Zoloft and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Mum...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 13, 2017

For Depression "Took Zoloft for depression and anxiety and was on it for about six months. It absolutely helped, and I felt less anxious almost immediately. But I stopped taking it due to increasing negative side effects. I have learned through my journey that other people's experiences of these kinds of meds are no real indication of how it will be for you personally. But sometimes it helps to share. Just take everything with a grain of salt. Zoloft negatives: constant yawning, the first three days you feel so unwell you think you'll never be okay again. Also, inability to have an orgasm, which lasted about three months, and then I was fine. Serious vertigo that got so bad I had to stop taking it. Tried venlafaxine and Prozac with better results."

• nel...
• June 4, 2016

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "First month, bad side effects. Felt worsening anxiety and felt like a zombie. After about 4 weeks, the magic happened. My obsessions became minimal, and my depression/PMDD improved immensely. Side effects include some weight gain, like 15 lbs, and loss of sex drive. However, I was on 50 mg, and the improvement in my mental state was worth it. I could only take this drug at night, in the morning, it would make me dizzy. I was in this for 4 years, it does improve obsessive worrying and depression."

• Mel...
• December 5, 2010

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have been using Zoloft to treat mainly social anxiety for about 2 1/2 months now. I started off taking the lowest dosage-25 mg. Two weeks later, my psychiatrist doubled it to 50 mg, and four weeks later, he doubled it again to 100 mg, which is where I am at now. The first few days of starting it, I felt absolutely miserable, and for those with severe depression, it may very well be debilitating. But I stuck through it! Over time, and still continuing, my moods have become remarkably stable and positive. My insecurities and obsessive negative thoughts, especially ones of a jealous nature, have nearly vanished. Sometimes it's harder to orgasm now, but my libido is still intact. Zoloft also helped me with my vaginismus and irritable bowel syndrome."

• gro...
• January 30, 2012

For Panic Disorder "Two weeks of digestive symptoms, and six weeks of not being able to orgasm, but then this medicine kicked in and I felt almost normal again. All the side effects went away. I started at 50 mg and never went up. My anxiety had settled down to where I could talk myself through it or ignore it. I am so grateful Zoloft was the first medicine I tried, and that it worked so well. I had a history of migraines, three or four a year, some so severe they lasted for weeks and/or sent me to the ER, and I haven't had a single migraine in the year I've been on Zoloft. SSRIs are not supposed to prevent migraines, but it sure seems like my issues were related."

• woo...
• August 11, 2008

For Bipolar Disorder "I use Zoloft for my depressive episodes due to bipolar disorder. I have unsuccessfully tried about fifteen other antidepressants in the past. Zoloft works wonderfully! With Zoloft, it doesn't take long for my depressive symptoms to fade. The only side effect that I experience is the complete loss of my sex drive. It is very common with SSRIs. Fortunately, I talked to my doctor about it, and he prescribed Periactin to take with it. Periactin is very effective at addressing the issue."

• Anonymous
• July 31, 2009

For Depression "I was on Zoloft for 8 years. Most of those on a minimum maintenance dose. In the last few years, it affected my memory, and it didn't work as well for the depression and anxiety. Does a good job treating PMS. I had to go off eventually, but it was a good run. Had night sweats and some sexual side effects. I also would feel nauseous if I was hungry while I was on it. Best to take at night."

• Anonymous
• September 9, 2009

For Anxiety and Stress "I started using Zoloft for anxiety and minor depression. It has been a Godsend. I was overwhelmed and lethargic, now I am back to myself, I have energy again. I had the typical side effects for the first few weeks, but they have subsided. No weight gain or sexual side effects for me. I am very happy with the results. Everyone is different, and the medications are all different, so remember to talk to your doctor if after 6 weeks you don't feel different or worse."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 18, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "Was on this drug in conjunction with lamotrigine for a few years as a teenager for MDD/BPD/GAD. It got rid of my sex drive, made me feel more depressed, and I slept a lot of the day away. Wasn’t for me."

• Anonymous
• March 8, 2012

For Depression "I was suffering from depression and anxiety for as long as I could remember, but never sought treatment. My family has always been against relying on any sort of psychiatric drugs and believe in willpower as a medicine. Eventually, my condition got so bad that I knew I had to do something about it. Zoloft saved my life! I feel like myself again, and my rationality and naturally positive outlook have returned to me. Plus, I haven't gained a pound! The only really negative side effect is reduced sex drive. This can also be due to hormonal birth control. I have also had very vivid dreams since going on Zoloft (50mg). That, I'm not complaining about. Amazing medication!"

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2015

For Social Anxiety Disorder "The first day I took 25 mg and randomly about 3 hours later I was just smiling uncontrollably along with a calm feeling in my head. The next few weeks were hell with the side effects, but it was worth the wait. Two months later and I really understand how this drug works on me. It sort of keeps my mood at a 'flatline' level where the peak of my sadness is lower, but my happiness seemed to have less of a 'peak' as well. My libido was absolutely destroyed. I seem to have an apathetic sense about life now. Everything seems bland. My appetite was killed as well, and I keep losing weight, and I am underweight as it is. I am going back from 50 mg to 25 mg. Overall, I am happier on Zoloft, but there are horrible side effects too."

• Anonymous
• March 20, 2012

For Depression "I have been on Zoloft for about 6 weeks. I was experiencing depression, which manifested itself in crying spells, anger, helplessness, and loss of motivation. It took approximately 4 weeks for me to notice any changes, but I have noticed recently that I have motivation once again, and I have not experienced any side effects, which I was dreading, such as loss of sexual desire and weight gain. I feel like my normal self again and am now able to handle the issues of my life. Prior to this, I was sad a lot and having many crying bouts. I haven't noticed any negative side effects whatsoever."

• Anonymous
• October 14, 2010

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I've been on Zoloft for 12 months. I've had social anxiety since I was 13 (I'm 22), but a year ago, I had a traumatic experience and constantly felt like my stomach was in knots. After 3 months of feeling that way, I went to a doctor and was prescribed 25 mg Zoloft. The initial side effects were being incredibly tired (it was hard to stay awake just driving to class), dry mouth, and anxiety for a short time. Eventually, I was at 100 mg/day and had lost about 12 lbs. I am on 75 mg now, have been for about 9 months, and have gained most of the weight back. Side effects now are absolutely no sex drive, and if I forget to take it, I have 'brain shivers.' I definitely would recommend it to anyone. I finally can talk to people without feeling my heart beat out of my chest."

• DFW...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2017

For Depression "My internist prescribed me 25 mg of Zoloft daily as an alternative to Wellbutrin. The side effects were not worth the benefit for me. In the seven weeks I faithfully used the med, I suffered from severe fatigue, inability to orgasm, weight gain, acne, and chest heaviness. As a thirty-something, in-shape mother of two, I have zero time for naps, so fatigue was not a livable option for me. I'm actually really surprised by the weight gain, as I hit the gym daily. The pros of this medicine would be: my sweet tooth was non-existent. That's probably it."

• loo...
• December 24, 2009

For Depression "I started taking Zoloft about 1 month ago for depression. I take it in the morning. Right now, the side effects outweigh the benefits. I, too, have the shakes, some sexual side effects, and loss of appetite. I'm feeling a bit more anxiety and excessive yawning. The worst of it has been the problems with my lower GI (diarrhea). My doctor wants me to try and wait it out. He seems to think the side effects will subside. I'm reading positive things here. I'll stick it out and see if things improve for me."

• Mrc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2019

For Depression "I know everyone is different, and medication affects everyone differently, but here goes. I started off on this for insomnia, anxiety, and mild depression. Took 25 mg for the first week, then up to 50 mg for the next 10 days. The side effects got to be too much for me: insomnia worse, and the night sweats were horrendous, not to mention the very low libido. I'm back on mirtazapine now, and sleeping loads better and back to work. I wanted to stick it out, but the side effects were way too much for me!!"

• Wor...
• February 23, 2016

For Panic Disorder "I have been on this medication for over a year. Was prescribed 50 mg by my doctor due to severe anxiety and panic disorder. I have since not had a single severe panic attack, it also helped a little with my social anxiety. However, it takes longer to reach orgasm, and I am only in the mood at nighttime. I have gained 40 pounds, and I seem to lack motivation. I also feel like the effects are slowly wearing off, so I may have to up the dose slightly or switch to a new medication. I had no initial side effects. I think this medicine works a lot better for anxiety than depression."

• mxw...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 3, 2022

For Panic Disorder "I was prescribed Zoloft after being diagnosed with panic disorder at age 24. The panic attacks came out of the blue and were debilitating, I truly felt like I was going crazy. I tried everything natural (meditation, lemon balm, exercise, no caffeine, etc.), and Zoloft has been the only successful remedy! While the first 3-4 weeks are uncomfortable (inability to orgasm, nausea, worsened anxiety), all those side effects go away! It's so worth it to stick it out. I feel so normal now, giving presentations at work without a shred of anxiety. My libido came back too! Only complaint is some moderate weight gain, despite no change in diet."

• Joe...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 23, 2019

For Panic Disorder "Zoloft was good in the initial stages of my panic/anxiety disorder and helped a lot. As my dosage increased along with my tolerance to the drug, I experienced almost total chemical castration. I'm sure this drug works for some people, but in my case, even while weaning off, it has seriously affected my sex life. Anorgasmia causes me more anxiety at this point than the relief I feel from the Zoloft. What human being in their 20s would want that? Remember to tell your psychiatrist everything because something that seems minor can become awful and frustrating pretty quick. Hope this helps someone in a similar predicament."

• Ash...
• January 11, 2012

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I've been taking 50 mg for 4 weeks now. It does work, but it has dulled a lot of my emotions, and many things I used to enjoy, I now find boring. I still have some anxiety, but it has definitely made me calmer. Also, my sex drive is dead! I'm a 23-year-old male, and my previously high sex drive is gone! I also find it super hard to climax. I'm going to see a doctor about augmenting Zoloft with Wellbutrin to counter this effect. This medication is worth a shot, but the sexual side effects and boredom are very troubling for me."

• iPl...
• November 27, 2016

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I was suffering from acute anxiety in addition to my psychotic disorder (from illicit drug use). I would get this anxiety all day long, and I couldn't take it anymore, so I spoke to my doctor, and he put me on Zoloft 25 mg. It's a tiny pill, but it has made a huge difference in my anxiety level. I also practice meditation every morning to augment the Zoloft, and that's definitely helped too. For those that want to know, I practice observational meditation (simply observe and note changes in how I'm feeling and attempt to silence the negativity). The only reason that I didn't give this medication a 10 was because of the sexual side effects. I have no sex drive and have extreme difficulty climaxing, as well as maintaining an erection."

• iPl...
• November 27, 2016

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I was suffering from acute anxiety in addition to my psychotic disorder (from illicit drug use). I would get this anxiety all day long, and I couldn't take it anymore, so I spoke to my doctor, and he put me on Zoloft 25 mg. It's a tiny pill, but it has made a huge difference in my anxiety level. I also practice meditation every morning to augment the Zoloft, and that's definitely helped too. For those that want to know, I practice observational meditation (simply observe and note changes in how I'm feeling and attempt to silence the negativity). The only reason that I didn't give this medication a 10 was because of the sexual side effects. I have no sex drive and have extreme difficulty climaxing, as well as maintaining an erection."

• Wyn...
• March 31, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I was originally prescribed Zoloft for depression, but in 6 months, I had a severe manic episode and was diagnosed with Bipolar 1. Now I take Zoloft with other medicines. I would not recommend taking it alone if you may be Bipolar. I like that I have very few side effects, and it does help with anxiety and compulsive behavior too. One problem is no sexual desire, I feel like I am neglecting my boyfriend."

• Hop...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 27, 2021

For Depression "I have a long history with Zoloft, mostly successful, with a couple of self-inflicted bumps in the road. I do have issues with weight, low libido, and lethargy on this drug. I had been doing well on 25 mg since December (after being on mostly 100 mg the previous 20 years). Then some big stressors came my way in late July, and my old major depression came back. Basically feeling paralyzed and unable to enjoy anything. Back in December, my doctor had said I could increase to 50 mg if necessary, so I started doing so on August 9. The depression had not abated by the time I saw the doctor again on September 9. He recommended going up to 100 mg until I felt better from the serotonin stabilizing. I had a breakthrough one week later (September 16) where I finally felt much better. But that lasted only a week, and I started feeling bad again three days ago (September 25). So I’m just waiting for it to kick in again so I can hopefully go back down to 50 mg. Struggling with insomnia as well."

• Anonymous
• April 7, 2009

For Anxiety and Stress "I've been on Zoloft for about a year. Sure, my sex drive has decreased and my weight has increased, but I no longer feel like I'm falling apart at the seams, and I'm genuinely happy. My doctor tried to increase my dose once, and I was so perky that I couldn't concentrate at work! 50 mg is plenty for me!"

• Anonymous
• April 9, 2010

For Depression "I have been taking Zoloft for about a month and a half now. I have noticed severe loss of appetite, and I have been vomiting after I take the medication (even with the consumption of food). I have also been dizzy and more tired throughout the day. I also experienced low sex drive, slight memory loss, and lack of motivation. On the upside, I haven't had any panic attacks, thoughts of suicide, and I have not cried since taking the medication."