Sertraline for Depression User Reviews (Page 5)
Brand names: Zoloft
Reviews for Sertraline
- BAa...
- May 22, 2015
Sertraline "Absolutely changed my life. I am a 20-year-old female who has struggled with depression and irritability since roughly 13. I tried meditation, I tried the 'power of positive thinking', I tried listening to podcasts, I tried counseling. Nothing helped me until Zoloft. I've been taking Zoloft for 5 weeks. I had minor side effects for the first couple of days (looser stool, headaches, stomach aches) but nothing I couldn't handle, and they went away after 2-3 days as I got used to the medication. I'm currently taking 50 mg and don't plan on increasing. I feel overall happier. I'm not as irritable, and things that I used to hate (going to work) are no longer even bad. I feel more myself, and like I'm not afraid to be outgoing. Highly recommended."
- Zat...
- January 28, 2015
Sertraline "Lately I've been having really bad panic attacks, migraines, night terrors/nightmares every night. For three weeks, I started Zoloft last night, and it already started working within a night. I'm more calm and feel like my old self already."
Frequently asked questions
- How long does Zoloft (sertraline) withdrawal last?
- How long does Zoloft (sertraline) take to work?
- SSRIs vs SNRIs - What's the difference between them?
- Does Zoloft (sertraline) cause weight gain?
- Buc...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- January 3, 2014
Sertraline "I have to say that Zoloft saved my life. I have been on it for over 10 years, but about a year and a half ago, I switched to another pill just to try it. WHY I don't know, I should have never left Zoloft. I then started to take a muscle relaxer for a sore shoulder. BE VERY CAREFUL in taking other medications with any antidepressants. The dread, the worthlessness, the crying all came back. Back on Zoloft for about a week and I can function once again. THANK YOU ZOLOFT."
- Per...
- July 15, 2009
Sertraline "From the first week when I took this medicine, I can feel a slight change and haven't felt depression or anxiety. But as the weeks pass, I felt much better. I've got my life back, social skills, and feel like everyone else. This drug has really helped to bring my life back."
- mic...
- December 11, 2013
Sertraline "Before I started taking Zoloft for depression and anxiety, I was also suffering from insomnia. I was taking Ambien and Valium to help, but the Ambien was not really helping my insomnia. Maybe I got 3 hours of sleep or 5 hours on a good night. I suffered from panic and anxiety attacks. I went to therapy, and after some time, the doctor recommended Zoloft. I was hesitant at first, but I could not live like this anymore, so I started taking it about a year ago. Zoloft is the best thing I could have done. The first week or two I had side effects, but soon after, the depression lifted and anxiety was gone. I sleep great now."
- Bla...
- October 27, 2009
Sertraline "I was prescribed Zoloft for depression. I had tried Wellbutrin and Lexapro in the past with little results. With Zoloft, at first, the side effects were tough. Also, I was having sexual side effects. Lacking desire (which is not normal for me), and the inability to achieve orgasm. I decided to try taking my pills in the morning, rather than at night like I had been doing. After a couple of days passed with my new schedule, the sexual side effects subsided, and I'm back to normal with that. I never knew an antidepressant could help so much, but it has REALLY helped me!"
More FAQ
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- jay...
- September 1, 2013
Sertraline "I have been taking Zoloft for 8 weeks and the result has been amazing. The beginning was rocky with nausea, heavy head, and fatigue, but it gets better. I am more confident, better at my job, I enjoy socializing far more, my relationship is saved, and I generally feel more balanced. I have had anxiety since childhood and struck depression in late teens, I am now 27. Not sure how long I will or should take Zoloft, but I am hugely relieved."
- Sha...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 4, 2016
Sertraline "I have been on 50mg of Zoloft for a little over 3 weeks now. For the first week, I noticed no change, then gradually I was feeling better. It has given me more energy, and I feel I have a more positive attitude. I was overeating a lot due to stress and depression that has completely subsided. Since I started taking it, I have lost 19 pounds. That has also really helped with my depression. I am scared of my body getting used to it and going back to my regular habits. As for now, I am happy."
- Abb...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 16, 2017
Sertraline "I took Zoloft (generic) shortly after my anxiety got horribly severe. I took Lexapro a few years ago but didn't like the sexual side effects. My doctor put me on Prozac, but that appeared to put me into a deep depression. I had never had depression, just anxiety, but I couldn't get out of bed, I was just paralyzed. After a few weeks of that, I decided to try Zoloft. Within the first three weeks, I felt tremendously better. By 6 weeks, I felt totally back to normal and NO sexual side effects! This has been my miracle drug."
- Wac...
- October 9, 2018
"My symptoms were anxiety, depression & intrusive/repetitive thoughts. I struggled initially with side effects when starting on 50mg (deepened depression, headaches, dry mouth & insomnia), which I had reduced to 25mg during week 1, which I found helped. Week 2, I raised again to 50mg and the side effects began to wear off. I continued on 50mg until week 4 and showed small signs of improvement (sleeping longer, reduced anxiety and depression), I had good days and bad days! I spoke with my GP, who increased my dosage to 100mg and have been taking for 1 week. I noticed some mild side effects resurfaced initially, but faded after a few days. I am now beginning week 6 and I am beginning to feel fantastic and back to my old self. I have read other posts on here seeking inspiration and positive feedback, so wanted to give something back. If you can get through the early phases and stick with this med 4-6 weeks, and if compatible, the Sun will certainly shine once more."
- A...
- June 27, 2016
"I have been in a major depression for 3 years, and possibly a minor depression before that. I also have anxiety and social phobia. I have been on Sertraline for almost two months now, and I noticed an enormous difference in the first few days. I started to smile, laugh, make eye contact, and the fear of public is slowly easing! I cannot describe how bad life was before Sertraline. I am 34 years old and have been living a life that wasn't a life at all. Now I am feeling better than I have ever felt. I do get dry mouth, but oh, to laugh again! (Worth it). I am usually not a person who even uses Tylenol, so for me to try this, I was desperate. I don't feel high, nor drugged, or even out of my body! I feel whole."
- Sar...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 5, 2018
Sertraline "When my doctor prescribed me Zoloft, I was scared of the side effects and put off taking it for a few days. Now I could not be happier that I started taking it though. I have been on 50mg for almost 5 weeks and have not noticed any side effects. My depression has gotten so much better. I wake up excited about the day and just feel generally happy, nothing feels so difficult anymore. I haven’t cried once since starting the medication, whereas beforehand I was crying every day and all I wanted to do was lay in bed. My friends and family, as well as myself, have all noticed a huge difference in me. I’m so happy with my progress on Zoloft so far. I am hoping that it helps improve my general and social anxiety soon because I have not seen much of an improvement there, but I know it can take 8 weeks. Definitely recommend this medication and don’t be scared to start taking it! The side effects are rare, and it will be the best decision of your life."
- Mil...
- April 18, 2014
Sertraline "After years of trying different medications, sertraline has finally been the most useful and compatible one for me. If only I had found this years ago as it has lifted my depression, improved my social skills, and eased my obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms (would trigger after anxiety)."
- Ser...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 6, 2014
Sertraline "I took Sertraline for Moderate Depression which it was exceptionally good at diminishing. I have been taking it for just under 6 weeks for moderate depression, social anxiety and generalized anxiety. It worked for depression the best, by far; however, not half as good for the anxiety, perhaps because it requires a higher dose and longer intake. Definitely consider Sertraline for depression, its side effects were minimal (if any because it was so unnoticeable)."
- Liz...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 5, 2016
Sertraline "So far, this drug has saved my life. After experiencing a traumatic experience, I spiraled into a heavy depression coupled with anxiety. It's only been one week, and I'm no longer crying daily, and the hopeless feeling is subsiding. It's also helped stop the obsessive thoughts I've been having about the traumatic event."
- Wee...
- January 28, 2013
Sertraline "Zoloft is amazing. I was put on Lexapro when I was about 18, gained about 20 lbs and felt like a numb zombie for about a year. Tried Celexa for about a year - a little better, but I was still getting very depressed. Then I tried Zoloft (50mg for a month and 100mg since). I've been on it for about 2 years. Depression and anxiety are minimal. I rarely have to use my Xanax. The only side effect I've had is dry mouth, but it's minimal at worst. My appetite and sleep patterns are normal. As with the others I've tried, my sex drive is very low and I had moderate headaches for the first couple of weeks, so I won't pick on Zoloft for that. Overall, extremely satisfied, I can't imagine my life without it."
- Hop...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 14, 2015
Sertraline "I've been on Zoloft for 3 months now. Initially, I suffered from side effects such as shivering, loss of appetite, drowsiness, and insomnia. These symptoms lasted for about three days. I was scared at first and planned on trying another medication for anxiety. However, I called my cousin who is a nurse, and she told me to try cutting the pill in half. I took my cousin's advice and cut the pill in half, taking only 25mg a day, which works really well for me. I'm 5'4, 130 lbs. I no longer suffer from anxiety. After taking Zoloft, I realized that I was suffering from depression. Zoloft alleviates my anxiety and has greatly helped with my depression. I now feel happier and more motivated to do things right away without procrastinating. Life-changer!"
- ano...
- February 2, 2014
Sertraline "I'm 16, and over the course of a few months, I started becoming more and more depressed and anxious. After trying a few other medications along with none at all (only therapy), I started taking Zoloft as it has helped others in my family. The first 10 days (started at 25mg) were horrible - suicidal thoughts, no appetite, headaches, and terrible anxiety. But once I hit 2 weeks, I felt so much better. I'm now 6 weeks in and on 75mg. I feel amazing, still get headaches but I'm not sure if it's related. I feel almost 100% myself. I'll give it a few more weeks and see if I need to maybe get to 100mg, but honestly, this medication saved my life."
- Moh...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- March 21, 2015
Sertraline "Zoloft has been a lifesaver. Something that helps keep my crippling MDD and SAD at bay and make it through life normally. Even happier as this was the 1st antidepressant I tried and it worked! Also no side effects at all. Thank you God."
- Jen...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- July 16, 2015
Sertraline "I think Zoloft for me is great. The only downfall I have with it was headaches. They started right when I began taking Zoloft daily. They were intense and hurt like hell. Lasted about 2 weeks. Then bam, they were gone. I took it at night before bed. I thought they made me tired. Since I've been on it, I've lost about 20 lbs. I don't have the munchies at all & honestly I have to tell myself to eat because it curbs my appetite. I don't feel bloated like I did on Lexapro, that's why I switched. Zoloft really works for me and I'm on a low dose. Headaches suck the first few weeks but what a difference from Lexapro. Everyone's different."
- Kar...
- September 20, 2019
"Started taking sertraline around 6 weeks ago after years of crippling fatigue, feeling of complete self-loathing, and no desire to engage with the world. I finally accepted that maybe these symptoms were all due to depression, which I've been living with for most of my adult life. Started on 25mg for a week with no side effects and no change, upped to 50mg for two weeks and felt really tired, still no change, then upped to 100mg in week 4 and this is when I noticed the changes. I feel happy, the ruminating thoughts have dissipated, I'm interested in life and myself again, and I'm genuinely excited about life. I realize now just how depressed and down I actually was. My advice to anyone reading this is not to be perturbed by bad reviews, side effects are bearable and go away when you stop taking the meds, so if your doctor has suggested trying Sertraline or any other SSRI, my advice is to try it. Don't suffer unnecessarily like I have for almost 20 years."
- The...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- August 22, 2025
"The best decision I've ever made in my entire life. I have been burnt out and stressed out for a couple of years and I cried nearly every day and had a panic attack. I felt worn out all the time. Now I've been on sertraline (200mg) for a year, and I am happy, I have become a lot more resilient, and when I'm sad, I quickly bounce back to being my happy self. I am currently going through a breakup, and I couldn't have done it without this medicine."
- tor...
- April 4, 2008
Sertraline "I was previously taking Lexapro for my major depression, but once I started having panic attacks, my doctor switched me to Zoloft. So far, the panic is gone, and my depression has similarly been suppressed. The only problem seems to be the side effects. I can't really eat that much anymore, and have succeeded in losing a fair amount of weight. I also have the 'shakes' where my hands tremble. Though, as other people have said, the effectiveness of the medicine outweighs the side effects."
- 40...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 19, 2017
Sertraline "Got prescribed Zoloft after my 20-year relationship ended after my ex-husband became addicted to meth. I was very depressed and couldn't control my thoughts about the situation. I had a hard time sleeping, zoning out, focusing, and adjusting to my normal everyday life. I started on 25 mg for about 3 weeks then increased to 50 mg. I've been on 50 mg for a couple of months and feel so much better. I can focus on my life again and never break down crying anymore, etc. I had no side effects besides loose stool here and there. I like how there were no real side effects for me, and it did what I was seeking. I would recommend trying Zoloft before other medications. I will not increase my dosage."
See also:
Learn more about Depression
- Antidepressants: Options, Advantages, and Precautions
- Mixing Alcohol & Antidepressants: Cause for Concern?
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Sertraline "It's so difficult looking at reviews because so many are negative. I have moderate depression and generalized anxiety disorder. I started taking antidepressants pretty young, maybe 6th or 7th grade. I took Lexapro, Prozac, and something else before I got on Zoloft. I just recently got off Zoloft to see how I'd do without it, and so far I've been okay. Anyways, Zoloft was practically a lifesaver for me. I'm not sure if I have experienced any of the side effects, but if I have, they obviously didn't make much of a difference. This review is here to say don't be scared to take Zoloft, it might be the perfect drug for you!"