Sertraline for Postpartum Depression User Reviews

• LS2...
• October 12, 2020

Sertraline "My baby is 9 weeks old today. I have been on Zoloft for the past month. I promised myself that if this drug helped me, I would come on here and give a review. Just after my 3rd child was born, I hit absolute rock bottom. I cried at least 30 times per day. I couldn’t face going into the nursery or making dinner. I felt short-tempered and despair. My doctor gave me Zoloft. I started on half a tab at night (now 1 tab). The first 3 nights I was ill. I was rocking with anxiety. I was gasping for breath and I swore black and blue that I was not going to continue with the tablet. Then the morning would come and I felt a bit better. I have not cried once since. I am strong in the mind. I can enjoy my kids. I can put makeup on, do my hair, do groceries, bathe all kids, have dinner. I am me again. I do not feel lowly. Do I feel elated and like I am living on cloud nine? No. I feel strong. I feel capable and calm. I wish you all the best in recovering from and seeing the good side of life again."

• Bre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2019

Sertraline "I’ve been dealing with anxiety and intrusive thoughts pretty much my whole life. After my first baby, my anxiety got really bad. The sleepless nights didn’t help and the general stress of it all. I had never taken an antidepressant because I was a very happy person aside from my anxiety. Once I started Zoloft, it took about a month for me to feel the effects. I’m currently on 50 mg of Zoloft and my anxiety is so much better. I wake up so much happier now, and I can focus on being a good mom and being present. I really recommend this to anyone who is dealing with anxiety and obsessive thinking. Just to note, don’t stop taking the medication if your anxiety increases. The first few weeks were really hard. It’s just your mind adjusting to the drug and playing tricks on you. Stick with it. I promise it really helps."

• Mea...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 4, 2020

Sertraline "Hands down, I will never walk this earth again without Zoloft. It is my miracle drug. I've been on it since 2009 and only stopped briefly during my pregnancies. After my 1st daughter was born, I suffered from postpartum psychosis. I refused to bond with her because I was convinced she was going to die of SIDS. Welcome Zoloft in, and it was like a switch flipped. I could take care of my baby. I could bond with her because I knew she wasn't going to die. (Which she didn't, she's now a sassy 6th grader who I love so dearly) it is MY miracle and I hope it helps you all out there too. And in response to bad mood...I've been on Zoloft since 2009 and never noticed a change in the formula :) works as good now as it did then!"

• Kmg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2019

Sertraline "I started taking Zoloft about 6 weeks before I had my son for prenatal depression and anxiety. It was residual issues from PPD after a late miscarriage. I probably also was suffering from some PTSD. I suffered for a long time putting off medication. I am very glad that I finally did it. It has taken a long time. Definitely isn’t a “quick fix”, but I feel so much better. I feel like myself again. I promised myself I would write a review to give hope and encouragement to others."

• Chr...
• October 9, 2015

Sertraline "Zoloft saved my life after having postnatal anxiety after the birth of each of my children. I had severe anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia which led to depression. I was fearful about being alone. I was hospitalized for 8-12 weeks each time. Anxiety and depression are heightened when you first start this medication, so don't give up on it. Give it a chance to work. It took at least 8-10 weeks to start feeling like myself again, then 12 weeks for symptoms to disappear. Don't be afraid to take a sedative at the start to ease the bumpy side effects. Stick it out. It will be worth it in the long run. I frantically googled reviews on here just like you, so I wanted to write my story to encourage another mom experiencing similar symptoms."

• tan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 8, 2018

Sertraline "I just want to share my experience with Zoloft. I went through the hardest and scariest thing I had ever experienced after having my baby. I thought I had gone crazy and had no idea that it was possible to have these symptoms after having a baby. I was very hesitant to take any meds especially because I’m breastfeeding, but my doctor highly recommended that I take a small dose of Zoloft. I filled the prescription, but still didn’t take it until one day I woke up and couldn’t stop crying because of the horrific state that my mind was in. I decided that I could not do this alone. It took at least a month and a couple of dose increases, but I am doing so much better now, and I really want women to know that it’s okay to talk to your doctor and get help. I’m so grateful that we now have access to this medication, and I’m so glad that I stopped being stubborn and just accepted the help. There is absolutely no point in trying to conquer this horrific experience alone."

• Fat...
• December 6, 2020

Sertraline "Zoloft has pulled me out from a very dark time. I had severe postpartum anxiety, and I was absolutely nonfunctional. I couldn't sleep for 8 days in a row, couldn't eat, couldn't bathe. I thought it was the end of me, or I would go crazy. After Zoloft, in a month, I became much calmer, and in three months I am almost back to my normal self. Zoloft is amazing, though I am having bad hair fall, but it's better than having anxiety. I want to thank the makers of this drug, Zoloft gave me my life back. You just got to be a little patient, it will work. I wrote this review to help people out there. Give it some time."

• Sam...
• September 11, 2016

Sertraline "I thought I was going crazy. I developed PPD at 3 months postpartum. My symptoms manifested in anxiety. I had zero control over the fear and panic. I stopped eating, I threw up all day. I couldn't even hold my baby without feeling nausea. You hear so much about postpartum depression, but women need to be aware of postpartum anxiety. It's very real. It took 4 trips to the ER for me to accept that I wasn't dying, that I just had PPD, and I needed to give my Zoloft a chance. It saved my life! Zoloft is so wonderful. It gave my children their mother back. Zoloft will take your anxiety away. It will! My side effects were very little, but then they went away. I've only been on Zoloft for 2 months now, and I'm a better person than ever before."

• JLf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2025

Sertraline "I am yet another mom who frantically looked up reviews of this medication in hope of finding some relief from crippling postpartum anxiety and panic disorder. I have been on Zoloft for exactly 12 weeks now and can honestly say it was life-changing. I suffered from PPA shortly after birth but delayed getting help until my daughter was 7 months old. I, like many other moms on here, tried everything before medication: CBT, meditation, exercise, yoga, you name it. Nothing could help me escape the crippling intrusive thoughts, daily panic attacks, irrational fears, and insomnia. Starting Zoloft was awful. I had diarrhea, worsening anxiety, and nausea for the first 7 weeks. I was ready to give up the medication until I gradually noticed a change in my thought patterns. I worked my way (very slowly) up to 50 mg and have been there for six weeks. My family notices so many positive changes in my attitude and behavior. Best of all, the side effects dissipate."

• TSH...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2025

"Two months after giving birth, I realized I had so much anxiety and PPD. I would count down hours while with my baby and feel so disconnected from him. It was such an awful feeling. I felt like I made a mistake becoming a parent. I started on Zoloft 50 mg. Side effects were horrible for me-diarrhea, nausea, unable to eat, and sweating. My depression also got worse for almost two weeks. I wanted to give up but felt like I already invested two weeks, so I would give it a couple more. I’m so glad I did. By week three, the side effects started to disappear, and by week four, I could eat normally again. During week four, I started to feel a difference, but it was slow. For half the day, I’d feel great, and then half the day depressed. By week five, I felt like a whole new person, in a good way! I didn’t feel anxious and depressed, and I finally felt like myself again. Please stick with it for at least six weeks."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2016

Sertraline "It took a few weeks, but I feel so much better. I felt like I was stuck on the bottom of a seesaw and couldn't balance out my mood. I couldn't handle my rage over the smallest things. I would wake up and couldn't shut off my brain. Now I'm sleeping better, I wake up in a normal mood and no longer 'sweat the small stuff.' In addition, I am getting along much better with my family and friends. Let's just say I am better to be around. Don't worry about the side effects. I stayed away from Zoloft for a long time because I had anxiety about the side effects. Guess what? No side effects! Just a better life."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2019

Sertraline "I was hospitalized for postpartum depression (PPD) with my 1st and 2nd child. They are 10 years apart. With my first child, I didn’t know what PPD was, I thought I was going crazy. I was in a psych ward for 2 weeks, during which I was medicated with Zoloft 50 mg and Ativan. The side effects were horrible, so I was monitored while on it. It takes 2 weeks for side effects to subside. After my 2nd son, I caught on sooner, so I was on 25 mg Zoloft, 15 mg Remeron, and 0.5 Klonopin for the side effects. Then bumped to 50 mg Zoloft. If you can push through two weeks with these side effects, it’s a godsend. I hope someone with PPD would get help sooner than I did, don’t be afraid. I was afraid too, it’s like a cloud lifted after a couple of weeks. My mood stabilized, my anxiety is lessened. Best of luck to new mamas out there with PPD, you can do this."

• Bri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 10, 2018

Sertraline "I had horrible postpartum anxiety!! I cried all day, every day, out of pure fear for no reason at all. I ended up losing almost 30 pounds in one month because I was completely sick with myself for the way I was feeling and ashamed. Went to my doctor, and he put me on Zoloft 25 mg. I’m not lying when I tell you only 2 days in I felt so much better and relaxed. I could actually breathe and start thinking straight again. After 2 weeks, I went up to 50 mg and so on until I was at 150 mg. It was great for me! I couldn’t be sad or cry if I wanted to! After almost a year, I’ve weaned myself off of them. The only bad side effects were excessive sweating at night (I would wake up soaking wet in my bed) and gaining some of my weight back (but I’d rather be fat and happy than skinny and miserable). All in all, I’d definitely recommend this for anyone that is at rock bottom right now, just start with a way low dose and work yourself up. This too shall pass!!!"

• Tor...
• March 12, 2019

Sertraline "I wanted to share my experience with postpartum depression for those that are new to Zoloft. I was diagnosed with postpartum anxiety depression 6 weeks after my baby was born. I was under severe stress since my baby was born at 7 months, hence, that’s where the postpartum hit me. It was the scariest thing I have ever felt in my life. I thought I had lost myself, I just didn’t feel like me anymore, and the anxiety was beyond horrible. I had anxiety 24/7, couldn’t eat, sleep, was an emotional wreck! I started Zoloft, and that only intensified my symptoms for the first 3 weeks, then I slowly began to feel like me again, not 100% me, but it felt like I was getting there. My anxiety slowly began to lessen as well. I had to go up on my dose, and the side effects came back for about 5 days, then they began to subside, and 8 weeks later, I was me again!!! I started on 25 mg, then bumped up to 50 mg, and have been on 50 mg for a few months now. There’s light at the end of the tunnel!!"

• Mia...
• July 16, 2016

Sertraline "I suffered from severe postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD. More so, horrifying intrusive thoughts that consumed my life, I literally wanted to give up. I was too scared to try medication. I suffered from the time my baby was 6 months old to 18 months old. Finally, I decided that Zoloft was my last hope. I started off at a low dose of 25 mg and gradually increased it to 50 and finally 100 mg. I can say I feel amazing. I don't ruminate on my obsessive thoughts anymore. Yes, sometimes the thoughts still come into my head, but I am able to notice them as being an anxious thought, and I don't spend hours, days, or months obsessing over them. They literally come in and go out, and I can function! I love Zoloft! It saved my life!"

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2022

Sertraline "With my second child, I started experiencing severe anxiety about the three-week mark postpartum. At first, I thought it was the baby blues, but quickly realized something was wrong. I didn't feel like this after the birth of my first child. The anxiety got more and more intense, and then the depression kicked in. I wasn't sleeping, and I felt like I regretted my decision to have a second child. I wasn't bonding with her, and I felt like I just needed to disappear and escape. It was a very scary feeling. I immediately called the doctor around 4 weeks postpartum after staying awake for 48 hours, unable to sleep (even though the baby was sleeping). She prescribed me 50 mg of Zoloft immediately. The first week, the anxiety was more intense (but that's common). By week 3, I felt almost normal again, and by week 6, I felt like myself. I started bonding with my baby (now 5 months and obsessed with her). This medication saved me. Please don't hesitate/wait. You will be okay and feel like you again."

• Its...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 13, 2019

Sertraline "First off, don’t stop taking Zoloft. I learned it the hard way. I suffered from postpartum depression (PPD) severely after I had my son in 2009. I was hospitalized for 2-3 weeks. Zoloft did give me side effects the first couple of weeks, like headaches, insomnia, loss of appetite, anxiety, panic, and diarrhea. It felt like I was a zombie the first 3 weeks. My PPD gradually subsided the 3rd week. I weaned off of it when my son was 3. Fast forward 2 years later, I went through a rough patch and needed to be on Zoloft again. Then again, I tapered off of it after 2 years. Then I had another child 10 years after 2009, and my PPD came back, so I’m on it again. So far, I’m trying to pull through this tough time again. Zoloft has helped me plenty of times, and I hope this will help someone that is going through PPD."

• Em2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 5, 2023

Sertraline "I struggled with major delayed postpartum depression. My doctor placed me on 50 mg of Zoloft (sertraline) once a day. The first 7 weeks were awful. I felt suicidal, thoughts were so bad I couldn’t sleep. After 7 weeks, I noticed that I was going longer without intrusive thoughts and was able to enjoy little things again, like playing with my daughter. I’m now 4 months in, and I’m feeling happy and motivated, and motherhood is now my favorite thing in this world. I don’t feel euphoric, I just feel like me. Sometimes an intrusive thought will creep up, but I’m able to recognize them and carry on. You need to give this medicine time."

• Mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2023

Sertraline "I am another mom who told myself that if Zoloft worked, I would come back and review it to encourage someone else. I have been taking Zoloft (and progesterone) for almost 5 months now for postpartum depression/anxiety. It’s working! I was in a truly awful shape after my second baby; relentless depression, unexplained nighttime anxiety, and insomnia even when I felt completely exhausted. I started with 25mg nightly, eventually increased to 50mg nightly and 25mg in the morning (75mg total daily dose). I also started working out again, ate well, and saw a counselor several times. I had never experienced depression/anxiety before, and had never been on an antidepressant prior to this one. I was hesitant to start it - and hesitant to increase the dose - but I am beyond glad that I did. My babies have their mom back. If you start it and feel a little worse, hang in there! You are not alone, it is not your fault, you are not losing your mind, and you will get better."

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 3, 2020

Sertraline "I was on Zoloft before I got pregnant because it was the only drug that worked for my anxiety without making me feel like a zombie that wasn't able to orgasm. After I gave birth, I was smacked in the face with intense anxiety with horrible physical symptoms. My OB got me right back on my script of Zoloft, and within two weeks I no longer feel paralyzed. I still have some depressive symptoms (lack of interest in hobbies, etc.), but the anxiety has all but vanished. Zoloft has saved me from postpartum anxiety without taking anything else away from me, like my sex drive."

• Dom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2020

Sertraline "Before this medication, Zoloft, I was completely unable to leave my house for fear that I would have to interact socially. I felt hopeless and like I had failed, which gave me no drive to clean or take care of my 3-year-old while pregnant. After starting this medication, I have been able to return to normal life. I have a healthy newborn, and I feel able to take on daily tasks and social interactions."

• Hap...
• August 23, 2019

"Postpartum depression/anxiety came and bit me on the bum pretty hard and knocked me for six. I went from being in a lovely baby bubble to being lower than I’ve ever been, I wasn’t sleeping, had terrible anxiety, felt trapped, couldn’t eat. The guilt I felt was overwhelming. The first week of sertraline was dreadful, and I kept thinking, what have I done? I felt worse than before. The second and third weeks were a little better, but my mood fluctuated, and I’d have a good day followed by a very bad one that knocked me back. I spent all my time reading reviews and worrying they weren’t working. I am now on week 4 and have noticed a huge difference. I still have some anxiety but am able to diffuse it so much quicker. I am sleeping and eating better, am much more positive, and feel almost back to the old me. I didn’t give 10 because the first week or so is rough. I promised myself that if I felt better, I’d write a review to give other mommas out there the hope that it does get better."

• Lun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2021

Sertraline "I was terrified to start this medication, but I knew I needed it. It took me a few months to muster up the courage to take the first pill. After I had my baby, I had intense anxiety, intrusive thoughts, depression, and rage. Everything would annoy me so, so much. I lived like this for months, and it was ruining my relationship with my husband. I called my doctor and said I needed help, I didn’t feel like myself. I am on 25 mg, and it took 2 months for me to feel the full effects... I was doubtful it would work at first. So glad I feel like myself again, I want to cry with happiness because I haven’t felt like this in so long. Please, if you are suffering, don’t be afraid to try this medication. I believe it saved me and my marriage."

• Gyp...
• March 22, 2016

Sertraline "I suffered terrible depression and anxiety after I had my son. It was the worst experience because I had no control over the worrying, sadness, and hopelessness. I wasn't able to enjoy my newborn because I felt so down and anxious about everything. After I developed insomnia and would sleep for 3 days at a time, I decided to get help. I felt embarrassed and shameful for feeling this way, but I can assure anyone dealing with postpartum anxiety/depression that it's NOT your fault! It's a very real disorder and can take a person's life if they don't seek help. Zoloft literally saved mine. I have been on 100 mgs for one year and feel like the happy person I was before pregnancy. Best decision I've ever made!!"

• Pos...
• March 29, 2017

Sertraline "A game-changer for me and, as a result, my family. I felt panicked, angry, and had racing thoughts. Within a few days, I was calmer, within weeks, I was relaxed and could think rationally rather than be anxious. I've continued to take it, as I just feel so much better as a result."