Sertraline for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Keinua
• May 20, 2024

Zoloft (sertraline) "The first time I ever had an OCD flare-up was in December 2022. I was in a constant state of panic. Couldn’t sleep. Couldn’t eat. I had compulsions to reveal all my secrets. I ended up revealing way too many things I wish I would’ve kept secret. After meeting with a psychiatrist, he recommended Zoloft. Then it happened. Just 1 week later I started feeling better. And it just kept getting better and better. Then I stopped taking it because I thought I was okay. April 2024, I had an OCD flare that lasted 1 week. I was panicking about past mistakes, OCD changing themes from real events, false memory, relationship, and the list goes on. Started back on Zoloft and on the second day, I started feeling better. I know how it feels, the dread of waking up another day in a state of severe anxiety, the intrusive thoughts, the nightmares… Give it a try. I love Zoloft."

• EMay
• September 24, 2020

"My OCD obsessive thoughts began when I was 14. I’m now 25. I have struggled for so long trying to feel happy, wondering why I felt everything so deeply, being so sad behind closed doors. Since lockdown and coronavirus, I hit a real low. Everything that I got enjoyment from disappeared from my life, and I hit an ‘it’s now or never’ point in regards to taking medication. I thought I was unfixable, that I would never feel content, and I spent years trying to come to terms with this. But since starting 50mg of sertraline 4 months ago, I have never felt better. I feel so calm and relaxed, genuine happiness from within, and an inability to overthink that I’ve never felt before. The thoughts remain, maybe for a few seconds until I dismiss them. Even on days I feel a little anxious, it doesn’t last long, and I have not gotten to the point of despair that I lived in before. My experience has been so worth it, and I will continue this medication for as long as I need!"

• Ash
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 2, 2023

"I have just started on sertraline. After years of debilitating thoughts, not being able to concentrate, and bad health anxiety, I honestly just felt like I couldn't go on anymore. I was waking my partner up in the middle of the night, crying that something was wrong with me and it just wasn't fair. I couldn't enjoy time with my children as I was counting down the hours until I would go to bed, as when I'm sleeping, my obsessive thoughts get a chance to reset. I felt bad for my family who would have to listen to my complaints and doctors who would do blood tests after blood tests to prove to me that my bloods are okay. I just felt I wasn't enjoying life the way I should be. I'm now 8 tablets in. My shoulders are beginning to relax (they are usually rock hard) and I am able to sit in work without googling symptoms. I'm hoping to be better for myself and everyone around me."

• Milky...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2014

Zoloft (sertraline) "It's my third time returning back to Zoloft and I'm 21. First time I've used Zoloft, I was only 15, and it was for Social Anxiety/Severe Depression, and it helped me tremendously. Stopped it after one year and maybe... 6 months later my anxiety was back along with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Anyway, I'm back on it, and after 1 month, I can say this, IT'S PERFECT. I'm lucky to not have any side effects (except maybe a little bit of dizziness, but I don't care), and I feel so much better!!! I'm way LESS ANXIOUS, OCD is diminished by 3/4 (I still need to follow therapy for this problem), no more black thoughts, I'm also more focused at school, and my thoughts are more coherent/clear. I don't think I'll ever stop this medication... For me, it's a lifesaver."

• Sisi
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "I never write on pages like this, but after taking Zoloft for 3 months I have to write! Just so others that might be in a difficult situation can get help! (Sorry if my English is bad, I don't speak this language in my country) I started taking Zoloft after 2.5 years with anxiety, OCD, and on/off depression. I was scared to death when I tried SSRI the first time (Prozac) and realized that was not the right drug for me. After another 6 months trying to cope with my problems on my own, I was not able to go to work in the end. My doctor recommended Zoloft, and the first 3-4 weeks were tough. But slowly I started to feel more like myself! I still have some days that are worse than others, but now I can manage. And most days I feel fine and like myself. If you are afraid to start this type of medicine, just try it out! It can change your life, and if it doesn't work, you can just quit."

• Ryan
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 17, 2021

Zoloft (sertraline) "Before getting on Zoloft 50 mg, I had severe anxiety and my brain would constantly find something to worry about. I had rituals I had to follow and I was super obsessive and that was leading to severe anxiety and depression. Zoloft helped me so much as far as changing my state of mind. I am now happier with so much less anxiety."

• Matty
• November 10, 2016

Zoloft (sertraline) "I was on Lexapro for years before it pooped out, and it helped alright. Finally switched to Zoloft 150 mg, and it did take 2-3 months, but ever since, I have never felt better. No more OCD/anxiety. I'm a new person; it literally saved my life. 10/10 would recommend and hoping it works for the rest of my life."

• Stays...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 6, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "Been taking Zoloft 100mg, Wellbutrin 300mg, and Abilify 5mg for we’ll over a year now for OCD. Every time I try to taper off my OCD spirals into suicidal obsessions, which brings on depression and hopelessness. The combination I take helps but is not a miracle. Did it save my life? I believe so. Don’t be afraid to try medication if you’re already at rock bottom. Stay strong and persevere. CHEERS XOXO"

• DanaT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2018

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have been experiencing intrusive thoughts for almost a year now. It was mainly due to my Celexa, another SSRI antidepressant, wasn't working as well anymore. I have been on Celexa for over 12 years. It just didn't work for me anymore, and then I found Zoloft. I suffer from mild to moderate OCD and intrusive thoughts about harming myself or anything for no reason whatsoever. When I started taking 12.5 MG of Zoloft and 30MG of Celexa (cross tapering meds, was on 40MG), I noticed a 70% difference in my thoughts. My head was clearer, I felt more positive. It's day 6 now, and it's just getting better from here. This medication was a godsend to me. Just wanted to share my experience."

• Jay...
• July 27, 2015

Zoloft (sertraline) "I'm 14 years old with OCD. I tried Prozac and it just made me make decisions that weren't like me. I've been on Zoloft for a while and it's really helping. I haven't obsessed at all. I just don't overthink, and I live a great life."

• Anxie...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 1, 2013

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have struggled with anxiety for years, and I've improved Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in a way that would increase my quality of life. I've been taking 50 to 250 milligrams of Zoloft for the course of almost 7 years, and I've been getting 5 to 8 hours of sleep every day. I was going from C's and D's in school to mostly A's and B's, and my memory was becoming crystal clear. When I decided to go down to 25mg, I began to experience more anxiety, more depression, more insomnia, and more OCD-like symptoms. Even if I had a good day under 25mg of Zoloft, I wasn't confident about myself and didn't like the person that I was becoming. I'm telling you, this medication does work to treat your anxiety; it just takes time to work."

• rey11nj
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 13, 2024

Zoloft (sertraline) "My OCD reared its ugly head at 22 years old at the end of 2018. My doctor put me on 50mg Zoloft, and within a few months, my life felt better than it had in years. In fact, Zoloft showed me I was suffering from general anxiety and some social anxiety long before my OCD. I just didn't notice because I thought it was just who I was. But with Zoloft, I became outgoing, motivated, discovered I'm in fact an extrovert, and excelled in my career. Unfortunately, after feeling better, I stopped them abruptly and my symptoms came back. I tried in the past few years to stay off meds and take a more holistic approach. However, due to increased responsibilities and life stressors, this was just not sustainable. So, I am back on them and 3 weeks in. The first 2 weeks were rough, but I'm starting to feel much better this week. I'm not saying I have to live on them, but the reality is every time I take them, life is much better. I will stay on them for as long as my doctor says. Therapy and psychiatric visits are important."

• Kris...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 11, 2013

Zoloft (sertraline) "I highly recommend trying this medicine. I've been suffering with extreme anxiety/OCD for years. Tried Lexapro (bad weight gain & didn't feel any different), Elavil (did the same as Lexapro) and Pristiq (made me feel worse). Finally, I went to a psychiatrist & he immediately put me on Zoloft 25 mg (sertraline) & a small dose of Xanax (alprazolam). We planned to slowly increase up to 200 mg within a few months. Eventually, made it to the max dose 6 months later, along with CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). I've had a few side effects (memory loss, stomach problems) but that's it. I can finally go throughout my days & function. Some days are just crap though, which happens. Changed my life & am so thankful."

• Anonymous
• May 5, 2012

Zoloft (sertraline) "I started Zoloft 2 weeks ago for obsessive compulsive disorder. At first, I hated the thought of being on a medicine that controls your mood at the age of 19. Anxiety went up like crazy when I first started at 50mg, and I was thinking this is not going to work, and that I should just get off the medicine. I stayed on strong with hope, and 2 days ago I woke up feeling like my old self! I had a lot of energy, I did not have any anxiety at all, the racing thoughts in my head were gone to the point where I felt awesome! My old self is back within 2 weeks because of Zoloft. If you are concerned about this medicine, try it for at least a month if not longer, it gave me great results so far with no side effects, and it can do the same for you."

• TheLa...
• August 8, 2013

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have struggled with depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder since I was 11 years old. I'm now 21, and this is the second time that I have taken Zoloft. It has worked wonders for my obsessive and anxiety-ridden nature. Originally, during my trial and error phase of trying medications, I stopped taking Zoloft at one point because I experienced the numbness, headaches, etc., that are typical of SSRIs. However, after finding that no other medicines (including other SSRIs, antipsychotics, and even anti-seizure medications) reacted as well to dull my OCD, I resumed Zoloft to give it a second shot. I could not be happier with its results so far. I would recommend this to absolutely anybody who had difficulty with OCD or depression. It has saved my life."

• Mac
• June 24, 2021

"I have suffered with OCD for nearly 4 years. I found 200mg Sertraline to be the most effective drug. I had been prescribed other drugs but none as good. OCD is a horrible illness rooted in anxiety. Sertraline definitely helped lower my anxiety & thus make best use of CBT. For 3 years I despaired of ever getting better but the last year has been a turning point. For me once I had the right drug to reduce the anxiety I found it is possible to improve. I got to the point where it was a choice to either carry out a compulsion & knowing how bad I would feel afterwards that I had failed to stop yet again compared to not undertaking a compulsion & sitting with the anxiety until it reduced. Improving was not all plain sailing but I was determined to carry on reaching goals I never thought possible. I post this comment to give hope to other sufferers. I don't know if I will ever be free of OCD but am now at a point where it does not dominate - something I prayed for but thought would never happen."

• Warri...
• December 2, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "All my life I've had irrational fears & ocd. Every time I quit zoloft I'd spiral. Back on at 50mg moving up to 100mg tomorrow. Zoloft gives me the confidence I need to live instead of hiding with fear. I'm only on day 4 but already feel slightly better. Will update in 4 weeks."

• ocdsu...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 26, 2014

Zoloft (sertraline) "I had terrible obsessive-compulsive disorder for about 6 years. I remember that I spent all my night going back and forth to the toilet for peeing. After I went to university, I was shocked by the poor way of teaching and bad instructors. Suddenly, the OCD became worse and worse, and it felt like hell was eating at my brain. I spent all my waking time thinking about silly things and suffered from terrible pain in my neck, head, and stomach. I visited 7 doctors and tried many medications before finding Zoloft. I tried Anafranil, Solotic, Faverin, Xanax, Atarax, Seroxat, fluoxetine, and finally, I went to a very good doctor who prescribed Zoloft 200mg with risperidone 2mg. That combination worked like magic for me after 6 years of struggling with OCD."

• JPknee
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 7, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have been taking Zoloft regularly for about 3 years. After taking celexa forever, which was largely ineffective, I was given Zoloft and was skeptical. However, this drug has given me a big part of my life back. It has put both my OCD and depression into remission, meaning they affect my life pretty minimally now. No more obsessive thoughts, no ritual type behaviors. I have hope again. I suffer from bipolar 1 as well, and this in addition to Lamictal (mood stabilizer) has saved my life, no joke. Please consider giving this a shot."

• Josh
• November 29, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "BEST DRUG EVER! Lets start from the beginning. Im 17 and about 4 months ago I greened out on edibles. Little did I know my family has past mental health problems :/ and sure enough this brought them out. I was high for a literal week and thought the intrusive thoughts/ paranoia would soon stop. It didn’t. My life tuned into a nightmare. I started to feel extremely disconnected from reality and had anxiety so bad it was debilitating. Me being a stupid stubborn 17 year old I thought I could let it pass. It also didn’t. I finally gave in and told my parents. The doc gave me 100mg of Zoloft to take. The first week was GREAT. I felt high as a kite, numb, and out of it. I can see how people can’t handle it and panic but I looked at the bright side. The dream were EPIC. The next day I woke up and I FELT LIKE THE OLD ME! I just felt normal! Another upside is delayed ejaculation lol can last in the bed for 3 hours now. Girlfriend loves it! 10/10 just push through the first week or so"

• Alber...
• June 11, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "Left my country at 18, and got diagnosed with Suicidal OCD and I was having extreme anxiety and thinking all the time. Never had drugs, but I saw a psychiatrist that diagnosed me with pure O (especially Suicidal OCD, a type of Harm OCD) and taught me ERP (exposure response prevention therapy), especially CBT ( cognitive behavioral therapy) and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy). It's important to combine therapy and medication, OCD is more practice, accepting and dealing with thoughts, than drugs, but the drugs helped a lot! I accepted my obsessive thoughts and the monster kept getting smaller and smaller. Sometimes had side effects, but minimal (sexual side effects and dizziness), but they go away after some time. Zoloft gave me my happiness back, but it was the ERP, CBT and ACT that helped me LIVE WITH IT. It's important to seek help with psychiatrists that are specialized in Anxiety Disorders. About the best time to take Zoloft: Zoloft made me feel like a zombie when I took it in the morning, so I started taking it at the same time everyday (around 22.00h), and the results were great."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2014

Zoloft (sertraline) "I've been on 50mg of Zoloft for three weeks now. It seems to be working pretty well. My obsessive thoughts started to have trouble materializing in my mind, then before I knew it, I started to feel like myself again, and the thoughts and anxiety seem to have diminished."

• Shull
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2013

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have now been on this medication for 6 days, and I'm seeing a terrific change. Not 100% yet, but it's giving me light and life back again. I am loving this change. I didn't think I was helpable. I thought I was too far gone, but slowly am making a comeback."

• Logan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 4, 2013

Zoloft (sertraline) "Zoloft has saved my life. I have been on Zoloft 200 mg for 7 months and the results have been amazing. I suffered from severe OCD, anxiety, and mind racing. Zoloft and Abilify 5 mg have completely eliminated my symptoms. I can now live and enjoy my life thanks to Zoloft 200 mg and Abilify 5 mg."

• Gooderz
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2020

"So I've been on sertraline for 8 weeks, 50mg. The first 5 weeks or so we're absolutely awful for me. Crazy intrusive thoughts, insane anxiety. In the first few weeks I practically spent my life on this checking reviews for some hope I'd get better. Fast forward to now and I feel 60% back to normal. Rather than obsess about a subject from the moment I wake up until the moment I fall asleep, I now get short little 'blips' I'm positive the medication will work even better as time goes on! People just starting, bear with the side effects as you will thank yourself later on!"