Zoloft and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• taw...
• January 8, 2017

For Depression "I've been on this for 10 years now, obviously it works, but at 100 mg dose, too much! I've cut back to 50 mg, and I'm fine. On 100 mg, I had a lot of weight gain, like 30 lbs. I've lost a lot of weight now on 50 mg. I probably should go off of it, but the doctor says if it works, I can stay on it. I worry there are no long-term studies on this drug, but so far it seems okay. My brother told me it can cause brain cells to die with long-term use, he read it in L.E.F. magazine. Don't know if it's true, but it helps my depression and anxiety so much that it's worth staying on. Be happy and healthy, find what works for you. Good luck!"

• Lot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 11, 2018

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I have been suffering from severe anxiety, major depressive disorder, and PTSD for over 18 years. Antidepressants sometimes made the anxiety worse. I was diagnosed with PTSD in 2015, and my psychiatrist prescribed Zoloft. Zoloft was really helping me, but I gained about 15 pounds in 2 months, so I stopped taking it. Fast forward to today. I finally got back on Zoloft after realizing that I need it. I literally have been in survival mode for years. After getting back on Zoloft, I can finally function. I didn’t know what it was like to feel 'normal.' The constant flashbacks, anxiety, and depression are gone, and when they do show up, they are manageable. Zoloft has made such a difference, I can’t believe I was living in the hell I was living in for so long. As for the weight gain, I have weighed myself every day since I started taking it, and I have not gained any weight this time around. But I’ve decided it’s better to be pleasantly plump than to be paralyzed by my PTSD."

• 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."

• Lil...
• July 14, 2011

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "First, I will admit I am at my wits' end with PMDD. I was on Zoloft 100 mg about 1 year ago for about 3 months, and it was like a miracle pill. Then I started to research more about it, and there was so much negativity toward weight gain while on it, and I did gain 10 pounds, so I started to panic because I am already 50 pounds overweight. So, I went against better judgment and went off of it. I went around the mountain over and over again, trying to find a better solution. Nothing was successful for me. I would rather be fat and happy than skinny and miserable for the rest of my life. I am going back on it in about a week. I am also going to be put on birth control pills to help with the hormones."

• aci...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 17, 2020

For Panic Disorder "Zoloft was an amazing antidepressant for me. It took the edge off, it helped me for GAD, and my panic attacks were almost gone. I have had depressive episodes where Zoloft saved my life. However, I did gain a lot of weight because it stimulates appetite a LOT. So if you are not looking into gaining weight, maybe ask your doctor for another option. It worked wonders for me, but my weight is affecting my self-esteem, and therefore, I get anxious."

• 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."

• 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."

• cam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 13, 2014

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I have been taking Zoloft for just over 2 years for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. At my worst, I was on 150 mg, and this held me quite well, I was determined not to be on the full 200 mg. Initially, the shakes and the tiredness bothered me, but not as much as how I felt when I missed a dose. On every increase, I would have a day or two where my mind and mouth raced. This provided a few giggles. A huge improvement from crying and refusing to leave the house. Combining therapy and medication has helped me get my life back. I am now on the decrease as the masses of weight I have put on in a short period of time, my least favorite side effect, regardless of how much I exercise and how good my diet is. Just keeps adding on. Now 50 mg daily and doing well."

• cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2013

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 years ago after years of suffering and take Lamictal and Seroquel, but when Zoloft was added, I haven't looked back. It has saved my marriage. I had uncontrollable jealousy, negative and suicidal thoughts, social anxiety, and panic attacks. Now I stand at the schoolyard, socialize, and have started going out with my husband again. I have put some weight on, but compared to how I felt, it is worth it."

• not...
• April 15, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have had good results with 200 mg of Zoloft and 0.5 clonazepam 3 times a day for ten years. I've tried many SSRI meds, and Zoloft has been the best so far. I suffer from depression, agoraphobia, panic, and ocular migraine. This current combo (sometimes I add gabapentin if I'm still anxious about leaving my house) has been the most effective for my mood. I gained weight on Paxil, and getting off was a nightmare. No additional weight gain with the Zoloft."

• Min...
• November 2, 2016

For Depression "This medication worked wonderfully for me. Totally changed my negative and depressed attitude about life. The only downside is some weight gain and very low libido! My doctor is actually switching me to Viibryd because of these side effects. Very scared to change medications when this one worked so well for me!"

• Anonymous
• August 24, 2008

For Depression "I've been taking this medication for almost two years. Since being on it, I've become a completely different person. I am so happy to be me. The only problems with it that I am starting to realize are that I grind my teeth at night, and I've gained 10 pounds since starting it. I exercise and eat right too. It's a constant struggle just to lose a few pounds. Then again, some people lose weight on it and some people notice no change in their weight."

• Mon...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 1, 2013

For Depression "I started taking Zoloft in October of 2011. Although it has helped me tremendously with anxiety, depression, and severe mood swings, it makes me very tired and withdrawn. I've gained 20 lbs since October 2011! I haven't seen a lot of reviews with this type of side effect for Zoloft, but I know I'm not overeating to that degree. I've gained 3 lbs since my doctor visit last week. My doctor lowered the dosage by 1/2. But needless to say, the weight gain is more depressing than anything."

• Kat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 24, 2013

For Depression "I was on Zoloft for about 5 years. Before that, I was on Effexor and Paxil, which I did not tolerate well due to the half-life. Zoloft was good, but after several years, I developed side effects: tremor, jaw clenching, weight gain, sexual dysfunction. I weaned myself off of all meds, which was really hard. It's been nearly a year, and I'm ready to go back on something. I've tried natural therapies for SADD, PMDD, depression, anxiety, and it's not working."

• Dep...
• October 10, 2017

For Depression "This med helps my depression so much! I have severe depression and anxiety, and it helps with everything - the sadness, irritability, anxiety, social anxiety, you name it. Unfortunately, it causes major weight gain. I mean, I gained 40 lbs in a few months, so I weaned off of it, lost the weight with no lifestyle changes. Tried other meds, but nothing worked as well, so I gave it another try. Again, weight gain. No lifestyle changes and gained 70 lbs in 4 months. Repeat weaning. Repeat weight loss. Became suicidal. Had to go back on the med. Remained on it for 9 years, gained 150 lbs and remained stable there. Recently went off again, and I'm trying to find another med because I can't handle obesity but can't find another med that works as well!"

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2015

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "As someone that hates crowds and dealing with people in general, Zoloft seems to be helping. I have also tried Lexapro, which caused horrible weight gain and total numbness when it came to feelings. Zoloft has been doing the opposite... My appetite is pretty much non-existent. So far, I wouldn't say I'm having any major side effects, and I'm overall happy with everything."

• sab...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 30, 2019

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I was both fearful and against taking any form of medication. I gave in and I do not regret it. I did not realize how effective Zoloft was until I decreased my dose. I started on 25 mg, then 50 mg did the trick for a while, and I ended with 75 mg. I was less aggravated, let things roll off my shoulder more, performed better at work, less depressed, a little numb, focused better, more social and confident, etc. My personal experience was more than decent, honestly. The reason why I decreased and plan to go on something different is because I felt I was gaining a bit of weight, and it helped depression more than anxiety. In addition, I began having racing thoughts, struggled to stay asleep, and it gave me acid reflux. I was not comfortable increasing the dose in fear I'd have to increase more and more while also being fearful I'd gain more weight and have worsening acid reflux. Do not let the negatives scare you, this medication worked for me for the time being, and I encourage anyone to give this a try for sure!"

• Kir...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 1, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "Spoiler: This is trash! Worst medication out there! Seriously, do yourself a favor and do not take this. I gained over 100 pounds in a year on this medicine back in 2011 when I was in high school. It caused my liver enzymes to shoot up, and the doctor said I had the liver enzymes of an alcoholic at 13 years old. I am 28 now and have had problems with losing weight and morbid obesity ever since. Before I took this crap, I was underweight, but now I have a BMI of 41.2. I am 284 pounds, I was 164 pounds before I took this stuff. I should have sued them when I could. This is a dangerous medicine that needs to be pulled off the shelves. I know everyone is different, but oh my God, it ruined my whole life and my metabolism. I also still have problems with my liver to this day, according to my blood work."

• Wil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2016

For Depression "My doctor started me on Zoloft for longstanding low-level depression that was increasing due to menopause and for possible migraine prevention. It did nothing for the migraines, but it has definitely improved my mood. I started on a 50 mg dose, and the doctor had me increase it to 100 mg after a few weeks. Still no migraine relief, but the holidays didn't depress me as they always have since my father passed away. I did notice trouble sleeping, but taking it in the morning instead of at night helps with that. Also, a slight weight gain. I might try going back to 50 mg if the doctor okays it. It seemed to be enough, and I don't want to overmedicate."

• Bet...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 28, 2022

For Depression "It did nothing for my depression, in fact, I got more depressed because I gained so much weight. The doctor wouldn’t change it till he started asking questions. When he got to how was my libido? And I said -0, he said, Oh, we can’t have that! How does your husband react to that? I switched doctors!"

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 20, 2024

"Zoloft (50 mg) really helped with anxiety and depression; I no longer wake up wanting to call it quits at life, spending hours lost in the thoughts in my head, and I have way more capacity to handle stressors. I don't even remember the last time I had an anxiety attack, which I never thought would be possible as someone who used to have them daily. The first 4 weeks of side effects were the worst (headache, dry mouth, nausea), but around week six, the initial side effects wore off. The one thing I'm noticing though after a year of taking it has been excruciating migraines and about 30 lb of weight gain, which have been brutal - I'm beginning to realize it's the Zoloft."

• cis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 14, 2017

For Depression "I've taken Zoloft for several years: once to help with OCD when I was younger and more recently to help with depression. Overall, I definitely experienced less crying and general hopelessness on Zoloft. I still had my bad days, but in general, it's manageable. The biggest side effect was the weight gain. I gained about 20 lbs in a year. I also felt like I sweat easier on this medication, especially my palms. This was pretty minor, though. I'm switching to another medication due to the weight gain, and I will say the withdrawals from Zoloft are tough. My emotions were really heightened, and anything could make me cry. Be sure to tell your loved ones that you'll need some extra support as you taper off."

• 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."

• Ski...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2012

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I suffer from moderate to severe OCD (with mild depression due to it), and I was prescribed Zoloft. It helped me to control my obsessive thoughts, I was able to get fully rested sleep, and I was more social and outgoing. Unfortunately, I stayed on it for only 6 months before weaning myself off of it due to weight gain (20 lbs) in a short amount of time, and my lifestyle was a lot more active when I started taking it too. I also had very vivid and detailed dreams, which weren't horrible, but it was nice to be able to fall asleep easier."

• EM9...
• April 5, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I'd been taking Prozac for a few years, but its effects wore off, so I switched to this. I'm very glad I did. It completely got rid of my panic attacks and obsessive worries, and reminded me how good life can be without them. I still feel sluggish, but I always have, even before I started SSRIs. The most noticeable side effects have been weight gain and erectile dysfunction. I'm going to try nefazodone and see if that works for me without the side effects. But if you don't have these side effects or they're not a big deal, I highly recommend Zoloft."