Sertraline for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder User Reviews

• JPh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2023

Sertraline "About 8 months ago, I began a battle with post-traumatic stress and major depressive disorder. Traumas from years past that I had never faced resurfaced and turned my life upside down. I wasn't sleeping or eating. At one point, I went nearly forty hours without sleep and was considering taking my own life. I suffered terrible panic attacks and had nonstop intrusive thoughts. This went on for months until I started on Zoloft about 13 weeks ago at 50 mg. I noticed a minor improvement over the next 5 weeks. At 100 mg, I noticed much more progress over the next five weeks. Presently, I am at 150 mg and have noticed a major difference. What I found is that Zoloft slows the intrusive thoughts and allows me to access the things I work on in therapy and actually apply them, whereas before, the emotions were too much. This medication takes time to work. I read these reviews during my hardest times, and it really helped me stay positive. Stay strong. Keep working. It gets better. I promise."

• Nik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 28, 2019

Sertraline "After suffering years from watching my husband and son die next to me in a car wreck, I have finally, after 3 years, been able to date and move past my life-altering tragedy. Although Zoloft is not a cure-all, it blocks the horrible images, clears your mind, and gives you a positive boost. I'm not sure where I would be without it. 100mg a day has been most effective."

• Ano...
• January 16, 2019

Sertraline "I spent a lot of time reading this forum while I was waiting for my medication to work, and I promised myself that I would share my experience once it worked. So here's my story: I was a victim of sextortion 4 years ago. After denying/questioning it for at least a year, I have finally admitted to myself that I have Post-Traumatic Stress from this. I would experience intrusive thoughts/memories of the event, every day, all day. I felt depressed for the majority of the day, my anxiety got worse, I didn't think I'd ever get better. I was prescribed Zoloft back in December. I started out with 25mg, and worked my way up to 100mg, which happens to be the effective dose for me. Since being on the medication, I haven't been experiencing the intrusive thoughts/memories nearly as much, and when I do have memories, I don't feel so much shame. My moods have drastically improved overall. I can finally say 'I'm fine' and mean it! About a month ago, I never would've thought it to be possible."

• Bro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2016

Sertraline "I found out I have PTSD, Social Anxiety Disorder and General Anxiety Disorder. I was putting myself in a bubble and would curl up in a ball just to escape. I quit a job I loved because of the stress. I quit going to the grocery store and other public places because the anxiety was too much. It was affecting my relationships and I was in a bad place where I thought that was what life was about. After being diagnosed, I was given Zoloft. I looked at my psychiatrist like he was crazy, like this one pill a day would really have the effect of fixing me. I have taken it religiously, every day as prescribed. After 4 weeks I want to cry. I was missing so much and haven't felt this good in years. I have my life back. Thank you Zoloft."

• unk...
• November 16, 2015

Sertraline "I am not actually a soldier (see user name) but due to childhood trauma (diagnosed with PTSD as a result) I have felt like I am always fighting a war just to get through the day. I had fight or flight response to stimuli that are just normal everyday mild stressors for most people and have had so much trouble making relationships work because of self-doubt, guilt, feelings of unworthiness, etc. I have been on Zoloft for 3 months now, at first 25mg and then starting 4 weeks ago 50mg. My life has changed profoundly. I can be in love without being overwhelmed by self-doubt. My depression and anxiety have lessened tremendously. For me, Zoloft is a miracle."

• tim...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 25, 2015

Sertraline "I am a Desert Storm veteran and for years I have suffered at the hands of Depakote, Lithium, and Wellbutrin (one after the other) and I just felt more and more miserable and doomed. Then my doctor prescribed Zoloft 2 years ago and it literally saved my life. Now I am able to function normally and am really enjoying my life for the first time in 2 decades. It is my lifesaver and has changed my life forever. Before Zoloft, I felt so depressed and hopeless. Thank you, you have given me my joy in life back!"

• Sur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2018

Sertraline "After being sexually abused, stalked, and threatened with death, torture, and gang rape by my ex-boyfriend, I developed PTSD. Every day felt like a waking nightmare, until I finally ended up in a hospital ER because I was suicidal. They prescribed me Zoloft, and I tried different dosages, but the most effective for me has been 200mg. This drug has saved my life. I do not experience the same panic attacks and extreme anxiety/depression and hopelessness that I did before. I highly recommend giving this a try if you have PTSD. It has worked a miracle on me."

• Cin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2019

Sertraline "This is my second day taking the pill of 25mg. Today I felt normal for once. I was motivated to get ready, walk my dog, and laugh. I honestly thought I could live with depression. I've tried taking this medicine before but gave up on the second day because it made me feel numb. Today is a promise to push through. I'm done feeling depressed. I'm ready to rule the world. I feel fantastic. From a girl who was diagnosed with depression at 16, PTSD at 32 (no meds) until today. You got this!"

• rob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2022

Sertraline "I'm a 33-year-old male with PTSD. I was recently retriggered, leading to hyper-vigilance, anxiety, and panic attacks with derealization. After a couple of weeks of suffering through it, I opened up again, got into therapy, and started on 25 mg of sertraline hydrochloride (Zoloft). The first couple of days were brutal: worsened panic, tremors, diarrhea, fever, and fatigue. My doctor decided to cut my dose down to 12.5 mg for the first week, and the side effects improved dramatically until finally petering out by the end of week 3. Those first weeks, I would read reviews here to boost my morale and decided I'd write a review myself if/when the medication started working, so here I am. I'm a little over two months in now, and I'm really feeling like myself again: connecting with friends/family, taking joy in the things I do, and actually, you know, participating in my own life (go figure). It's a slow but steady process. Hang in there."

• USM...
• September 22, 2017

Sertraline "Bottom Line: Zoloft worked for me. It saved my life! I used to read these reviews when I was waiting for Zoloft to start to take effect for me. I promised myself that I'd come here to share my experiences and hopefully, provide some encouragement for others. I'm a U.S. Marine combat vet. I had hyper-vigilance and anxiety for 30+ years. I increasingly isolated myself and avoided being 'trapped', even avoiding going to the barber. I was in very rough shape. My doc gave me Zoloft - 50mgs per day. It began to work at 4 weeks and really took effect at 6 weeks. 6 months later, I can't say enough about how good I feel! Give the drug a chance to work - it can change your life for the better!"

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2014

Sertraline "I suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder from years of trauma, and then the death of my mother really was the icing on the cake. I've also been dealing with physical ailments in the past 7 years, and panic attacks since I can remember. With all this going on, it's no wonder that I became depressed and anxious about life. I am not the type of person who believes in medication without trying alternatives first. In the past, I've tried other antidepressants to no avail. I was off of them for a year but decided to go back on, trying Zoloft this time, when I became suicidal. That was the LAST straw. I've been on 50mg for about a month, but started on 25mg a month prior. It LITERALLY saved my life. Don't give up! What one medication won't do for you, another will."

• Iri...
• October 7, 2013

Sertraline "My husband died tragically. The grief of losing him was compounded by the events surrounding the suicide. I was overwhelmed with sorrow and despair. I was sobbing throughout the day, felt hopeless. My counselor and doctor felt I was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. It's a miracle for me. Somehow, it helps me bypass those debilitating thoughts. My mind doesn't go there unless I choose to. My feelings were like quicksand, pulling and keeping me down. I have periods of sadness over the loss, but they are much less frequent and of shorter duration. I thank God for it."

• Mbf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2015

Sertraline "So glad I decided to try Zoloft after suffering with depression and anxiety after my husband's passing. I am calmer and feel somewhat happy. I'm on 50mg. There's no need to suffer every day. Life doesn't have to be so painful. Do yourself a favor and try it. It might just take some of that pain away. It's definitely worth a try."

• 30s...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 19, 2020

Sertraline "I have been taking this medication for 6 years. The first 11 days were very uncomfortable, but I am so glad I stuck through it. Onset symptoms were heightened alertness, dry mouth, and not feeling hungry. First, I noticed it took away my general anxiety, then OCD, and then the intruding, racing morbid thoughts. My dose is up from 150 to 200 for a week per month due to PMDD. Now, I've been feeling like it's working less, we've tried to add on different things. Remeron has probably been the best add-on I have found during bad phases. 5 mg diazepam is also always with me as needed. Hope you all get the relief you are looking for."

• Emm...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 25, 2025

"Sertraline has been life-changing for me, and I only wish I’d tried it decades ago. I started on 50 mg after having trauma since childhood that caused what I used to call The Fear and which years of therapy didn’t alleviate. I was very anti-medication. Anyway, I tried it, and after just two days of starting it, the intrusive thoughts, panic, and anxiety completely stopped, and I started to feel a calmness and stability I’ve never felt before. In the first two weeks, I had no appetite and some sleep problems, but all side effects disappeared after two weeks. My experience has been 100% positive apart from this. I’m no longer plagued by a daily sense of crippling dread and the fear of how I might be punished, etc. I can now concentrate on simple things like reading a book, which was impossible before. I’m so grateful for being able to take this medication as it has given me such relief. After 6 months, the 50 mg effect lessened, so I increased to 75 mg, and this worked."

• Hum...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2017

Sertraline "After seeing the man who beat and raped me get off with a slap on the wrists, I could hardly function. I lived in such a state of constant anxiety and distrust. I really didn't want to live anymore, and the only thing that forced me to was my children. This drug was a last resort, but it really has helped me manage again and restored some sense of calm. Before, I didn't want to leave the house, and now I can. I feel like I'm becoming myself again. I'm so glad I stuck with it. It saved my life."

• Rip...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2013

Sertraline "After 1 month of losing my girlfriend and her mom in a horrible head-on collision and bawling my eyes out every day, feeling so lost, I needed help!! Doctor put me on Zoloft 50mg for the first week, then upped it to 100mg thereafter... I'm on day 4 & feel much better already, not thinking so much of my loss. The only side effects I've felt are a slight headache & slight nausea, but now I have put down the box of Kleenex from crying so much & can relax better... I'm going to continue to take it because thinking of my loss constantly was nothing less than the worst time of my life."

• Lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2012

Sertraline "Zoloft pretty much saved my life. I was suicidal due to my trauma and many life failures. I hated the medicine at first, though. The adjustment period is horrible. I felt constipated, sweaty, sleepy, high, and dissociated from the real world. Once you get past that (it takes a couple of months), it is great. I am so much more relaxed now. I used to be very aggressive, and now I think about other people's feelings. Being depressed from my trauma, I was very tired. Zoloft made me more tired until I adjusted to it. Now it actually gives me energy."

• S85...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2023

"Female, in my late 30s, with a LOT of trauma (childhood molestation, sexual assault, bullying, abuse, and rape). I have severe anxiety and depression, and PTSD. My symptoms prior to starting sertraline: anxiety and panic attacks, flashbacks, suicidal ideation, tummy upset, migraines, unable to sleep, eat or leave my house, and do the things I love, like READ. Emotional dysregulation, avoidance, etc. I was reluctant to start medication for fear of becoming dependent. But after my life started to fall apart a few years ago, I quickly realized that if I didn't take medication, I risked losing my family, who were fed up dealing with my emotional ups and downs and hearing about the pain and distress I was feeling on a daily basis. I went to my GP and asked for help. I was prescribed sertraline, and it really works. I have been taking 50 mg for 6 months. I am stable with minimal side effects. I am sleeping again and started therapy. It's a miracle. Thank you, health workers and meds for saving my life."

• Hap...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 15, 2013

Sertraline "I have been taking Zoloft for about 6 years for depression. Coincidentally, I also have had post-traumatic stress disorder for about 8 years due to a severe medical emergency (53 days in hospital, surgeries, etc.). I have not had any post-traumatic stress disorder episodes in months, thought I was better. I just went off the Zoloft (Woohoo!), but just had a TERRIBLE PTSD episode. I had no idea Zoloft was helping with PTSD. I can't afford to have crying/screaming bouts while sitting at my desk. Back on Zoloft I go."

• cyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 31, 2013

Sertraline "I first used Zoloft in 1999 for post-traumatic stress disorder. At that time, I was on 50mg. It allowed me to function very well. Now I am being treated for major depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I started 50 mg 7 days ago, today I am to up my dose to 100 mg. The only side effect I have noticed is tiredness so far. The one benefit is I have not cried every day, which is a triumph as I had been doing that on a daily basis several times per day. Still am anxious about large crowds and overly watchful of my surroundings. I will post again after my check-up with my progress at the end of February. Good luck to you, and I wish you recovery, we all need that."

• Anonymous
• March 7, 2011

Sertraline "Well, I've been off and on Zoloft, and when I'm taking it, my friends notice a very big difference. They say that I'm always a lot happier and more of a go-getter. I just wish I had been using it when my ex-fiancée was living here with me because, well, we'd probably still be getting married. As for side effects, I haven't seen really any at all. I still have a very high sex drive, I still eat like normal, and I'm a lot happier during high-stress situations in the military. But I've been taking 25mg a day in the morning, and it helps tremendously. But, like people say on here, you just have to take it and see if it's for you or not. Hope this review helps everyone out."

• Lau...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 11, 2024

Sertraline "I started 3 years ago, scared to death. I really didn’t know how to take meds. I went on this site and read comments maybe a million times, and I took it. The first 2 weeks were hard with digestive issues (plus I was extremely stressed to take pills, so it didn’t help my anxiety, obviously:), then it all settled down-no side effects at all. No more panic attacks after a little less than a month. We gradually went up to the max of 150 because my condition was worsening (I have CPTSD, and events in my life made it worse). At 150, it worked for a month, but then it started not working anymore (it happens sometimes), so now I have to switch, and I really don’t like it since this med had been a really good friend for so long without any side effects. I can’t thank all of you who wrote a review, it helped so much! Now I’m reading the ones for my new med I have to start today… trust me, I’ll be reading them a million times in the next few weeks!"

• Dra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2016

Sertraline "Haven't felt so calm in a very long time. Taking Zoloft for anxiety and depression from my PTSD. My racing thoughts and ruminating have slowed down, and I slept last night for the first time in 6 months with no sleeping pills. It actually feels weird to feel so good!"

• EMc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2021

Sertraline "I have been on Zoloft for around 11 weeks after five years of PTSD symptoms. In those five years, I have had a great deal of therapy and have also taken St. John's Wort. Both were helpful, but I wish I had tried Zoloft much, much sooner. I felt better within days of taking it at 50 mg, though after a few weeks, my intrusive thoughts returned. I moved up to 100 mg a month ago, and my intrusive thoughts have almost disappeared. I feel so much better than I have in more than five years."