Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• Relie...
• February 5, 2018

Zoloft (sertraline) "My now 18-year-old daughter has always dealt with anxiety-type issues that we managed on our own. If she didn't want to go anywhere, it was easy to chalk it up to being an introvert. However, the loneliness and avoidance went far beyond 'being an introvert'. By the time she entered her senior year in high school, she was spiraling into a black hole. She finally agreed to therapy and medication. Prozac was awful, sertraline was great. The low doses helped with some anxiety, but at 100mg, she flourished. No more holed up in her room, avoiding going to the store, or near panic attacks for having to place a phone call. She is smiling, singing, and dancing! She is also finally able to form connections with people. Her biggest complaint is that she has put on some weight (maybe 10lbs). I asked her - do you want to be the ultra-thin, unhappy girl who hides in her room, or would you rather walk around with that gorgeous smile of yours? My only regret is waiting."

• Tano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2018

Zoloft (sertraline) "If society wouldn't shame people for taking medication for things out of their control, I would have and should have been on this medication as a child. 20 odd years late though, boy could life had been different. No looking back now!"

• Anonymous
• April 25, 2010

Zoloft (sertraline) "After nearly 20 years of anxiety and depression, I am finally free. Zoloft has improved my life beyond belief. No more blushing, feeling uncomfortable, or uneasy. The first 2 weeks were tough (nausea, loss of appetite, trembling, etc.), but boy am I glad I stuck it out. A 100mg pill to a new life. I thank god every day that I found a doctor and a medication that have given me my life back. A night and day difference."

• MFano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2020

"I was having increased anxiety. I tried exercise and meditation which worked for short periods of time. I was prescribed 50mg of Sertraline. The first few days side effects were really difficult but lessened a week on. There was sweating, decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, buzzing feeling, pupils larger, dry throat, slight blurriness of vision. All gone now except for the dry throat. I have to say I'm so glad I persisted taking it. I nearly stopped due to the initial side effects. It's really worked. I didn't realise how anxious I had been until I wasn't. I'm amazed at the difference. This has really worked for me. I've even managed to change jobs without stressing. I'm about 6 weeks in and plan to continue with it. I wrote this review because I hope it helps others. These reviews really helped me stick with it during the first few days."

• Wes
• October 6, 2016

Zoloft (sertraline) "Without a doubt, this medication changed my life. I have dealt with social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety for the past 15 years or so, and have tried every kind of cognitive behavioral therapy I possibly can, without noticeable results. The reason for this being that I couldn't take the information I was given and use it because my anxiety was so out of control. I never realized how much anxiety I truly had until this medication kicked in. For the first time ever, I'm able to hold conversations with people and have my own personal opinions on things, rather than coming up with opinions that work to please other people. Yes, the side effects for the first 2 weeks are hard to bear, but if you stick with it you will likely not regret it."

• 22 yo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2021

Zoloft (sertraline) "I am a 22 year old male who is currently on 150mg Zoloft. I was prescribed Zoloft for Social Anxiety Disorder SAD. My main cause of anxiety was going out to eat. I had always enjoyed going out before, but suddenly it was a cause of great anxiety. I would avoid going out if possible and going out was a crippling experience. I started taking 50mg of Zoloft, I did not feel it working so I upped it to 100mg 6 weeks later than eventually up to 150mg after 2 1/2 after starting. At 150mg and about 3 months after I started taking it my anxiety melted away. It really did give me my life back. I’m back to my old self. The first two-three weeks I took it I did feel more anxious and sick but just keep with it. Don’t be afraid to up the dosage of it isn’t work well enough for you. I suggest upping it by 25mg so that you don’t get sick when you start taking more. This is a good medicine, try it out."

• Alixxx
• April 25, 2016

Zoloft (sertraline) "Depression has disappeared! You know those blue moods that come with not enough reasons? They will disappear completely. No more mood swings. Your life is going to be so stable and manageable. This drug won't make you happy; it will only stop your depression and stabilize your mood. Again, it doesn't add anything to your own happiness. Took it for social anxiety. Now my mood doesn't switch around people anymore. I have more confidence in myself, but I'm still a quiet person because I'm not talkative by nature. The drug has stopped me from getting stressed around people."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2012

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have been on Zoloft for only a week and cannot believe how immediate the positive effects are. I had been taking Effexor for two years for low-grade social anxiety. Whilst it was highly effective for the anxiety, I went from 120 lbs to 150 lbs in a very short time (very distressing as I am only 5'2'') and I completely withdrew socially. I also felt completely unhinged and even suicidal if I accidentally skipped a day. A week ago I switched to Zoloft (with only a day's gap in between my cessation of Effexor). Within an hour of taking it, I felt better. I have felt like my old self again--exercising daily, dropping weight each day, feeling social--even a little sexy (!) and laughing more. Thank goodness I switched medicines."

• Georg...
• January 23, 2016

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have been on Zoloft (Lustral/Sertraline) in the UK on and off for 20 years. I trust it. I have never written about it online or discussed it much with anybody other than medical professionals. I am writing this for those that are in the first 6 weeks of treatment. I take 50-150mg, usually the maintenance dose of 50mg is enough. Sometimes I will take it up to 75mg and rarely up to 100mg. On 50mg, no side effects at all after 8 weeks of treatment. 75mg and upward causes problems in the man department for me. I change dose at +/- 25mg at a time. I would never dream of going straight to 50mg, but that's just me. Weeks 3-6 you have to just grin and bear it. You will not feel like that forever, it goes away and you will feel well. I promise."

• Chellll
• July 28, 2015

Zoloft (sertraline) "About 2 years ago, I started experiencing the worst panic attacks of my life. I thought I was having a pulmonary embolism & went to the emergency room twice. After blood work, ECGs, heart monitors, and chest X-rays, I finally accepted I was suffering from anxiety. I went to see my doctor & I've been on Zoloft 50mg for approximately 10 months. The first 3 months on Zoloft honestly were the worst months of my life. My anxiety was 10 times worse, I was experiencing horrible insomnia, dry mouth, and a permanent yawn. The side effects have subsided, and I'm so thankful to be anxiety-free even though it took almost 4 months. I would definitely recommend Zoloft and tell everyone to just stick out the first few months! Good luck! You are not alone :)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2017

Zoloft (sertraline) "After taking Zoloft (50 mg) for only a few days, I feel incredibly lucky to have had such a positive experience with it. For about an hour after I take it I get stomach cramps that resemble menstrual cramps, but after that, I go into a really positive mood and I just want to tell everybody how much I appreciate them. I don't get sick from overthinking minor details anymore, and all of my emotions feel more stable and controllable. I'm experiencing slight restlessness and difficulty falling asleep, but I'm taking that as a positive, as I feel like I got my energy back. I do clench my jaw at night now though. I have no appetite and I'm losing weight, but I used to overeat due to anxiety so I don't mind it. I never thought I could be this happy."

• Justt...
• February 25, 2013

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety for years. Anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder run in my family, and for some reason, I have been hesitant to get on medication. I have a very stressful job and am currently in graduate school, and finally decided enough is enough. I have been on Zoloft for 2 days, and I can already tell a difference. The tightness in my chest is gone from chronic stress, and I feel happier. I am kicking myself for not getting on this medication earlier."

• feeli...
• May 22, 2017

Zoloft (sertraline) "I've been on 25mg for 2 weeks. In 5 days, it started to work. Let me tell you, I'm doing 80% better than before. I've developed awful social anxiety and (almost) panic attacks over the last 2 years, and I don't know what's going on. I've been in psychotherapy for a year, and it hasn't done much, although the therapist, on occasion, suggested that I look into anti-anxiety meds. After 3 years, I've taken the plunge. I almost feel like I have my life back. I'm able to be around people with 80% less anxiety than before. I'm confident again. I like myself. It's like this dark cloud is finally starting to dissipate. I'm recovering. At 2 weeks, I have no side effects except diarrhea in the first week."

• jano
• October 31, 2020

Zoloft (sertraline) "I had a adverse reaction to zoloft - insomnia and it was so bad. I had to go to the ward for not sleeping for 8 days. I was also pacing and other bad stuff. I did not have mania. Over a year later and over 20 pills tried on me. Never recovered. I have bio-chemical brain damage. I only met a tiny few people this exact same thing happened to. (we met on support groups) If this happens truly happens to others.. it may be told that it is something else. I am 37. I slept fine my entire life. My life is a mess now. I never feel sleepy and so on. I am a rare case."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2017

Zoloft (sertraline) "I thought I would share today my experience with Zoloft. Two months ago, I was the anxious one on here reading all the reviews on medications. Every one had positives and negatives. I was so worried about taking an 'antidepressant'. I suffered daily with SEVERE anxiety and panic attacks to the point where I would have a panic attack for hours. It was awful. Because I felt like that so often, I would say I had mild depression. Just felt hopeless. Could anything help my anxiety? This medicine has changed my life for the better. I started at 25mg and still felt bad, no improvement even after five weeks. My doctor upped me to 50mg and within a week, I felt 100 times better. I had no side effects other than two to three headaches. My advice to you, try it."

• Katie
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 12, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "I’ve been on Zoloft for almost 5 years now actually for generalized anxiety disorder. It was luckily the first antidepressant or anti anxiety med that I tried and it turned my life around. I've been on 100mg for 2-3 years now. I did try to taper down to 75mg once as I thought it may be contributing to weight gain (it wasn’t) and I became very anxious again. I’ve come to accept I’ll probably be on this drug forever lol. No side effects to note!"

• mjr
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2017

Zoloft (sertraline) "I hope that my review can help someone who was in my shoes a month ago. I had randomly developed social anxiety. It came later on in life, and I couldn't even hold conversations with friends, family members, coworkers, etc. I also felt generalized anxiety, as well as OCD. My mind was constantly going, and it deterred me from enjoying life and building relationships with others. I decided to go to therapy, and was suggested Zoloft. I was a skeptic at first, since there is such a stigma around antidepressants and I heard so many negative reviews about Zoloft. However, I tried it and my doctor prescribed me 50mg. I fought all the side effects, but it got better! I would suggest sticking it out, because it has changed my life for the better!"

• Matters
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2015

Zoloft (sertraline) "From bad to good. Week 1 was great. Obviously placebo. Week 2 was a low week. So tired all day long. I struggled to concentrate. Work performance was affected. I learned that alcohol brings you right down. DON'T DO IT! Some anxiety in Week 3. Another low week in Week 4. I felt zombified. Tired all day. I could barely stay awake in meetings. I couldn't pay attention for more than a minute. Noticed my hands are shaking. Some anxiety. Week 5 was better but still tired. Small improvement but still zombified and shaking hands. Week 6 was less tired but still shaky. Mood is lifting. Strange confidence. Loving it! Confidence and mood grows in Week 7. Little anxious in Week 8. Feeling great. There is hope! Avoid too much alcohol and coffee. 2 or 3 per day is okay."

• Lorae
• March 27, 2014

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have a problem with anxiety and depression. I've been using Zoloft for about one year, and it is so much better. No depression, no bad mood, anxiety is not so high, perfect. I tried a few times to stop, but I always fall into depression after that."

• chamc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2015

Zoloft (sertraline) "Hi, I am 43, suffering from extreme social phobia that prevents me from all kinds of activities and work too... most symptoms are blushing, shaky voice, sweating, and general depressive feelings. Doctor started me on my first treatment ever of 25mg Zoloft for the first week, then 50mg up to 100mg in 1 month. I just took my first pills and crossed my fingers... I just like to thank you all that made me feel so much better, knowing I am not alone out there."

• Zoloft
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 16, 2018

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have been taking Zoloft for about 8 months now. I used to be so anxious and worried about everything all of the time. I had crippling social anxiety. My face would shake whenever I had to talk to large groups of people. I no longer feel like this. I feel FREE. I actually look forward to social events and talking with others! I also didn't experience any numbing of emotions or sexual issues; the only side effect I'd say I've had was an increased sensitivity to alcohol. Something to be monitored for sure! I definitely did not think the medication was working as it took a very long time to take effect- at least 2 months till I noticed a difference. But now that I have been on it for a good amount of time, I can honestly say I feel normal, finally. If you're thinking of trying this medication, I would strongly recommend it. However, be patient and don't lose hope if you don't see results right away. It's all so worth it in the end!"

• Indie...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2013

Zoloft (sertraline) "The first time I tried Zoloft I hated it, it made me feel very nauseous. My doctor wanted me to start on 50mg for 5 days and then go to 100mg. I never made it to day 3 on 50mg. So I decided to try half of a half, approximately 25mg, and that worked fine! After 5 days, I went to 50, then 5 more days 100, no problems! What I noticed at the end of the first week was I was more at ease. It not only helped my social anxiety but also reduced my general anxiety, stretching out my Xanax for when I really needed it the most. Worth noting, I also take Wellbutrin with the Zoloft and while it's not perfect, I am very happy and pleased with this combination."

• doing...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 27, 2012

Zoloft (sertraline) "I suffered with social anxiety for many years. My neck would get red blotches when I had to be the center of attention. Zoloft, along with alprazolam, has helped me tremendously! I always thought I had to live with this, and there wasn't a cure. After researching the internet, I found out what I had. My husband also takes Zoloft to control his depression, withdrawal, anger, and road rage, and it helps him sleep really well. One drawback is that it made us both gain weight, but that has leveled off. I hope my post helps someone else out there."

• Mandy
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 7, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "I have been on Zoloft 200mg for nearly two years for SAD. I started on 50mg and increased until I found the right dosage. Social anxiety has debilitated my whole life and after taking Zoloft I can live and be a "normal" person with out constant fear, without people wondering what's wrong with me or thinking I'm just rude or weird. I can be who I knew I always was inside but could never let out. I agree that when you start Zoloft it can make your condition worse and it is a time where you need a really good support network around you, but ride it through because the benefits in the long run are truely worth it. I have found if I miss a few days it can really mess me up or if I've had a binge on the alcohol. But taken properly its a life savour. Saved mine that's why I'll give it a 9."

• Chelsea
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2019

Zoloft (sertraline) "I started on Paxil and those side effects were SO awful I quit after 6 months. I was then switched to ZOLOFT and it's so much better. Side effects are more subtle then paxil. I did wake up wide awake in the middle of the night, couldn't sleep, diarrhea, tossing and turning, shaky euphoric feeling but it ONLY lasted about a week then my body got used to it. It is an awful feeling let me tell you but as long as you tell yourself to push through and do things to tire you out, it does get better. I would read, or watch boring sitcoms till I dosed off. I did take an over the counter sleep aid a few times when the restlessness was really bad and it did help. About the 2nd week I was able to fully sleep, then the 3rd week I was sleeping better then ever before. The side effects aren't fun but now that my body is used to the medicine, I haven't had any anxiety attacks and I don't feel like such a failure. Don't give up, the side effects are only temporary!!!"