Sertraline and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Mag...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on sertraline since 9 days ago. I had all of a sudden generalized anxiety which progressed to panic attacks without any obvious reason. My doctor has prescribed me sertraline 50 mg once daily and told me that may make me sleepy. In those 9 days, I had the worst nausea and loss of appetite with internal shakes. The first day had nightmares. Elevated anxiety and panic attacks especially in the morning. Almost every day I refer to this site to reassure myself that everything will be okay. I will keep you posted. Please wish me luck."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2025

For Anxiety and Stress "I started on Sertraline just over a month ago for anxiety and panic attacks: 4 days on 25 mg, 20 days on 50 mg, 15 days on 100 mg. Starting on Sertraline has been an extremely hard journey, but I am here to tell all of you who are suffering that it is in fact working and YOU WILL FEEL BETTER! The first 14 days were absolutely horrifying: increased anxiety, horrible panic attacks, extreme sweating, nausea, vomiting, no appetite, depressive thoughts. I had to take Xanax some days to cope with it, but somehow I managed to go to (desk job) work every day. Increasing my dose from 50-100 mg initially made it worse again with the side effects all over, but about 5 days into 100 mg, I finally started to feel some relief, and from there, I have just felt better and better. It still goes up and down from day to day, but on a weekly basis, so much better. I felt absolutely horrible starting Sertraline, but if I could do this, so can you! THERE IS LIGHT AND IT WILL BE SO MUCH BETTER! :)"

• ner...
• June 7, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am a pharmacy technician and been one for over a year now. I had developed GAD due to my job, and it was then taking over my life and mental health. I started losing weight fast. Second time having an anxiety panic attack at work and got sent home early due to my body going to fight or flight mode. My doctor then quickly prescribed sertraline 25mg. Finally, I read all the reviews, and it gave me so much hope that I wasn’t alone. For the first few days, I had the runs every morning bad, increased anxiety all the time, insomnia in the morning, hot flashes during the night, some jaw clenching for the first two days. By week two, all the side effects lifted. By week three, I didn’t notice too much, but my mood was so much better. I finally started eating happily, playing with my family more, sleeping well, and even working out! I finally feel normal again BUT better. Please know that you are not alone, and keep pushing. I am only taking 25mg, and it really does make a difference!"

• Jun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I promised myself I would comment once I was feeling better because reading these comments gave me reassurance when I was starting Zoloft. I started having uncontrollable panic attacks and anxiety after a mild electric shock at work. For me personally, I had no positive effects for about 4 weeks. Then I was really up and down for the next 2 weeks, where 1 day my anxiety would lower for periods, and the next 2 days it would be back up. After around week 6, I started having longer periods of much lower anxiety, but still, anxiety would come on here and there. Now, 8 weeks in, anxiety is a lot less. I still feel it from time to time, but definitely feeling better. Hope this helps someone who is reading all the comments about people feeling better after just a few weeks and thinking it's taking too long, so Zoloft won't work. It does, just some of us take a little longer to feel the effects. Hang in there, good times are coming."

• Lis...
• February 10, 2020

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I am in my 40s and I suffered a panic attack for the first time while driving. My friend said try Zoloft, so I saw the doctor for it. I kept a log first entry dated May 1, 2018. Day 1 on Zoloft: 'I felt tired, a little dizzy, brain fog - woke up a couple of times feeling weird, not myself. I had stomach upset and diarrhea.' Day 2: 'I woke up feeling like a zombie. I was very tired, no emotion, but I had to get up. When I was driving & came to a stoplight, I felt very anxious.' 'I hope I'm making the right decision to start meds but do I have a choice???' Day 3 & 4: '...felt tired, having brain fog. My stomach is rumbling & a little nausea but it is manageable.' Day 8: 'I woke up feeling tired and right now I feel a little anxiety.' Day 17: 'It's been over 2 weeks & I am driving with little to no anxiety!' I have been on Zoloft 25 mg for 2 years now. Because of reading other people's reviews, I knew what to expect & that kept me going!"

• San...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2022

Sertraline for Major Depressive Disorder "5 years ago, I was a mess due to a bad breakup, drug & alcohol abuse, and family issues. 8 months later, I stopped all substances and decided to go clean. That made me face reality. I suffered from PTSD, deep depression, severe anxiety, panic attacks, and OCD. I was suicidal. I couldn't stop overanalyzing every single thought. My brain wouldn’t stop, and I had the craziest thoughts ever that I was so sure that I am going crazy. Finally, after 5 years, I decided I need help. I tried many meds and NOTHING worked! I really believed that no med would do. Tried citalopram, seroquel, olanzapine, and others. Finally, Zoloft was the last solution. I started with 25 mg for 4 days, then up to 50 mg for 6 weeks. I noticed the change! Then on the 7th week, 75 mg, then finally 100 mg. The side effects are horrible, yes: increased anxiety and panic, loss of appetite, and all. 6 weeks after increasing to 100 mg, I swear I can jump and scream from happiness! I am full of energy and hope! Please give Zoloft time to work!"

• jud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "Just finished my 6th week on 50 mg Sertraline and wow. I feel like a new person. I'm 56 and started therapy several months ago to deal with a family issue. The other party dropped out of the sessions right away, but I decided to keep going. Through therapy, I started realizing I had some stuff to deal with, lol. I had lived with anxiety and depression for so long that I almost didn't realize I was doing so. I was self-medicating (alcohol and food mostly). Sertraline has changed my life for the better. Yes, the first 3-4 weeks had side effects were a little rough (best described as being tired, anxious and zombie-like) but nothing too outrageous. The best analogy I can come up with is the clouds have parted and for my whole life I had never realized it was overcast all the time. I'll try to check in at 6 months with an update."

• Kee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 11, 2024

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I want others to know the importance of pushing through the beginning, even when you think you can’t. I thought I was too far gone and that I was destined for a lifetime of anxiety, panic, and OCD. The first 2 months are tough. Every dosage increase is another bump in the road. HOLD ON. It takes time, but this medication WORKS. I had awful OCD, anxiety, self-doubt, and low self-worth. After a low point and a job failure, every day was spent inside my head obsessing about past mistakes, worrying about the future, completely stuck in rumination and unable to live in the moment. When starting sertraline, it is hard, things do get worse before they get better. But things will improve, one day at a time. After 3 months, I am 90% back to myself. I still have fleeting moments, however, they do pass quickly with no sticking or obsessing. For anyone struggling, please believe in yourself. You would be very surprised how many others are going through a similar situation. Trust the process."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2022

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I promised myself that if this drug made my life better, I would come back to comment on this thread. I'm a 21-year-old male and started Zoloft about 3 months ago after being on Remeron for 4 years for GAD and Panic Disorder. I had no appetite, lost 20 pounds in about 2 weeks, throwing up twice a day, multiple panic attacks, and was in a dark place. My doctor suggested I try Zoloft to which I reluctantly agreed. I was titrated up to 150mg in about a week. My first week was awful. It spiked my anxiety, I felt extremely tense, racing thoughts, nausea, pacing around, etc. The second week I felt extremely numb, emotionless, and just out of it. My least favorite side effect was brain fog. Eight weeks later and I felt amazing, I'm back to my old self but a lot more confident and happy. My advice is don't look at your progress day to day but rather week to week, you'll see the improvement. I came on here every day my first few weeks looking for hope that things would get better, and now they are. :)"

• Dai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2023

For Anxiety and Stress "This medication has honestly saved my life! I have never suffered from anxiety until it just came on overnight. I honestly felt like I was having a mental breakdown, I was having panic attacks and awful intrusive thoughts, and it was sending me in a downward spiral fast. I went to my GP, and they prescribed me sertraline. I’ve never taken medication for anything, so I was skeptical to start it, but after reading reviews and feeling like I genuinely had no choice, I decided to try it. The first three weeks were the worst time of my life: suicidal thoughts constantly, and my anxiety was through the roof to the point I couldn’t leave my house, and I would just lay in bed any chance I got. But after about three and a half weeks, I’ve started to feel myself again. My anxiety has pretty much gone, I’m not having any intrusive thoughts, and I’m starting to enjoy life again. I honestly don’t think I would be here today if I hadn’t started this medication, I’m so glad I gave it a chance."

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2017

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "Let me start out by saying THIS IS THE FIRST REVIEW I HAVE EVER WRITTEN. I felt compelled to share my story and experience with Zoloft in hopes that it helps someone else. I agonized over the decision of whether or not to go on medication for an anxiety and panic disorder that was ruining my life. I was so fearful of side effects, weight gain, increased anxiety and all the other 'what ifs'. Finally, I submitted and figured I had nothing to lose. Let me just say 4 months on 50mg of Zoloft and I am loving life. Give this medication a chance, no one was more skeptical of me, to the point that I suffered more than 2 years before finally trying it. This medication CHANGED MY LIFE and I am so happy I decided to try it."

• Rin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2020

Sertraline for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was suffering from depression my entire life, and I didn't even know it. I'm 32 years old and started taking Zoloft three weeks ago. At first, I suffered from many side effects: insomnia, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, tired feeling, and even nervousness. It was the worst 10 days of my life. After enduring those 10 days, I was able to look at life differently. I'm able to accept flaws in anything, pardon excuses, laugh with my family and friends comfortably. I can see why people thought I was high maintenance. I was horrible to my family with unrealistic standards."

• Eil...
• December 16, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was started on 50mg sertraline four weeks ago and now increased to 100mg. So far I have been delighted with the response I’ve had. I feel so much calmer and happier (although feel I’ve still a way to go) and to be honest, the side effects have not been bad at all. A bit of nausea which was bearable, and a little increased anxiety. My GP said that the fact I am getting some positive results by week 4 is a really good sign and she gave me the choice of staying on 50mg to see how much I improved in the next couple of weeks or just bite the bullet and try 100mg - which I’ve done. I have also been drinking some alcohol some nights which is absolutely fine. There is no interaction at all. I just want to be back to normal. I’ve had so much stress in the last few years that I’ve lost my personality, and I can’t wait to get it back and to be happy and fun again. Definitely feel like I’m on the way!"

• Woo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have health anxiety due to illnesses in my family. When I get symptoms that mimic these illnesses, I tend to spiral into anxiety. In January 2019, my doctor prescribed Zoloft. I started at 25mg then bumped up to 50mg. I actually felt initial relief from my anxiety and only dealt with a few days of feeling numb. I had CT scans that showed nothing, so I decided to stop the Zoloft after 1.5 months. I did great until the last few months. I decided to go back on Zoloft, remembering how well it worked last year. This time has been very different. My anxiety increased greatly for the first 23 days. Finally on day 24, yesterday, the anxiety is much better. I read reviews daily to remind myself that most people have this reaction and it will subside. Bonus, this has completely stopped my IBS symptoms, which I would have daily. My advice to those going through the same thing is to stick with it. Give it at least 4 weeks before you decide to discontinue. Well wishes to you all!"

• Chi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "I was under huge amounts of stress. Divorce, lost my home, my car, and no child support. Then 2 of my kids left for college. I went on like this for 3 years and finally broke down. I couldn't function, I couldn't go out in public, I hated life. I felt like the worst person in the world and wanted to die. I finally went to the doc. She gave me 50mg and it made my anxiety skyrocket, helped my depression though. She cut me back to 25mg. No luck, went back to 50mg with Ativan as needed. Finally, after 2 months, I went up to 100mg with clonazepam as needed and now I am depression and anxiety-free, and no more clonazepam. No more negative ruminating thoughts, no more feelings of worthlessness. It has brought me back to life which I have not felt for years!"

• Sed...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2025

For Anxiety and Stress "I was diagnosed with severe anxiety and stress, combined with severe depression. It arrived to the point I could not function normally anymore, I could not sleep, I could not work, life was just impossible. My GP decided to put me on sertraline 50 mg, one pill per day. I had all possible side effects during the first two weeks: severe anxiety, severe insomnia, severe suicidal thoughts, loose stools... You name it, and I had it. Then, by the third week, it started to get somewhat easier, I was even able to go out a little bit. Week after week, I noticed some subtle changes, and I got better and better. But the process is definitely very slow, it took two months to get sertraline's full effects. The most important thing is that my GP insisted that I couple sertraline with full EMDR-Tapping Therapy, which has literally saved my life. My advice is to be patient, when you are at rock bottom, things can only get better, and sertraline will help you a lot."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "I'm going to be completely honest here: the first month and each time increasing was absolutely the worst. The side effects of heightened anxiety are not for the faint of heart, especially if you are going on these drugs for this reason. BUT if you stick it through, which somehow I did, you get your life back. They saved me. I hope this helps anyone who needs to hear the truth when it comes to expectations. Of course, some have no side effects, and some it doesn't work at all, but if you are having good days or moments periodically (initially, which I called my breakthrough moments) there's a good chance you'll come out the other side if you hang in there. This is not a quick fix or a miracle. Good luck. If I can do it, so can you."

• Mar...
• October 30, 2013

Sertraline for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Zoloft has changed my life. I used to feel like I wanted to stop living. I had anxiety with racing thoughts, feeling short of breath, social anxiety, and obsessive bad thoughts. I no longer feel suicidal and my irritability has gotten 100% better. I still get short of breath sometimes and worry about things but overall just feel so much more even keeled. I waited a month before taking it after getting the prescription because I didn't want to take meds and felt like it was a cop-out. I'm so happy I decided to give it a try. I haven't gained weight and don't feel like my emotions are dulled. I feel happier and more hopeful. Strongly recommend."

• Ros...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 10, 2019

Sertraline for Depression "I have been on Zoloft and the generic sertraline on and off for many, many years, on 50 mg. Recently, I developed symptoms of depression, panic, etc., due to health issues. I have a great GP who encourages me to manage my depression, so with his agreement I increased my dose to 100 mg and suffered every symptom for weeks. Anxiety, nausea, shaking, insomnia. After 10 weeks, these symptoms have all but disappeared. After reading all the reviews, I vowed to share my experience too. Remember, the symptoms WILL go away. It may take longer for some people than others to feel better. You may feel good one day but not the next. Hang in there. It takes time. I now feel almost ready to go back to 50 mg."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Sertraline is unbelievable. I was experiencing anxiety and panic attacks for 18 months and refused to take medication for it, in the belief that it would make me weak as a male. I’d wake up daily scanning my body, thinking what’s wrong with me today. I went to the doctors monthly for a checkup believing there was something wrong with me. Then I decided to give the medication a go. For the first two weeks, it was horrible. I felt worse than I ever did before - sickness, head pressure, loss of appetite, increased anxiety and panic attacks, and feeling zoned out. After the two-week mark, I have never felt better. I have very little anxiety and no panic attacks, and actually enjoy life again. Please stick in there when you start taking sertraline, they are brilliant. Advice at the start is to take a couple of weeks off work as you will not want to go in. These will change your life and make you smile again."

• SGG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "Read this fully, trust me! This is my 3rd time trying sertraline for low mood/stress/anxiety. 1st time in 2010, stopped after a week due to loss of sex drive and panicked and stopped! 2nd time in 2020, same as above! 3rd time 5 weeks ago and still on it, and I will stay on it for life! Let me explain to you why! I called the doctor explaining my situation about low mood, and she said let’s try sertraline again, this time KEEP ON IT for at least 2 months! First week, 0 sex drive. Second week, exhaustion. Week 3, anxiety. From week 4 and onwards, EVERYTHING is perfect! My sex drive is on overdrive! No racing thoughts, 0 anxiety, and sleep like a baby! My mood has increased, I feel happy and positive. Moral? STICK WITH IT! Takes a little while to kick in, but it works AMAZING! I don’t feel like a zombie, I feel super calm and clear-headed! My sex drive is better than ever! I sleep perfectly! My mood is great, 0 anxiety. This is a miracle drug, and I will never come off it!"

• MBM...
• June 2, 2020

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I started with Zoloft for GAD and derealization. I started with 25mg for one week and then I upped to 50mg, but the side effects were too bad, so I went back down to 25mg. My God, the beginning was terrible! Anxiety was so much worse, feeling terrified, depressed, feeling guilt, crying, brain fog, and nausea. I lost almost 8kg in 2 weeks because I couldn't eat. My psychiatrist told me to take 0.5mg of Clonazepam until the side effects lift. After exactly 4 weeks, I can say that all the side effects are gone. I feel a bit sleepy, but I am much more calm, no anxiety at all, no guilty feeling. Derealization is still here but much less, and I don't care about her, so she will go away with time too. I went back to work and started socializing again. I take only 1/8 of Clonazepam now. I will up my dose in a few days, but slowly. I PROMISE you that the starting side effects will pass. Trust me! I know how hard it is. This is a reminder for me too if the upping brings back the side effects."

• Bel...
• February 4, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "Normally, I would never write a review on a drug, but I've had such a positive experience with sertraline that I really want to help others with my experience. I've always suffered with severe anxiety & low mood, particularly in winter. I had a rough time with my PhD not going to plan several months ago & started to feel worse and worse, feeling anxious and panicky all the time. After CBT failed to work, I finally agreed to try sertraline. I was terrified of taking drugs, terrified of side effects and feeling worse. Started on 50mg, had a little nausea and anxiety but not too bad. After 3 weeks my doctor upped me to 100mg. 3 months later & my anxiety has almost entirely gone & my mood is always good! I'm so happy I gave this drug a chance!"

• Eil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 30, 2020

For Depression "I am so thankful for these reviews, otherwise I probably wouldn’t have persevered as long as I did on Sertraline. I was in deep despair and anxiety following a few traumatic life events. In a bad way. Put on 50mg and first week or so got an amazing effect but that stopped. Up and down over the next 4 weeks, then up to 100. On that for 8 weeks and again happy a few days, low a few days. Felt it maybe wasn’t working, which I was distraught about, but these reviews really helped. So many times I thought about giving up, but many reviews said to persevere. Side effects of nausea/increased anxiety can be horrible but isn’t 24/7. Propranolol 10mg and diazepam 2mg helped. Up to 150mg and again happy days bad days. Nearly gave up again. Now been on 150mg over 8 weeks and eureka! Happy, calm, positive, sociable, fun. So if this sounds like you, please please persevere! Get help and support through it and ignore when people say takes 4-6 weeks. That’s taken me nearly 6 months, but wow it’s worth it!"

• Aln...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2020

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "3rd time on Sertraline, for Anxiety & 'Pure' OCD issues. I checked this website often for reassurance so it is fair I contributed. This time I had the worst reaction. Started off 50mg - the first 2 weeks were a nightmare. Awful, deep anxiety/panic took over my mind. Extremely low moods, restlessness, feeling hopeless, and not being able to distract from my negative thoughts were the worst mental side effects. After 2 weeks the worst of the mental side effects had subsided. The following 4 weeks were low, but at 6 weeks I saw an improvement. Increased to 100mg at week 7 and fell slightly back again for a while. At around 12 weeks I started feeling the full effects. Approaching the end of week 16 now and I cannot believe how much more normal I feel! Anxiety has completely gone. OCD thinking is still there but residual. Persevere and know that medication takes time to work. Regardless of what your MH problem is, NEVER give up - help and hope is there!"