Sertraline for Anxiety and Stress User Reviews (Page 5)

• Amazed...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2014

"I have ALWAYS suffered from anxiety and depression. It has been my experience that meds often do not act 'typically' when I take them, so I was wary of sertraline. I started out with 25 mg per day from my psychiatrist. When he prompted me to increase to 50 mg, I did so, and experienced the 'zoned-out' feeling of unreality—not scary—just distracting. When I stay at 25 mg per day, I feel normal. Anxiety is at a minimum, and depression is manageable. I feel fortunate and blessed. I just wonder why such a low dose for me has such a huge positive impact. Anyone else experience this phenomenon?"

• Woody
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 6, 2019

"I have suffered with panic attacks and anxiety for over 30 years. I started taking sertraline 6 months ago. I was very frightened of taking medication but decided I had to do something to try and get my life back. I took 25 mg at first and was absolutely terrified. I did get some side effects but I was determined to carry on. I'm now on 50 mg and it's totally changed my live. It's given me the confidence to go aboard on holiday and I actually enjoyed it. Please if you are suffering give this medication a try. Stick at it and you will feel better. I just wish I had tried it years ago. Good luck"

• LUCKY...
• July 8, 2013

"After suffering a bereavement and going through menopause, I suffered anxiety attacks. I continuously felt stressed, had the shakes when I woke up, and heart palpitations. All in all, life was bad. Eventually, I asked my doctor for help. He prescribed SERTRALINE (one week 25 mg, second week 50 mg). The first 2 weeks I felt as though they weren't making any difference, but after the third week, the shakes and palpitations stopped. Now, nearly three months later, I feel so much better in every way. I sleep better, enjoy my life again. I would recommend that anyone trying sertraline not to give up after the first two weeks if you don't feel any benefit; it does take a while to get into your system. As for side effects, I haven't had any."

• Pringle
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2019

"This medicine is new for me (1 week) yes after 1 week I can honestly say I can feel the effect I've been on a few medication but this one is for me, I feel so calm and a little less nervous, I can read in peace, before I felt all four sides of my head was reading a different story at the same time I just knew I was going crazy, I can concentrate I feel fear free I'm even starting to think I can drive again but one day at a time, after three years of this and not being able to even walk from my house to the corner. I can say Thank You Father for touching the hands of my Doctors to choose finally a medication that works for me. I pray each day I will come closer to being me again from where I'm sitting the road looks clear, I'm feeling HAPPY once again. I will stick with this for as long as it takes for me."

• Scottie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2020

"Started Zoloft 15days ago and have been having a tough time with the up and downs. The past two day’s have been bad with lots of anxiety, and shaking with lots of crying on the floor. The doctors warned me of these symptoms and encouraged me to be strong and that it will get better with time and to trust its the process as it balancing me out. I’m not having suicidal thoughts anymore so that’s a relief. My appetite has surely decreased although it seems that smoking a little marijuana helped me with that but would prefer not to have to smoke to eat. I should feel grateful that I’m actually feeling something again even if it hurts because nothings is as bad as the place I was at — I look forward to happy days again. Stay strong"

• joesg...
• December 7, 2009

Zoloft (sertraline) "I started having panic attacks and anxiety coupled with mild depression. I have been on Zoloft for 10 years and have always taken 50mg. It has literally saved my life. I had gotten to the point I could not leave my house and had run out of stores and restaurants on several occasions. I used to snap at my kids, but the medication leveled out my moods and cured my panic attacks and has worked very well for me. I highly recommend it."

• Roxy
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 26, 2019

"I started on these about 3 years ago due to my anxiety with driving, then in Jan 19 found out I got cancer which still have totally floored me. I've gone from 50 mg to 100 mg with side effects weird dreams however if my doctors didn’t up my dose god knows where I be now, I’m just living for the moment now and without these med think I be long gone now don’t be afraid to ask for help I’m glad I have it’s helping me through my battle"

• Alfie
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 10, 2019

"I have been taking Sertraline 50 mg for three years. It has changed my life. I still get periods of anxiety but this tablet allows me to be more in charge and I can refocus and stay in control. If I have to take it for the rest of my life I will as it has been life changing."

• anxie...
• June 26, 2019

"Anxiety has plagued me since childhood. I had been to the emergency room and various doctors with different illnesses but the underlying cause was always stress. It affected my whole life, how I performed at school and work, relationships and self esteem. I finally hit rock bottom 3 months ago and went to my doctor for help. I am not sure what would have happened to me if I hadn't been prescribed sertraline. My previous experience of anti-depressants wasn't good but only because I couldn't handle the side effects. This time I made the decision to stick it out. The first 6 weeks were tough at times, I had headaches, felt dizzy and nauseous but it was worth it. I am only taking 25mg as I know it's all I need. I actually don't recognise myself and the things I can do now that the anxiety has gone. I am calm, relaxed and don't overthink things, it has truly changed my life. I feel like I have to pinch my self constantly because things are going so well."

• Tricky
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2019

"Well I’ve been on escitilapram for many years without much success- switched to Sertraline 4 weeks ago, starting at 50mg now up to 150mg and I am feeling great - no side effects at all - I am feeling normal, sleep is so much better, no doom and gloom feelings, mood has lifted. I give this a 10/10 for me."

• Paulo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2018

"I've noticed that the vast majority of negative reviews are from people who took this for 1 day to 2 weeks. For most people the side effects are minor or non-existent if the dose is started low which is what I did. After week 5, I am just now starting to notice that I'm not constantly obsessing, stressed, overwhelmed, anxious and negative. You can have major life changing epiphanies and realizations about yourself and how you got yourself into this state of mind/emotion in the first place. Anyway I don't feel cured or extra happy. Its almost like I forget to get stressed and anxious and when I remember I decide if I want to or not. I'll continue on for 3 months and report back then. Good luck. Don't let anxiety keep you from improving your life. This can help. Don't worry about the bad reviews. Start slow if you're worried and it'll be fine."

• carrie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2024

"I was so worried about starting this medication as I was so scared of the side effects. I read and read these reviews, spent hours reading all the info I could find, I have talked myself out of taking this for a year! I have now taken the plunge, 2 weeks on 25mg (felt fine apart from a bit of disturbed sleep and sweating) appetite also took a bit of a hammering but only for a few days. I’m now in week 4 and on 50mg, the higher dose gave me a headache for two days but then went. I still feel a little anxious in the mornings but it’s way more manageable and does not send me into panic anymore. I feel that when out and about I’m in a bit of a goldfish bowl but hoping in time that will settle. Take the plunge and stick with it, I’m so proud of myself"

• Aaa
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2018

"Probably like many of you I was ready to give up on this medication.. but hey, was worth it feeling like a zombie for a week, constant headache, shaking, paranoia, hungover, no appetite - on day 9 I woke up in the morning and felt like new person. Happy, full of joy, joking, so much laughter. I’ve been missing being my old self. I felt like my life started again. Give it a go! Good luck and stay strong"

• ReeBa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 9, 2015

"I started taking Sertraline 11 months ago due to anxiety caused through major life traumas and problems but work tipped me over the edge. I felt like I was unable to smile, function, talk, and walk some days. Horrible feeling, so I went to the doctor and started treatment. No side effects, and after 2 weeks, the black cloud lifted from my life! I can't tell you how brilliant I feel. I'm generally happy, calm, and do not overreact anymore. I do not plan on coming off this medication at all... I am 52 years old."

• Anoish
• November 9, 2015

"Suffered quite bad anxiety for a number of years but tried every herbal remedy, acupuncture, etc. as I didn't want to go on meds. After the initial common side effects that lasted a few weeks, I began to notice subtle changes. After a few months, I feel great and wish I'd done it sooner. I spent a long time being like a bag of nerves doing the most everyday tasks, i.e., grocery shopping, work, etc. I'd have palpitations, shakes, fight-or-flight feeling, along with constant I.B.S. I get a very odd 'off' day, which isn't nowhere near as bad as before the meds. Overall, I feel the best I have done in years. I can now do normal things without thinking I'm going to have a panic attack, socializing more, don't get ill so frequently, and generally have more energy."

• thigk
• April 30, 2014

"Prescribed Mirtazapine for 18 months for mild depression. I started panicking and depression worsened. I became hyper-anxious. I was lucky to get a different doctor when I turned up hysterical at the surgery. He took me off Mirtazapine and moved me gradually onto sertraline. It was horrific. I couldn't eat or sleep, I paced for hours in circles. For 12 weeks, I was a suicide-focused, unstable, shaking, retching mess. I lost 2 stone. I was given a pre-set dose of diazepam and lorazepam at intervals throughout the day. My husband or mother shuttled me backwards and forwards, so I was never left alone. Gradually, we built up the dosage of sertraline to 200mg and stopped the benzos. I don't feel anxiety or depression, I feel fantastic, confident, energetic, and happy."

• EliJame
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2023

"If I can give you advice, stick with Sertraline for at least 3 months. It takes time to work. I've finally reached a point where I can talk about my experience, and I feel 90% better! I've always had anxiety, but over the years, I've also been diagnosed with OCD and intrusive thoughts. In the last 5 years, I lost a parent, lost a loved one to cancer, and made a major move. Then, I had a baby, and my anxiety skyrocketed! Along came depression. I was having panic attacks with a long list of other symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, hypervigilance, etc. My doctor prescribed 50mg of Sertraline. The first month was HELL! I had every side effect possible. I couldn't do anything. It was REALLY bad. Many times, I thought of giving up, but then I read reviews here and kept going. After weeks, I had a good day here and there and bumped my dose to 75mg. I felt okay but still had really bad days. After 4 months, I upped my dose to 100mg. I feel amazing. No more symptoms or side effects. Believe me, it WILL work."

• Beach...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2016

"I have suffered with anxiety and severe depression for years. I had tried group therapy as well as one-on-one sessions with a psychiatrist, but it was not much help. I would sit at a meeting or in a class and look normal, but I would be going crazy inside with my thoughts racing out of control, and this would last nonstop for days. It also made social situations extremely difficult. My doc put me on Sertraline first at 25 mg and upped it to 50 mg after a month. Except for a bit of nausea, I had almost no side effects, and after about three weeks, I started to notice some subtle changes. I've been on it going on four months now, and I feel like a new person! I'm much more in control, and my days now are calm and much happier. If you can relate, please try it."

• Anonymous
• January 22, 2016

"Starting this medication was the best thing I could have done for myself. I struggle with anxiety and depression, and I also have premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Sertraline has helped me cope with all of them. I haven't been this mentally stable and clear-headed for a very long time - maybe never. I can make decisions without agonizing over them, experience new social situations, do new things, and life seems so much more manageable. All of the hurdles in my life that seemed insurmountable before are now obstacles I know I can climb over. The only side effect I've noticed is a little bit of dry mouth, and I started to noticeably feel the effects only about a week or so after taking it."

• MikeBE
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2022

"I'm 44, and I've been taking Sertraline 50mg for a full 9 weeks now for severe general anxiety and panic attacks. In October I started to suffer from periods of anxiety, which expanded to the point I was suffering 24/7 by beginning of December, so I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, and eventually couldn't work anymore and got panic attacks. I've been taking 50mg from the start. - Week 1-2: Side effect hell, in bed all day, morning anxiety, better in the evenings; - Week 3: Better moments started earlier (afternoon); - Week 4-8: Ups and downs, this instability seemed to last forever, hope was fading; - Week 9: Started to work again, although I was not really feeling 100%; - Now: Finally I feel great again! Super happy last 3 days! No 'like a switch' moment for me, but a gradual fluctuating improvement. I had read about being patient, so I was. I saw my doctor every two weeks, and as I was experiencing some positive effects, he didn't want to up the dose prematurely. Hope this helps."

• bella...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2014

"Please give this medicine a try. I have had some mild anxiety since my 20s, and after I had a child and now I'm in my 40s, it got pretty bad to the point where I would have a panic attack in my car every day, and I developed a fear of driving. I also had very bad health anxiety and ended up in the ER for a panic attack. I was very scared of taking any prescriptions because of all the horrific reviews, but panicking in my car was no way to live either, so I decided to try Zoloft. The first 2 weeks, the side effects were rough: nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, dry mouth, but the anxiety was getting better from day one. I started with 25mg and worked myself up to 50mg. The side effects pretty much subsided after week 3, and now I feel great."

• Pablo
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2019

"Been on sertraline 50mg for a week, would just like to help some people who have been suffering from the side effects. I'm a 40yr old male who Iwas very reluctant to start this medication but the anxiety became overwhelming. First of all I must stress that everybody is different but for me the first 4-5 days were horrendous. Nausea dizziness insomnia heightened anxiety took 3 days off work BUT on the 6th day started feeling better now it's the 7th day and all side effects have pretty much gone apart from some tinittus. Hoping the tablets will work in the long run but hope this will help you if your struggling initially with the side effects. Good luck your not alone x"

• LoveL...
• December 24, 2016

"I was suffering with anxiety with constant running thoughts and feeling overwhelmed. I did 1 on 1 counseling sessions then took the next step by trying medication. I've never been prescribed medication nor taken anything even if I have a headache. I was started on 25mg once a day and now have been on it for about 4 weeks. I must say this has been one of the best choices I have ever made. I immediately felt relieved from anxious thoughts and stress. I am more calm and can think clearly without worrying. At first, yes, I experienced very moderate side effects like blurred vision, light sensitivity, and fogginess but it takes time for your brain neurons to adjust. I would say after 4 days of taking it I felt fine. I finally have my life back!"

• gestb
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 3, 2024

"I am a 22-year-old female. I take sertraline 100 mg every night. I have taken it for about 3 years in total, with a 6-month break in between. I have struggled with anxiety and depression since high school. When I first began experiencing anxiety, I thought I was dying. I had no idea what anxiety or panic attacks were and knew very little about mental health in general. After struggling with depression and anxiety unmedicated for the first two years of college, and after a painful breakup during COVID, I decided to try medicine. Sertraline truly works very well for me; I became more social and much less anxious overall. I would recommend measuring your improvement month by month instead of weekly as the meds have to build up in your system. My side effects have been mild; I do tend to gain about 10 lbs when I'm on it. Hence the rating of 9. Zoloft isn't a miracle drug that will fix all your problems, but it can make them much more manageable. If you are in a dark place, stay strong, and try meds!"

• Rou
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2022

"I waited 3 weeks to pass to share with you my review. I suffer from severe depression and anxiety and PTSD (sexual violence). I started with 25mg then now I'm at 50mg here I share my diary with you "Day 13 What a drug, I won’t say I already love it cause if we are going to talk about change then this is really a life changer. Sure I made some mistakes and drunk meanwhile a couple of times when it’s better not to, but damn life is back again and that was me opening my arms for a few seconds to say Hi. Now I’m back on the track and yeah it’s so great to feel air in my lungs, now I can worry about real problems, now I can prepare for the future optimistically. The journey is still going on and this is only the beginning." Wherever you are keep fighting, give those pills a chance and be patient, I know it's tough but you'll be okay. I went through all the side effects btw but now I'm fine. YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK"