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Sertraline for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

Brand names: Zoloft

Sertraline has an average rating of 6.8 out of 10 from a total of 215 reviews for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. 58% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 24% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Sertraline

  • Cliff
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 22, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "I was on Zoloft for about 3 years up until a couple years ago when I lost my insurance and was unable to see any doctors ! I have to say that while I was taking it my depression and anxiety were pretty much held in check ! It worked really well for me and I'm definitely going to ask my current doctor to put me back on it because I haven't felt as well since ! I'm currently taking Zyprexa and it's no where near as good ! Just sayin ! Good Luck to Everyone"

9 / 10
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  • Cara
  • August 22, 2017

Zoloft (sertraline) "My story is a positive one and meant to give others hope that they can reclaim their lives and live a normal, happy, healthy one! Dec,2016 I became sick, overloaded, crying constantly & fearful. Dr. gave me Zoloft & Xanax, was terrified to take either, but started xanax once a day at .12mg and it eased anxiety soon went to .25 2x a day. Finally took Zoloft 25mg. Side effects were horrible! Upped to 37.5 after 2 months,2 months later 50.Wish I had listened and taken 50 mg First. My family forced me to stick with it, tho side effects were unbearable.Then One day ,4 weeks into the 50mg dose I felt like my old self. I was excited about life! Happy again. After a week I quit Xanax. I'm Working again &l oving life! Seek therapy! You can do it!"

10 / 10
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  • Beent...
  • September 15, 2020

"I’m posting this to shine some hope for people who are trying to find relief from anxiety & depression. I have been severely depressed for well over 2 years- tried neurofeedback, TMS and about a dozen different medications. I’ve been in the day program (psych) and had two stints of medical leave from work. I’ve been suffering more than I know how to express in words, basically hanging on by a thread for the last year or so. I’m 3 weeks into Zoloft and I feel more like myself than I have in years. I laugh easier, I can express my thoughts and more importantly, I am actually having thoughts & they aren’t all crappy ones! There’s a slight backup in my GI system but other than that no horrid side effects. The first few days I was exhausted and a bit restless but it was transient. I am feeling so grateful for finally landing on a med that works for me. Please hang in and know that there’s a solution out there. Keep fighting. You are worth it."

9 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Sandra
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 29, 2022

Zoloft (sertraline) "Please don’t give up on Zoloft ! It took almost 10 weeks for 37 mg’s of Zoloft to help me with my major suicidal depression! I had bad side effects at first ( little sleep, paranoia, anxiety, couldn’t think straight, brain zaps, chest pain) I stuck through because I had read that it can take a while to get in your system and work. Then by around 10 weeks I felt like a new person!! I was genuinely happy ( wanting to be social, singing, laughing, cracking jokes) for the first time in a year and a half! I had tried tons of different antidepressants (Remron, lexpro, cymbalta, welbutrin… the list goes on .. nothing would work without really bad side effects! Zoloft has helped tremendously plus I’m taking 2 mg’s of lorazepam a day if needed! So the combination plus I walk everyday for at least 1/2 an hour has changed my outlook and I have tons of energy too!! I’m 52 and feel like I’m in my 20’s once again!! Give Zoloft a chance to work!"

9 / 10
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  • Glenn...
  • September 28, 2015

Zoloft (sertraline) "I've been on 200mg Zoloft daily for the last 6 years and finally have a manageable, stable life, a positive attitude, I'm creative, no depression at all...My craving for alcohol disappeared after 20 years of drinking...I'm a whole new man, thank you! My mother is happy to have her son back..."

10 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Cookie
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 17, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "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 dr 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."

9 / 10
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  • That...
  • July 27, 2016

Zoloft (sertraline) "Been severely depressed for many years. Anxiety, ocd too. Zoloft has made me way more stable, down side is it can make you numb to life. I lost my dad in 06, I went into an awake coma so to speak, lost my mom last March, I felt the pain come in like bullet and then I felt overwhelmingly calm, that's the seratonin doing its job. I couldn't cry at the funeral or anything. While I'm not depressed, I do feel many other effects, decreased libido, muscle twitch, I extend my legs and contort them in bed uncontrollably. I give it a 9 because it saved my life. I'm on 150mg mornings. Have been for 10 years plus. Give it a good shot, let it have time to work. Good Luck. Don't ever give up."

9 / 10
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More FAQ

  • James...
  • August 9, 2017

Zoloft (sertraline) "I was skeptical about anti-depressants for a long time and decided to take them only as a last resort. I've been on 200mg of Zoloft for about 6 months now and the results are fantastic. I've had a tremendous improvement in mood, energy, and all around motivation to get up in the morning. I have also had zero side effects. Unless something changes I will continue to take this medication and recommend it to others as well."

10 / 10
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  • legak...
  • May 29, 2014

Zoloft (sertraline) "For me, this medication did not work on a lower dose of 50 mg, 100 mg, or even 150 mg. My depression got better once I was increased to 200 mg, which is the therapeutic limit, but this may be because my depression was incredibly severe -extremely suicidal, and not functioning at all. However, after taking this medication for a little over a year, I have come to the realization that it no longer is working for me, and I am experiencing what my psychiatrist calls a "poop out," which is apparently something most SSRIs can do. I would recommend Zoloft (Sertraline) to anyone who has depression. It has honestly been the best medication for me, but for now, I need to try something new."

8 / 10
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  • Saltg...
  • October 10, 2017

Zoloft (sertraline) "I’ve suffered from serious depression since I was about 11 but always refused treatment because I’m against any kind drugs and I was afraid I would lose myself and become a zombie instead and I didn’t want that. But now in my 30’s now and feeling very suicidal, waking up anxious everyday, heart racing non stop, always crying and not being able to do anything really without being panicky and ridiculously self conscious, relationship failing because of my head, I was at the end. Started on 25mg of zoloft and from first day no crying. No depression or anxiety, no reactive emotions anymore. From first day. Didn’t think it would work from first day but it has and I’m blown away I didn’t start this sooner. Side effect( very tired though ) definitely worth it."

10 / 10
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  • zeket...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • October 12, 2014

Zoloft (sertraline) "I took this 2 years ago at 150mg... lost weight, great antidepressant I'm on 60mg's of Prozac. Works very well too but thinking of going back to Zoloft because of weight gain, but I give it 10. Great medicine."

10 / 10
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  • GGano
  • September 25, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "I’ve been on Zoloft for almost a year, at the beginning I was on 50mg and it helped for a while no weird side affects. After a few weeks though I noticed it wasn’t helping so much so I got upped to 100mg. I have been on and off of it for about 4 months, but when I have taken it I do notice it does help me. I saw some reviews talking about the terrible side affects and that sucks, but not every medication is for everyone. Zoloft has honestly helped me when I correctly take it. Hope all my fellow buddies find the correct meds and keep ur heads up.<3"

7 / 10
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  • KateK...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 28, 2015

Zoloft (sertraline) "I was started on 25mg Zoloft about 3 1/2 weeks ago for long term anxiety and depression, and it has made a huge positive impact on my life already. For the first two weeks my side effects included decreased appetite, hands shaking, head fogginess, insomnia, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and clenching/grinding my teeth when I slept. Except for the decreased appetite (which I am happy about), all of the side effects are gone and it was well worth waiting them out, I promise. I did have to play around with the time I took it and found that morning works the best for me. Not having those crippling feelings of anxiety and not being so miserable all the time - I should have done this a long time ago. I'm finally getting my life back."

10 / 10
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  • Owen
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • April 8, 2018

Zoloft (sertraline) "I want everyone to know if you are on medication for depression and anxiety you must find which medication works best for you. Paxil made me very shaky and Cymbalta was a complete nightmare. I’m currently on Zoloft. Been on it for many years . My doctor calls it a maintenance drug. Zoloft works very well for me . No side effects. If you feel you need to be on medication, that life is a struggle mentally, and you have a doctor who understands you and you trust please try a medication BUT do not stay on a medication that does not work . Work with your doctor and try a different one . It’s a long horrible journey finding the right one but once you find it you will know . Seek counseling when things get rough . Talk to others who are going through the same thing. I take 100mg of Zoloft with a fish oil supplement and vitamin D. You must eat right and take care of yourself if you want your medication to work best for you. And no alcohol . It may make you feel horrible the next day ."

9 / 10
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  • painf...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 16, 2015

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have been treated for major depression all of my adult life. Over the years I have taken many different drugs for depression. Zoloft works best of all I have tried so far. It took about 2 weeks to really start feeling the difference so be patient."

10 / 10
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  • Nicoola
  • October 11, 2015

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have been taking 50mg of Zoloft for a month now. At first I was nauseous everyday and wanted to stop so bad. I stayed with it and I can really feel a difference. I seem to be able to think more clearly and just in a better mood altogether. I have suffered from major depressive and extreme anxiety disorder since about the age of 13. I'm almost 32 now and for once I actually feel good. This speaks in volumes for those that know me. I'm not sure if I will need to increase the dosage ever but for now the 50mg seems to be the magic happy pill I've been looking for my whole life. Also I may be one of the few but it seems to have increased my sex drive. Weird huh!"

10 / 10
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  • Lrivera
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 3, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "My psychiatrist added zoloft to my adderall and wellbutrin xl. It took 2 months for the zoloft to take full effect. I started the zoloft the last week of November and took till the middle of January for the full effect. In the beginning I felt exhausted when I took it. I waited it out patiently. It's amazing when zoloft kicked in with my wellbutrin xl and adderall. I feel calmer, happier and more in control of my life and emotions. I think before I act and my thoughts are so much clearer. It is great. I am bipolar 2 with Adhd. These medications may not work for everyone but from my experience, I feel more in control of myself and my emotions."

10 / 10
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  • The...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 30, 2021

Zoloft (sertraline) "If you’re looking to change your life and become the person you want and used to be, this drug helps. It all started one day while driving. I had a panic attack so badly I passed out at the wheel. I thought I was dying. I continued to have terrible panic attacks so badly I had to stop working, I secluded myself at home and didn’t interact with anyone. This went on for years!!!! I finally reached out to my doctor after trying everything organic and she started me on 25mg of Zoloft. I was diagnosed with OCD, MDD, Anxiety and PTSD. Within a few weeks I felt a weight lift off of me. My dosage slowly increased to 100mg. It saved me. It saved my marriage. I had my first child. My life is now mine again and I can handle what comes my way. You also have to get outside, workout, eat clean. But this helps give you the drive and energy to change your life."

10 / 10
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  • JJ jr
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • January 28, 2024

Zoloft (sertraline) "The only med I’ve taken that continues to work. 100 mg is the key. No side effects for men! Nothing bothers you, always at peace, still have energy, truly a lifesaver. Don’t give up on it until you reach 100 mg a day."

10 / 10
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  • pinea...
  • January 6, 2021

Zoloft (sertraline) "I was prescribed Zoloft and Klonopin twice in the past both for depression and anxiety-related issues. The first time it took about 5 months to recover, 3 the second time. I stayed on Zoloft first time 7 months, second time 12 months. During Covid, after being 3 years free of antidepressants and depression, I found myself falling back. This time the main concern was insomnia. Zoloft and Klonopin helped me to restore healthy sleeping patterns. It took a few months. I also went on a low sugar diet, worked out, went to therapy, meditated, did breathing exercises, found support, followed CBTI. Today I am depression-free. I generally sleep fine. I am on 75mg! I am off of benzos as Zoloft took full effect in month 4. If you have been on any medication for more than 8 weeks and do not feel better or feel worse, talk to your prescriber. Again, Zoloft can be helpful to someone at 25 mg to others at 150mg. You have to play around and give it time."

10 / 10
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  • EE Guy
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 18, 2020

"I went to the doctor due to an extreme episode of acute insomnia. She quizzed me and ended up diagnosing me with moderate major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety. Finally things made sense to me: the shaky feelings, the racing thoughts, the restlessness and insomnia, the angry outbursts, and the fatigue. I thought it was just who I was. After 6 weeks and upping the dose to 50mg, I felt like my old self again, and going strong after 6 months. I've gotten lucky and haven't experienced any side effects. I wish mental health wasn't so stigmatized in the US. If more people were empowered to get the help they needed we'd be so much better off as a people."

10 / 10
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  • El Jay
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • August 23, 2016

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have been taking Zoloft for 20 years. I started on 50mg a day and remember the very overwhelming feeling of "normality" within a month. I was at one stage, 12 - 15 years ago on 400 mg per day. Since then I have been on 300 mg per day. It is the only SSRI that seems to work for me. Of late Zoloft has been difficult to obtain and I have tried several generic brands. For me , contrary to the statement that they do exactly the same thing, they don't work as well as Zoloft. In fact some are quite detrimental. I have MDD, OCD, ODD and minor agoraphobia. Zoloft has saved my life."

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  • Beaut...
  • May 8, 2015

Zoloft (sertraline) "I started off with seralitine (generic for zoloft),100mg it lifted my mood, I was happier, less angry, calm, and it helped with my moods before my cycle came along. After a while it started to wear off so I started taking 150mg, finally I increased it to 200mg with my docs permission. I loved this dose because it seemed to suit me better, but after a while I noticed my hair shedding really bad. So I switched back to 150mg and it stopped. Everyone is different with side effects but I recommend this drug. It has changed my life for the better, it helps my anxiety,and it helps me not to worry as much. I'm glad I tried it. It does mess with sex drive but some maybe able to work around that."

9 / 10
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  • Kirk
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 1, 2023

Zoloft (sertraline) "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 of 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."

1 / 10
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  • kalop...
  • June 3, 2016

Zoloft (sertraline) "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 25mg for the first 4 days, then upped to 50mg. First few days on 25mg I had moments of feeling very spaced out. When I increased the dose to 50mg, I had a few days of nausea, diarrhoea 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."

8 / 10
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43 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

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