, unfortunately, is the sexual side effect. However, I have none to very minimal anxiety, no panic attacks. I feel back to my normal self. This is a medication that you definitely have to ride out the storm in order to get to the positives. It helps going into it knowing that it’s going to be hard, but it’s worth the outcome!"

• Zol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2022

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I told myself I would post on here after I felt Zoloft had helped me. I'm a 28-year-old female who has never been on medications before or treated for anxiety. Currently, I’m an RN who works in a high-stress area. This summer, I experienced severe anxiety (21/21 on the GAD scale) and was very distraught by it. My GP started me on Zoloft in conjunction with therapy. I started at 25 mg for a week and increased by 25 mg until my dose is now at 100 mg. The Zoloft onboarding for me was HARD. Increased anxiety the first couple of weeks, loss of appetite, insomnia, diarrhea, loss of libido. I think if I would have known beforehand and received better education on Zoloft, it would have been less distressing. BUT I’m here to tell you I’m over 3 months on Zoloft and feel 90% better. I also supplement with CBD gummies when I feel stressed or hydroxizine and propranolol when required when I feel even more anxious. Also, exercising, meditation, and decreasing my caffeine and alcohol intake has helped. My GAD score is now 6."

• Liz...
• April 23, 2015

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I am a 45-year-old female and have had mild to moderate anxiety for most of my adult life. I lived with it for years and tried different medications on and off when my level of anxiety increased. I also tried yoga, meditation, exercise, and counseling. A year ago, a new doctor prescribed 100 mg Zoloft 1x/day. It took about a month for me to feel a difference, but Zoloft has given me the most 'normal' feeling of any drug I ever tried. I do not have sexual side effects, as I did with other antidepressants, nor do I feel numb or sleepy throughout the day. I have gained some weight (15 pounds) over the past year, but I can't really attribute it just to Zoloft."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2016

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Zoloft has helped me so much so far. I have spent the last three months getting worse and worse. Panic, anxiety, and depression. I was on Wellbutrin, but it just seemed to make me worse. Two days after starting Zoloft (I take it before I go to bed), I woke up happy. I felt normal - like myself! I don't know about the sexual side effects yet because, frankly, it was difficult to want to be intimate when I was living in an emotional hell. Thank you, Zoloft!!"

• 2Pi...
• March 1, 2008

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Very effective in controlling OCD and associated panic disorder. However, gained 70 lbs (not by changing eating habits, but it's as though it raised my metabolic 'setpoint'). Decreased sex drive. Despite the side effects, this medication has been a Godsend."

• Ken...
• January 22, 2013

For Panic Disorder "Sertraline (Zoloft) works great for panic disorder. It may take anywhere from 2-3 weeks to start working at a functional level. Of course, with any of these medications, side effects may occur and vary with each patient. One of the main side effects of SSRIs is sexual dysfunction; however, I personally haven't seen much of a difference regarding this common side effect, apart from lasting longer in bed (which is great for her). Overall, this medication is good for panic disorder, not so much for depression, as far as in my case. Remember, everyone is different and responds to these medications differently."

• Hap...
• December 5, 2015

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Zoloft is WONDERFUL. I have been on every other drug in the antidepressant class for 25 years. Paxil was fairly good for anxiety, but as a male, I was unable to even pretend to orgasm. As long as I stay at 50 mg with 150 mg Wellbutrin, I am able to orgasm. At 100 mg, sexual side effects kick in, but not to the extent of Paxil. IT TAKES TIME TO WORK. I would say 6 weeks to 2 months for full effect, but then nirvana."

• Big...
• August 13, 2019

For Depression "I worked my way up to 200 mgs Zoloft for depression, and I have been feeling extremely sluggish. The lack of sex drive and wanting to sleep all the time is not a bad trade-off for the severe PTSD and panic episodes due to traumatic events I had. I’m not 100% fictional, but I’m better than I was. I did not want to take any medicine and tried everything the natural way, but I was still reliving the loop in my head, and now I have the thoughts, but they disappear pretty fast, and I can go along with life. Not been able to get back to working out yet after 2 months, but I can focus on other things now. I hope I don’t have to be on this forever, but for now, it’s helping me get by."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have pros and cons with Zoloft. I suffer from MDD, panic disorder, and bipolar. I noticed my anxiety moments are not that intense as they used to be, and I don’t dwell on my thoughts as much, which is a plus. I don’t feel my anxiety deep in my gut like I used to. Some cons are my sex drive is almost completely gone. I usually don’t even like to be touched, I’d rather be left alone. My agitation is almost always at an all-time high. I also really have no motivation to get out and do things, I’d rather be inside hiding away. I necessarily don’t feel happy or sad, I just feel “blah.” As of right now, I’m on 100 mg, I just don’t feel like it’s helping me the way I’m wanting it to. At this point, I’m really wanting to wean off. I don’t feel “happy.” I feel like I’m just here, and it’s the worst feeling ever."

• sma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2020

For Postpartum Depression "This drug, Zoloft, saved me... and my family from postpartum depression. I was experiencing terrible emotional turmoil during my pregnancy, and afterwards my anxiety was so high that I was afraid I couldn't work, I couldn't have conversations with friends/coworkers without almost having a panic attack. I was afraid of taking medicine, that it might make me feel like a zombie... I was wrong! I feel like myself, except calmer and less anxious. It's harder to orgasm, but my drive is through the roof because... I'm not depressed! Thank you, Zoloft! I started at 50 mg and now I'm on 100 mg, and it's the perfect dose for me. I did have an anxiety increase at first, but got much better after a few weeks of use."

• Wil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 3, 2018

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I've had PTSD since childhood. Outbursts of rage plagued me throughout most of my life. Lost a lot of jobs because of PTSD. Have been on Zoloft - 50 mg for 4 months. Outbursts of rage have stopped. Big improvement for me. The downside of Zoloft for me is the loss of sex drive. I can live with it, since the absence of moments of rage is such a big improvement for me. When I first got on Zoloft, I had periods of drowsiness, but those have become less frequent. All in all, Zoloft has improved my life considerably. Too bad I can't go back to apologize to all the people who had to endure my past outbursts."