Sertraline for Depression User Reviews

• Sav...
• September 9, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "I’m 36 and I’ve dealt with depression my entire life. I was also irritable. It would come, hit me hard, and then go away. I thought diets, sleep, etc., could help me. They would only at first. I gave Lexapro a try, my first medication ever. It helped some and I wanted to “settle” with Lexapro because at least my depression was at bay. Two years ago I started Zoloft and it literally saved my life, marriage, memories with my kids, saved me from me. I truly didn’t know what normal life was like until I started Zoloft. It hasn’t changed me, it helped me be the true, happy me that would show up periodically. All those “organic” ways might help some people. Just don’t think “big pharma” can’t help you, like I did before I tried meds. I never, ever, ever thought I would be saying that. For two years now I’ve been alive, I’ve run my business like never before, I’m patient with my kids, my wife, my family. I hope so badly this review helps someone out there who is just like I was."

• lil...
• July 2, 2021

Zoloft (sertraline) "I promised I would come back and leave a review after trying Zoloft. I am female (21) and I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder from a car crash. I read SO many reviews talking about their horrible crazy experiences so I was super scared to try this. I’m on 25mg of Zoloft daily which I believe is the lowest dose. It has worked wonders for me. PLEASE GIVE IT A TRY. The first night I took it without food and I was up all night, extremely nauseous with a crazy amount of energy. Definitely take it in the morning. The only annoying side effects I've experienced are mild nausea if I take it without food and lower libido. This pill has changed my life and honestly saved my life. I am so much more productive and energetic, I no longer have racing thoughts and cry for hours every night. I feel like myself again, and I feel like my best self. I wish you all the best luck on your journey. You are so loved!"

• JMM...
• February 7, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "2 months ago, I was desperately going through these pages to find something positive about sertraline. My mother had died, and my daughter, 3 weeks after, went into treatment for 6 weeks for anorexia. Long story short, I had an acute panic/anxiety/depression event in early December. I started on Zoloft 25mg on December 11. I had most hours of feeling 'ok' but I was frustrated that I was still feeling that adrenaline and anxiety. By week 5, I was still frustrated by feelings of anxiety. Then everything lifted. I promise you will feel better. I absolutely promise. Stick with it. But do the work too! Go out! Exercise! Eat well! (I had no appetite!) Don't watch the news. Look for the small things. And read or listen to Claire Weekes on YouTube (it's like your grandma giving you a talking to). You will be better."

• 202...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have been taking Sertraline for almost two months and I give it 10 out of 10. I feel amazing! In addition to taking the medication, I created my own healing plan: drink water, 8 hours of sleep, cognitive behavior therapy, cut off alcohol, caffeine, and sugar, eat vegetables, fish, fruits, and nuts, exercise 3 times a week, take vitamin D, B12, magnesium, spend time with friends and family, enjoy the sun, do something fun, meditate, and do yoga (try these apps: Calm and Headspace). There is also a free app called Flow which helps you to treat depression, have a Reiki session, and let go of what is not making you happy (job, relationships, addiction), etc. Medication is great, but you need to look at other aspects of your life as well to heal :-)"

• Thi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2017

Zoloft (sertraline) "MOTIVATION MONDAY: To the lovely folks, just like me, who spend hours searching online forums looking for something to give you hope. I understand. I want to share what I've learned. When I was in my darkest place, I would read reviews about meds not working or awful side effects. I was convinced no medication would work for me because of this. BUT this one did! Please know, there is a light at the end of the tunnel! ALWAYS. You are not alone. You are not crazy. Don't give up. You'll be feeling normal again before you know it. This too shall pass!"

• ozz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 23, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "A few years ago, I smoked a high strain of cannabis, and a few days later, I started to have severe anxiety. Something triggered, and I went into a deep depression. I was living the life, an amazing career, and a beautiful girlfriend, everything I could ask for. Then this hit, and I was so deep in depression that I didn't want to continue anymore. Antidepressants were my last choice, and THANKFUL I did. I didn't want to get on them because I thought I was weak and couldn't get over it on my own. Symptoms were high depersonalization, feeling detached, hopelessness, isolation, etc. I thought it was over at age 24... but listen... It's not. I am living the best life now and have my dream job. Antidepressants do not make you weak. They make you brave and proud of yourself at the end of it. I have become a better person from all of this, and you will too. Do not give up because you will be back to normal. It took a good 6-8 months before they did their job. It takes a while to kick in."

• wbb...
• July 31, 2008

Zoloft (sertraline) "I remember reading people's opinions online of the drug before I took it and it scared me away from it. Then I finally decided to give it a try and it has been the best choice I have made. I have been on it for over 4 months and I feel great. I'm on 100mg and I don't have any side effects. When I first started, I did notice that my hands would tremble, but then it subsided. So honestly, don't listen to all the negativity because what doesn't work for some works amazingly for others. So go based on yourself and not everyone else. It may be a blessing in disguise. The pill is not meant to make you all happy-go-lucky and see 'butterflies and roses', it's meant to help put the chemicals in your mind in balance so you can just be who you are and not overly depressed. I still get sad sometimes, but that is normal, that is life, and it's up to people to take control to make a change. I did so by getting on this pill."

• Was...
• September 3, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "About 6 weeks ago, I started Zoloft at 25 mg for GAD, mild depression, and some PTSD and OCD symptoms. Before you continue reading, please understand that my experience likely will not be yours, as is the case with every single review you'll read. Do not be scared to start. It absolutely helped. My overall mood didn't change much, but it helped the physical symptoms of my anxiety and helped me cope with my life stresses. I began to enjoy doing things I love again. I still had bad days, but I was overall functioning well and productive, although I still had not the best outlook on life. Side effects I experienced: insomnia, daily headaches similar to hangovers, shakiness, increased depression the first week, decreased appetite, menstrual changes, and decreased libido. Again, this is just my experience. Do not be afraid to give it a try, people are much more likely to leave negative reviews, I just wanted to leave a review to help others. Best of luck, you've got this!"

• Gra...
• October 2, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "Just like all of you, I scrolled these reviews for hours both before and during my Zoloft treatment. I’ve been on Zoloft for 5 weeks now (7 weeks if you include the first two weeks on 25mg, which is below the therapeutic dose). I tried two SSRI’s before Zoloft, and each made me violently ill or suicidal. The side effects of Zoloft have been minimal - just a mild headache as I up my dosage. I have currently moved up to 100mg, week 6!! My experience has been incredibly positive. I let go of things easier, such as fights with my partner, and I don’t have horrible recurring thoughts. I have still had a total of about 8 bad days over the course of Zoloft, but that is life!! This is not a magic pill. In fact, my anxiety has subsided so much that I’ve become incredibly bored! What do I do with all this free time?! It has made me reach my life’s purpose, and it has given me hope. Please don’t give up. I wish I tried Zoloft sooner. Sending love and hope to you all x"

• Dan...
• September 6, 2016

Zoloft (sertraline) "I told myself that if a miracle happened and this worked, that I would write a review. Let me start off by saying that this drug, literally, saved my LIFE. I've always battled anxiety and panic attacks, and was on a small dose of Paxil, and that seemed to take the edge off. I took it on and off for years. After I had my second baby at 28, I got terrible postpartum depression. I had thoughts of suicide, racing thoughts constantly, couldn't nap, and took forever to fall asleep at night. I literally spent three months just thinking and obsessing over how horrible I felt. I wanted to crawl out of my skin and die. I was barely showering, brushing my teeth and hair, and would stay in the same sweatpants and shirt for days. I could go on forever, but I'll get to the point. After three months of pure hell, I went to my doctor for help. I was prescribed 50 ML of Zoloft. After being on it for 4 weeks, I stopped taking it because it wasn't working. After going another 2 weeks feeling miserable, I went to my doctor again. She recommended we up the dose and stay on it for at least 6 weeks. Well, after two weeks on 100 ML, I realized I was feeling better. I would go minutes without thinking negatively, then I would go hours, then full days. It feels SO good to feel like myself again. I truly thought I would be miserable forever. Please get help and try something if you are feeling terrible. Everyone is curable with the right drug and right dose. I wish I got help sooner. TRY THIS! It will work! If for some reason it doesn't, try something else! GET HELP NOW! I was doing the same thing you are - googling all types of antidepressants convinced there was no cure and they would never work. Stop spending your life wondering when you will be yourself again. You WILL get better and be 100% your old self again with an antidepressant!"

• Anonymous
• August 5, 2008

Zoloft (sertraline) "I've been on Zoloft 50mg for over two years. I am a more relaxed and easy-going person because of Zoloft. Prior to starting the medicine, I was anxious all the time, worried constantly about everything, and suffered periods of depression and hopelessness. Now I am a better wife, friend, and person in general."

• Jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 8, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "I started taking Zoloft after 8 months of post-concussion syndrome symptoms. My anxiety and very low mood were affecting every aspect of my life. I was suicidal. I started with 50mg for the first month. Only side effects for me were a bit of nausea the first week and a lack of appetite. By week 4, we went up to 100mg and everything has improved significantly! I can separate emotions from facts, which I couldn't do before. The people I thought were 'against me' don't seem to bother me whatsoever now. I've gotten my life back. I have energy and an optimistic attitude. My friends and family have noticed in big ways. It's been a life-changer for me. The only things I would say are side effects: Low libido, Shortened Sleep. I usually wake up in the middle of the night now."

• Mic...
• April 21, 2014

Zoloft (sertraline) "I was suffering from being a slave to my negative thoughts, making assumptions about my relationship that my partner was cheating on me or having a secret life, constantly being controlling over where things go in the house, how things should be, really severe mood swings and ridiculous anger which I would ignite a lot of arguments and have the urge to get physical and just completely lose it and not think rationally. My marriage was on the verge of failure due to my negative actions and my husband was at his breaking point. My doc prescribed me 50mg of Zoloft and I finally started it, I'm on week 2 and I feel incredibly calm, content and full of life again. I feel like I can handle situation in a positive manner."

• Boo...
• January 8, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "I started taking Zoloft yesterday, and after reading hundreds of reviews, I have to share my own experience. Don't listen to all of the negative reviews and give this drug a shot. No matter what you try, there is a chance it won't work and there will be side effects. Your best bet to getting better is to just try and give it time to see if it works for you. Last night, I took my first pill and was waiting for the worst to happen after reading about the side effects. But all of a sudden, my bed became comfortable. Food had flavor. I started to smile and actually felt like talking to one of my friends. I willingly took a shower, and I felt like singing and dancing. I felt completely sober and like myself... just without any of my depression or anxiety. I am facing some of the side effects, but that glimpse of what my life would be like without depression/anxiety gave me so much hope for this drug."

• bro...
• June 9, 2010

Zoloft (sertraline) "Without Zoloft, I would probably be dead or killed. I have been taking Zoloft for 19 years. Since my daughter was born, the doctors have tried to take me off, but the depression started again. I did counseling and reduced the dose, but to be completely off makes me mean. I snap at people, easily irritated, road rage, body feels like it will explode with anxiety. It has never affected my sex drive. No weight gain can be blamed on Zoloft, probably feeling more sociable and going out to eat has caused a little weight gain. No headaches. Thanks for reading and I hope I helped."

• Ann...
• January 18, 2009

Zoloft (sertraline) "I am 55 years old and have been taking Zoloft for over 20 years. For me, it has been a miracle medicine. I find I am much more on an even keel, and while some things still upset me, it's far less than without Zoloft. I find, too, I am much more rational in my thought processes and am more confident in the choices I make. I have several medical conditions that contribute to feeling depressed, overwhelmed, and yes, even suicidal, but since I began my therapy with Zoloft, I want to live. Without Zoloft, I did not. I encourage anyone who feels depressed to seek help by finding the right medication for you. Life is hard enough without having to cope with feelings of severe negative emotions. I am so grateful for whoever created Zoloft."

• KGr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2018

Zoloft (sertraline) "I suffer from SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, depression, and anxiety. All of my symptoms have increased as I've gotten older. Last year I took Lexapro, which was too numbing, affected my executive function, focus, short-term memory, and libido in a bad way. This fall, I decided to be proactive and got on 50 mg of Zoloft. Completely life-changing experience! Side effects were nothing compared to Lexapro. Maybe 1 or 2 days of mild nausea, slight insomnia for the first 2 nights. Now, at 5 weeks, I feel clear, happy, functional, and optimistic. Libido intact. Takes a bit longer to orgasm, but it's kind of amazing because it prolongs the intensity. Zoloft has truly changed my life for the better, hopefully it will continue to work, will take it forever if possible! Wanted to leave this positive review because there are so many negative ones out there, which don't paint an accurate picture of any drug. Negative experiences are always reported more than positive ones. :)"

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "This drug saved my life. I started having chronic anxiety and depression very suddenly, and insomnia. I am so thankful for the positive and encouraging reviews on websites like this, because they helped me push through this difficult time, and I hope to do the same for someone else. I agree with many other reviews that it does get worse before it gets better. My anxiety increased at first, I think out of desperation for each day to finally be the day I would feel normal again. But it takes time and patience, and there will be ups and downs. I started seeing improvement around 4 weeks, but took a dive again around week 5 before increasing my dosage. Now I am at about week 7-8 and I would say 90% myself again. I highly recommend doing therapy too, and Xanax has helped curb the increased anxiety while my body adapts. Side effects are minimal, just nausea if I don’t take it with food. Zoloft helped me get my mind back under control and enjoy life again!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2024

"Please try this! It gets better, but you need to be patient. I know it’s so hard to be patient when you feel like you have nothing left, but I did it and I promise you can too. I was prescribed sertraline after about 5 months of gradually worsening anxiety and depression. Before the sertraline, my days were full of guilt and shame for every little thing I had ever done. I was thinking about stuff I did as a kid and feeling horrible for it. I started to become generally apprehensive and questioning everything - my relationship, my career, my dreams, my values. I was having horrible intrusive thoughts (yes, the same ones you get that nobody wants to talk about), convincing myself I was crazy or a bad person. I was started on 50mg, and I am still on this dose. The first few weeks felt strange, a good day followed by a bad one. I read these reviews to convince me that I can get better. After 2 months, I feel like my old self again, and I am so grateful! You can do it!"

• Sto...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "I’m 50 and have struggled with anxiety because of my 26-year relationship with my wife. After 60 days, I don’t have the breakdowns anymore and can function. Zoloft helped me to close off to her and begin to feel safe emotionally. It really works."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 9, 2020

"Back in February, I started having hot flushes, then felt dizzy and odd, a bit down. Then, a week later, I had anxiety, which I had the same in 2007 when my mum died. So, my doctor put me on sertraline. I went from a dose of 25mg to 50mg and for the first two months, I had every side effect: headaches, blurred vision, cloudy brain, feeling sick, anxiety, up and down days. But I came on this group to keep positive and kept with them. Now, 5 months on, I'm almost back to myself. I do have odd days, but that's life, and I just get over it. So, for anyone just starting sertraline, please be ready for a few weeks of feeling really rubbish, but believe me, you will soon start to feel better, and it will work for you. So, hang in there, as we all deserve to be happy."

• Kie...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2014

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have anxiety and depression. I was really against taking medication so I tried to resolve my issues myself. Needless to say, it never worked. I had been going through periods of depersonalization, feeling extremely down, suicidal, and hopeless. I really thought life wasn't worth living anymore. It got so bad that I ended up in the hospital. I started taking 50 mg Zoloft, and honestly, it has been a life changer. I don't experience depersonalization anymore. My mood has been lifted so much that I don't feel down anymore, suicidal, or hopeless. If you're afraid to take medicines, please just give it a try. You won't regret it. Celexa didn't work for me, but I was determined to find a medicine that would. The key is to be patient."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 19, 2013

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have been on Zoloft 100mg for the last 3 years. It has been a lifesaver for me. Before Zoloft, everyone kept telling me I was depressed and experiencing anxiety. I didn't believe them. I thought that was just me. Then, at my doctor's strong recommendation, I started with the Zoloft. It did make me tired at first, but I continued to take it and am so glad I did. I no longer have crying spells or lay in bed not wanting to get up. I no longer freak out (as my kids would say) or obsess about small things that really didn't matter. I no longer have a short fuse. I am calm, relaxed, nice, and very happy. I cannot imagine my life without Zoloft. Zoloft has made me a much better mom and person."

• Smi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "Surprisingly, positive effects from Zoloft started the next morning after taking my first 25mg dose at dinner the night before. I felt so good, I thought this is what normal is. I haven't felt this good in I don't know how long. My doctor offered counseling in addition to the Zoloft, but it works so well, I don't think I need it."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2016

Zoloft (sertraline) "My doctor prescribed this for depression issues/severe anxiety associated with adult ADD. I was very resistant to try, have been put on multiple other meds that made things much worse. I take 50mg daily. Immediately felt almost 'euphoric.' With each passing day, I feel better in every sense, and the anxiety is gone. I NEVER write any posts EVER, but this has been an unbelievable game changer. I have been battling these issues since childhood, and I can truly say I feel happy and hopeful about my future. The 'internal storm' inside that I battled every day to cope with is gone. No side effects except for some vivid, strange dreams but those are dissipating. I hope this helps someone-if this one doesn't help, keep trying and never give up."