Sertraline and Panic Attacks: What Users Say

• Dom...
• June 8, 2020

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I suffered from panic attacks back in 2017. I was terrified of going on medication. But I was sad all the time, I felt empty. After my panic attacks, depression came. No one understood what I was going through. So after months of anxiety and depression, my doctor suggested Zoloft. I was scared to take it. The thought of being on Zoloft scared me. I sat in my car holding the Zoloft and cried, 'I’m gonna be on medication my whole life.' But I took the Zoloft! I felt really panicky the first two weeks, but after the two weeks, I noticed my anxiety calm down and panic attacks went away. I was on it for about a year and decided to wean myself off of it. I’m seriously so happy I decided to take Zoloft, it helped me when I needed it. I’ve been off of Zoloft since and I’m happy and healthy. My advice is to take it if you have no other choice. Yes, it’s scary, but don’t take advice from people who don’t suffer from anxiety and depression!! It helped me so much."

• Sue...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Sertraline for 5 weeks now and was so cautious as I have had maybe 3 SSRIs in the past. I've had nearly every side effect: nausea, headaches, panic attacks, hot sweats, hangover feelings, and was so worried it wouldn't get better. I have anxiety and pure O, and in week 5, I can honestly say my negative thoughts have been quietened down significantly. I've never taken any other medications that have ever done this, it's unbelievable. My mind is so calm I feel like a different person for the first time in years. Please don't be disheartened by the worsening symptoms in the first 4/5 weeks, it does get better, stick with it. The only thing I'd say is my emotions are a bit deadened too, but much better than searing anxiety and negative thinking. Also, remember there is always hope, get all the help you can, and I hope sertraline helps you too."

• Spo...
• May 22, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’m an anxious person and self-managed for many years. After 12 months of struggling, I finally decided to take meds. Beforehand, I poured through all the side effect information/experiences, worrying! I just want to say... wish I’d done it sooner. Side effects lasted 4 weeks, worst in the first 2. Makes you feel a bit rubbish: headaches, nausea, jaw tightness, insomnia...brain fog and brain fizzes that feel a bit like anxiety/panic attacks (come in waves and pass in an hour). It *all* goes away eventually! I worked while starting this drug & didn’t need any time off - don’t worry. You will feel back to normal by week 4! On my 5th week and I’ve begun to notice the difference. There’s still a bit of rumination, but the restlessness is gone. The last week I’ve felt happier and dare I say braver than before! If you’re reading this, worrying about the side effects...Trust me, it really isn’t that bad. Be patient - you will get there!"

• Me7...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I could do a commercial for this medication. It has completely turned everything around for me. I have always had anxiety, but it became significantly worse after having children. I feared being alone, ruminating thoughts, insomnia, panic over the insomnia, feeling like the worst mother, feeling like I couldn't care for myself or my children. I fought taking medication for so long. I finally gave in. I started with 25 mg and moved up to 50 mg. I began to feel better in a week, and I felt the full effects by 4 weeks. It has given me my life back. I'm happy. I'm not stressed. I feel normal again!"

• lis...
• February 3, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was so worried about side effects as my anxiety is based around health anxiety. I have been on them for 12 weeks, so here are my side effects: I had a week of needing a number two and needing to go immediately, it was very loose. I had extreme tiredness which lasted 2 weeks, and for the first 2 weeks, I didn't have much of an appetite. I had night sweats which lasted the longest of all the side effects. At 5 weeks, the only side effect I have is I find it takes me longer to climax. I sweat more than I used to. I have had 3 times where I have talked myself down from a panic attack - which is great considering before, I was having a panic attack a day and I couldn't even talk myself down from one. Week 5 was my turning point, I felt amazing, the things I worried about seemed a distant memory, and I could function properly without this worry on my shoulders or working myself up resulting in a panic attack. Please be kind to yourself. I wish you all the best in your journey to better mental health."

• Tha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2019

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I feel so obligated to leave a review. I was sitting where you are now almost 4 weeks ago. I was terrified after reading the reviews, however, I knew I needed help. I had postpartum depression and let it go unchecked for a long time. When that seemed to subside, I was hit with debilitating anxiety that really started to rob me of my life. I had severe insomnia as a result. I started on 25 mg for a week, then went up to 50 mg where I am currently at now. It was a very difficult med to get on. I had increased anxiety, panic, still fought insomnia. After about two and a half weeks and help from my family, I felt like the world felt brighter. Every day since has been getting better. I can’t tell you enough that if you can weather the first 2-3 weeks, you will not regret it. I am getting back to my old self and it feels so good. I am so thankful, and feeling so blessed. You got this!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• Ano...
• November 2, 2020

Sertraline for Depression "I’m 28, 106 lbs & never taken anything like this before. I went through a very bad breakup which I think led to me having a couple of mild panic attacks. After the 2nd panic attack, I saw a psychiatrist. He told me that if we could deal with my mild depression, the anxiety/panic attacks would go away. He started me on 50mg of Zoloft. I’m reading through these reviews & see that most people start on 25mg. The first few days, my panic attacks got SEVERE. I had suicidal thoughts I never had before. I was constantly tense with fear, couldn’t eat or sleep. I almost went to the hospital. I was scared to be around family or out in public. It was AWFUL. I felt paralyzed. After 7 days, I decided to stop taking it and have been in bed for the last two days. I’m already feeling SO much better, but still feel like it needs to get out of my system more. I’m very traumatized. They say things can feel worse before it gets better, but to me, that is a very dangerous game to play!"

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I started sertraline on September 9th, 25 mg for two weeks, then 50 mg for two weeks, moved to 100 mg for two weeks, and finally on October 25th, started 150 mg. All I can say is the first 4 weeks were horrible. I experienced every single side effect: constant nausea, migraines, diarrhea, anxiety/panic attacks, shakiness, tremors, heart palpitations, sweating, lack of appetite, blurred vision, dry mouth, no energy, and insomnia. Sometimes by the end of week five, I started feeling improvement, and for about a week now, I feel incredible. I finally got my life back, this is the old me that I didn't experience for the last year and a half. I am so grateful for this medication, I can say it's saved my life. All I can say is stick to it, don't stop taking the medicine. You will feel worse before it gets better. Keep in contact with your doctor for instructions, and read what people are posting. That's exactly what I did day after day, and that's what kept me going."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 30, 2017

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "Life saver. Few side effects initially (increased depression and anxiety, decreased appetite, insomnia and agitation), no side effects long term. Push through those horrible first two weeks. At week three my depression was GONE, agitation completely gone, panic attacks gone. Some general anxiety, But that subsided after a couple of months. I was on this medication for a year, and got off it with little to no withdrawal symptoms. I STRONGLY recommend starting as low as 12.5 mg for a week, then 25 for a week. Cut the 25 mg tablets in half. This eases those horrible initial side effects, especially anxiety and agitation. Big hugs and high five to all of you anxiety/depression sufferers out there. You can and you Will get better!"

• Nik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2016

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "Maybe my experience can help someone else. I have just completed a 30-day supply of Zoloft. My anxiety has been debilitating since my Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis in October of 2015. It became so bad that I was becoming bedridden, afraid to leave my home. As a mother of 3 and a wife and daughter, my family needed me and I wasn't able to be there. I finally told my husband and parents I needed to seek help. After a therapy session and a visit with my family doctor, I was given Zoloft. I received it on a Tuesday but was so afraid to take it, I didn't take my first one until Friday (I had read a few bad drug reviews, so I knew some things I could expect, but chose to focus on all the success stories for motivation). For three weeks, it was rough. Also must note, during this time we were hit with Hurricane Matthew which didn't help and I believe set me back a few days. My side effects were tummy aches, diarrhea (sometimes 4 or 5 times a day), a few hot flashes, a couple days of feeling like a zombie, and I had 2 bad panic attacks. I know this sounds horrible, however, my opinion is that I felt as though I had hit rock bottom which is why I turned to medication. I already felt bad, so my commitment was to see this medicine through to the 4-6 week mark as instructed. If I had stopped taking it, I still would have felt horrible, that is what my life had become. With the wonderful support of my children and husband, a lot of take-out food, and my parents helping to take and pick up my kids from school, I am SOOOOOO thankful I stuck with it and made it to the 4-week mark. I feel like I'm getting my life back. It is worth everything you go through. In full disclosure, some people get no side effects. My 20-year-old son has been on Zoloft for a year and never had one side effect. I wasn't that lucky and seemed to have most. Please give yourself the chance. You will read over and over again to stick with it until 4-6 weeks. You must do yourself that favor. Surround yourself with support if you can and just do it. I'm so blessed to have my life back!"

• ric...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 6, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "I was so bad I couldn't leave my house with crippling anxiety. I got sertraline 100mg. I had a horrible time for 3 months straight - you name the side effects, I had everyone. But, after reading the positive experiences, I just kept soldiering on through the sweats, panic, not sleeping - everything. But then I started feeling a bit better, a day here and a day there. Still anxious but not crippled by it. Lately, I feel so amazing, like alive again. Life is so amazing. So, please don't give up. This is a brilliant game-changer drug. It changes your life, gives you it back, but even better. Keep your head up, keep moving forward, stay sober, don't drink, get into meditation or brain games until it kicks in. God bless, guys. ❤️"

• a...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 30, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've been following these comments for a couple of months, they helped me so much. I had to write in about my experience with Zoloft 50mg for panic and anxiety. First, you have to stick with it for 8 weeks minimum. I had terrible side effects for 4 weeks, increased panic and anxiety, and insomnia. I also lost 10 lbs and felt like my metabolism increased. At just about 4 weeks, side effects were gone. At 8 weeks, I feel so relaxed and panic-free. It is AMAZING, wow. This is what you are supposed to feel like! If you have a stressful job like me, I don't have time for anxiety and panic. I am also doing talk therapy and meditation. I sleep great. I do use medicinal herb for sleep every night. I am completely off of benzos!"

• Gyp...
• January 25, 2014

Sertraline for Depression "I saw my doctor after the anxiety I'd been having the last year hit an all-time high in the last six months. I would wake up wondering 'Why? What am I even here for? What am I working for?' I suffered severe muscle tension in my shoulders and lower back, extreme irritability/mood swings & panic attacks. My heart would be POUNDING as if I'd run a 5k when really I was just lying in bed. It is day two of taking Zoloft... I'm singing (still terribly) to songs again. I feel I have gained the sense of 'normal' that my life has always lacked. I am more clear-headed and find rational thinking easier. My depression and anxiety were destroying my relationships. I'm beginning to see this 'light at the end of the tunnel' people speak of. 50mg a day."

• Hai...
• July 2, 2014

Sertraline for Major Depressive Disorder "I lost my mom at the age of 20. I am now 24 and have been on Zoloft 150 mg for the past 3 years. I can't believe the difference this medication has made. Zoloft gave me my life back, I no longer have panic attacks, constant crying, or crazy thoughts! I would recommend this medication to anyone who suffers from depression. Thank you, Zoloft!"

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2013

Sertraline for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I started Zoloft in July. I never wanted to be on medication, this was my last resort. I was a wreck mentally. I was only stable the week after my period, I would get very moody. My moods range from depression to panic attacks and so forth. The first 3 days were the hardest, the medicine seemed to make my symptoms worse, but after about day 5, I felt the medicine start to have the opposite effect, and I was more at ease. I am completing my fifth month on Zoloft, and I am sure glad I started it. I am back to my old self, but I'm not zoned out. I still have my real emotions, I'm just not as touchy as I was before Zoloft. I can get through the little things without having a mental breakdown."

• Anonymous
• October 21, 2013

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "Just like you, I was reading these reviews a few months ago when I finally made the decision to give medication a try. I hope this review helps and gives you comfort. I've been on 50 mg for seven weeks now. Started at 25 mg for the first seven days. The first two weeks saw a spike in anxiety, just like I figured. But I stayed with it, and I'm so glad I did. I had a pretty intense panic attack the first week, but I noticed something: I didn't stress out about having another one like I usually do. By the third week, the panic attacks and panicky feelings were pretty much gone. I've also noticed that my mood has lifted, and I can fall asleep much better at night. This is my first SSRI, and I really regret not seeking help sooner."

• fin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 22, 2016

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I am taking Zoloft for social anxiety, depression, OCD (27 yo F). I have to start out by saying I had TERRIBLE side effects for the 1.5 months (nausea, dizziness, migraines, panic attacks) to the point where I almost stopped taking the tablet. I persisted, and 7 months on Zoloft have completely changed my life. I have had depression and OCD for years, and anxiety had started to take over my life. After the initial symptoms subsided, I feel like a better, confident, and much happier version of my former self. Like many others, it's hard to explain what I mean. It's the best thing I've ever done! Please try to persist!"

• Chr...
• October 9, 2015

Sertraline for Postpartum Depression "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."

• Ohm...
• June 30, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on this drug for 5 weeks now and I finally acquired myself. Though I had this panic attack all of a sudden, and I did not even know what a panic attack is. I went for all types of heart tests, etc., before someone suggested to see a psychiatrist. I found the courage to go to a psychiatrist, and he prescribed this med. I used to feel sad, unsure, and even sort of lost at times. Good that I went to this doc without waiting for the symptoms to go on their own as one doctor had advised. I feel so good now. The reason I'm posting here is that I used this forum to know about this drug, and I also want to add my experience so others are also helped."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I started sertraline 50 mg 6 days ago and feel horrible, panic attacks, anxiety is horrible. Nausea and all I want to do is be in bed. I continue reading the forum to give time for the medication to work, but I really can’t take this feeling any longer. I’m taking it in the morning and was thinking of switching to PM, but I’m afraid to get this horrible feeling in the middle of the night."

• Rah...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "Myself 24, had been a victim of constant anxiety, stress, and OCD from my teens. Had Fluoxetine and Escitalopram before, but they caused terrible side effects like panic attacks in the middle of the night, zombie feeling, and terrible headaches. But recently, due to some of the stressful events in my life, my anxiety, stress, and OCD came back stronger. I couldn't sleep a whole night and would constantly have negative thoughts in my head, overthinking. I again decided to consult a different psychiatrist, and he prescribed me sertraline, 50 mg for 6 days and 100 mg further. Currently, now I am on the 15th day of taking sertraline. The two weeks were terrible, I had terrible headaches, nausea, two days of brain fog, and some extreme agitation. But on the 15th day, I am seeing some benefits compared to what I was 15 days before. Mind a bit calmer, negative thoughts come, but they don't overpower, reduced stress feeling, also better sleep. Will follow up with my psychiatrist in the next few days, will update you guys."