Sertraline for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Mol...
• February 12, 2018

Sertraline "I took this for 7 days right before my period. Wow. The nausea and drowsiness the first 3 days were tough (horrible the first 24 hours, then got better). But this was the first month I didn't cry at the dinner table with my family in ages. My general mood was totally normal and not overly sensitive or aggressive. I didn't have any sexual side effects and no menstrual cramps when my period arrived. I'm going to try it again next cycle, hoping that the side effects diminish."

• Lil...
• July 14, 2011

Sertraline "First, I will admit I am at my wits' end with PMDD. I was on Zoloft 100 mg about 1 year ago for about 3 months, and it was like a miracle pill. Then I started to research more about it, and there was so much negativity toward weight gain while on it, and I did gain 10 pounds, so I started to panic because I am already 50 pounds overweight. So, I went against better judgment and went off of it. I went around the mountain over and over again, trying to find a better solution. Nothing was successful for me. I would rather be fat and happy than skinny and miserable for the rest of my life. I am going back on it in about a week. I am also going to be put on birth control pills to help with the hormones."

• Anonymous
• February 5, 2012

Sertraline "I just started Zoloft 3 days ago and am encouraged by those of you who say the drowsiness goes away after a while. I am on the one week prior to my period regimen, due to PMDD. It is amazing already how calm and patient I am with my kids and husband. I had been on other meds in the past for depression, but hadn't taken anything in a few years. I have to say for the last post, the Yaz can make you depressed and gain weight. I would have just done the Zoloft. Loving the Zoloft. Excited to see how I feel when the side effects go away."

• Anonymous
• January 12, 2009

Sertraline "For the past 5 years, I have been suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It affected my life in all aspects. I finally found a solution to my disorder. I take Zoloft 1 x 50 mg pill every day, and 2 weeks before my period, I take 2 pills (100 mg). I have never felt better."

• SAR...
• February 16, 2011

Sertraline "After, I think, years of suffering from PMDDs and it coming to a head this month (as I am in a highly stressful ongoing situation), I self-diagnosed and went to a psychiatrist who was super and put me on Zoloft - first pill last night, and I already feel a difference, although have to go through the first week's adaptive side effects (drowsy and slight nausea). I am going to be also fascinated to see if the Zoloft will positively affect my over-alcohol consumption, which I, of course, now realize was me self-medicating against the depression, trying to find a good mood feeling each day."

• Jea...
• March 26, 2015

Sertraline "I was put on Zoloft to regulate my moods as my hormones were very off-kilter with extreme highs and lows. The medicine started taking effect within a week, and now I feel very calm and relaxed all the time. The only side effects are that it leaves me extremely tired, and also with a bit of cotton mouth."

• Anonymous
• April 18, 2008

Sertraline "I have not been taking Zoloft for very long, but for the little time I have been on it, it has truly made a difference in how I handle stressful situations. I am calmer about situations that I generally get angry about, and the headaches I used to have have decreased dramatically."

• nad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2015

Sertraline "I primarily started taking Zoloft for panic attacks. But I also suffer from PMDD. I stopped being crazy prior to my menstruation because of birth control and Zoloft. Until 6 months ago, every two weeks I was breaking up with my boyfriend. We get along on my period and one week after, and then it will usually start. The third week of my cycle, we didn't see each other, and after that I usually get my period and calm. It is a surprise we didn't break up for good, and I can't even describe what that does for our sex life. I had terrible fights with my mom, and I felt like I was the most miserable person in the world. Not anymore. I was scared when I stopped taking birth control that I would again start acting nuts, but now Zoloft is taking care of that."

• Che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2020

Sertraline "The Zoloft worked amazingly for me for PDD! This was my first cycle, and I am extremely happy with the result. I took it 1 week before my period, and this alleviated any anxiety I had been feeling the last 6 months."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 13, 2014

Sertraline "I'm 18 years old and was diagnosed with severe PMS/PMDD about two and a half weeks ago. It was a relief to finally have a diagnosis because I had developed progressively worse physical and physiological symptoms in the two weeks before my period. It had started to interfere with my schooling since I'd miss two days per cycle at least (which is a lot for a high school senior with AP classes). I was prescribed Beyaz a month ago and quit after 3 days because I was an emotional wreck. Another week or so went by and my symptoms got worse again. My doctor finally prescribed me a low dose (25mg) and upped it a few days later to 50mg. It took a few days to take effect (it was a hard time), but now I'm better than I've been in months."

• Tta...
• June 23, 2020

Sertraline "My doctor switched me to Zoloft. I was taking bupropion for about 5 months, but it was causing me to be snappy and a lot of anxiety. So he switched me to Zoloft, it's been 3 weeks, and the first week and a half was the hardest. I had nausea, diarrhea, and tiredness. But it went away, now I'm only tired at times but feel way better. I recommend it."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2020

Sertraline "I had high hopes for Zoloft to help my fibromyalgia, PMDD, PTSD. The first week I took this, I began having the worst anxiety attacks of my life. Too nauseous to eat, diarrhea, and migraines. I waited it out a month, suffering from extreme anxiety, which it was supposed to help me get rid of in the first place. Made my usual anxiety seem like nothing. It did nothing at all for my chronic pain, made me feel as if I was going crazy and not able to function."

• she...
• June 3, 2008

Sertraline "For years I suffered migraines, and I swore they were menstrual-related, and no one believed me until finally a nurse practitioner discussed Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) with me. My severe moods and migraines were relieved as long as I stayed on Zoloft. PMDD is worse than PMS, and I find it not as easily diagnosed. I have been having more migraines lately, but I am not sure if I have missed doses or need to increase. Zoloft has definitely helped me."

• Mum...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 13, 2017

Sertraline "Took this for anxiety and depression but found out later that I actually had severe PMDD. I had to stop taking Zoloft after six months due to bad vertigo, but it definitely helped the PMDD symptoms. Switched to venlafaxine and found that to be great, but the first three days are so hard. Headaches, low mood, heavy feeling in head and body. It worked, though. Zoloft also fixed my restless leg syndrome, which had not responded to any other treatment."

• KCa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 23, 2020

Sertraline "I had to share my experience because it has been awful. I’ve taken Zoloft on and off for years for PMDD. While it did help regulate my moods, I’ve had the worst gastrointestinal issues ever since I was prescribed this drug. I finally put 2 and 2 together. I would be out shopping/at a football game/in my car driving and have to find a bathroom IMMEDIATELY. I would have a sudden and very intense urge to use the restroom. (Think Dumb & Dumber.) It was so embarrassing. I would start sweating from the pain. Do you know how many unnecessary invasive tests I’ve had done trying to figure out why I can’t control my bowels, and the whole time it was this drug? What good is regulating your moods if you feel like you’re going to poop your pants several times a month???"

• Que...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2022

Sertraline "For a few years now, I have been experiencing severe PMS: high irritability, anxiety, and mood swings. I am 42 years old, and it started around 38 years of age. Around that time, I also became a mom, so that was an added stressor. Coping became extremely difficult during PMS time. I would have severe mood swings, which caused me to have fights with family, friends, and co-workers. I tried therapy, but it was pretty useless. A doctor prescribed me Zoloft, but I have always stayed away from pharmaceutical drugs because of the long list of side effects. I finally decided to take it, as it was hurting my family life, and my anger and anxiety were becoming unmanageable, and the guilt would throw me into severe depression. So far, 4 months on the lowest dose, 25 mg, I haven't had what I call a 'psychotic episode,' which usually means a severe outburst and mood swing. I haven't experienced any side effects, thank goodness. I only had a lot of sweating in the start, and that was it."

• pmd...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 19, 2017

"I suffered from PMDD for years before I knew it was a real thing. Finally went to the Dr 2 yrs ago, she diagnosed me & prescribed sertraline. I thought this was something I would have to endure for the rest of my life in anguish & hopelessness because people don't understand it (I barely understand it, but I certainly feel it), but this medicine has helped TREMENDOUSLY! I was told to take it 2 wks/month, but that many times is not necessary as my dosage is strong enough to lift my mood & quiet my anxiety & suicidal thoughts for the duration of the 2 weeks. I do experience headache, nausea, and a touch of sleeplessness, BUT it really helps. Thank you, GOD, for this discovery, I feel like I can live. *happy tears*"

• Jea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2020

Sertraline "SSRIs are totally different for everyone, so this is just my personal experience. But I was started out on 25 mg of Zoloft following manic episodes after I quit birth control cold turkey. Zoloft made me feel worse than a zombie. Not only was it hard to even speak, it was hard to think. I felt very loopy and out of it all the time, and it did nothing for my anxiety except make it slightly harder to think about, because thinking of anything felt like a feat. I went off of it and immediately felt better. I switched to Prozac, and my doctors and I are trying to find the dose that's right for me. Just pay attention to how you're feeling and monitor things carefully, especially on SSRIs. Everyone has different and specific needs."

• Lun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 15, 2021

Sertraline "I tried quite a few antidepressants, but only Zoloft deserves my review. I have been taking Sertraline for almost a month, and I am so happy that I didn't give up on changing from my previous Escitalopram, Prozac, and Citalopram. I suffer from PDD, then from PTD and anxiety. The first two weeks were hard, but I started to have interest in activities again (week 4). Don't worry about weight gain, I was, that's why I stopped Escitalopram. Zoloft does not make me feel ravenous at all. So glad."

• rac...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 13, 2024

"This medication saved my life. I was suffering with PMDD, which manifested itself through OCD and depression. I tried to treat this 'naturally' for a couple of years. But the death of my Nan, coupled with my wedding and other life stressors, caused things to reach rock bottom. I was off work, I couldn't eat or sleep, I almost ended my relationship and canceled my wedding. I was so unwell. I was scared to try medication because I didn't know what to expect. I took 50mg in November 2023. Things got worse to get better. I couldn't pull myself out of bed. I increased my dosage after a few weeks to 75mg, as I was not convinced it was enough. After another couple of weeks, I increased again to 100mg. One day, it was as if the lights switched back on. In January, I was ready to go back to work. My sleep problems that I've had all my life also stopped - I never struggle to sleep now. I got married in March 2024 and had a wonderful honeymoon. PMDD no longer haunts me."

• Meg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2023

"I personally had an awful experience with sertraline, but I know many others who have had incredibly positive experiences, so I wouldn't want to put people off trying it. Just because it was bad for me doesn't mean it would be bad for someone else! Either way, I only took one dose (25 mg), and within 6 hours developed the worst anxiety of my life, followed by panic attacks, headache, nausea, and shaking/teeth chattering, despite being boiling hot and drenched in sweat. I felt incredibly jittery, like I was full of electricity, and was sick multiple times. I also completely lost my appetite. It was an awful experience, and I didn't take the second dose. I am now on citalopram and experiencing minimal side effects, aside from increased anxiety (which I can cope with temporarily!)."

• Ash...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 2, 2017

Sertraline "I feel very difficult when taking Zoloft at 25 mg for about ten days, then 50 mg afterwards. I primarily take it for stress, anxiety, and depression. Once I was told by a psychiatrist that I could have PMDD, even though I haven't been diagnosed with the condition by a gynecologist. It's because I would have severe crying spells days before my period, so severe that I wouldn't stop crying, and I would feel extremely sensitive emotionally. I still cry a little before I get my period sometimes, but the medication I take seems to work well to keep my nerves calm. In addition, I have bipolar depression, PTSD, social anxiety, and ADD/ADHD. Ritalin is another medication that I also take."

• Naa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2022

"Was prescribed 25 mg for PMDD. To say this is good is an understatement. It has been life-changing. I was hoping this would take the edge off my rage, but what it has done has completely improved so many facets of my life. It has enabled me to function extremely well. Pros: feelings of happiness, no longer disliking my own appearance, feeling productive, eager to socialize and exercise, anxiety is pretty much nonexistent, no longer melting down over sounds (misophonia), sleeping soundly, things feel more comfortable and less sensory overload. Cons: nausea, sweating, brain fog (all gone within a week), ongoing jaw clenching, and occasional gastrointestinal poop explosions. (It's not too bad honestly.) In all, sertraline has been beyond what I had even hoped for, and I’m really enjoying my life and my relationships with friends and family much more."

• Zim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2020

"I have only just recently started taking this antidepressant, sertraline. A week, to be exact, and I cannot tell you what a difference it has made. I am sleeping really well, actually quite tired come the end of a day, albeit early evening, I'm ready to go to bed, which isn't normal for me. So that seems to be the only downside right now, but otherwise, from being super sensitive, angry, emotional, cranky-you name it-my mood has changed dramatically to feeling elated, almost high. *I don't take drugs either.* Calm and composed. I have had a couple of anxious moments during this time where I would have previously freaked out, however, in this case, I was calm and passive, which even surprised me! So this may or may not work for all, but if you do feel the good side effects with a little fatigue, etc., don't give up on them completely. I believe they work."

• kri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2021

"I realized that my mood would plummet immediately after ovulation and only get worse until the first day of my period. I started to worry when I started having suicidal thoughts. I started taking 50 mg of sertraline, and by the time my next cycle came around (only about 2 weeks after starting medication), it was a night and day difference. I used to look so forward to my period starting so my mood would lift, but my first period on sertraline actually came by surprise because I didn't even realize it was time. My husband said that he has noticed a huge difference in my mood leading up to my period. I was seriously losing half the month to PMDD despair, and I feel like sertraline has given me that time back. The side effects starting out weren't too bad: loss of appetite for a few days, dry mouth, more frequent urination during the night (I take it right before bed). A month later, those side effects are gone."