Sertraline and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• lil...
• July 2, 2021

Sertraline for Depression "I promised I would come back and leave a review after trying Zoloft. I am female (21) and I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder from a car crash. I read SO many reviews talking about their horrible crazy experiences so I was super scared to try this. I’m on 25mg of Zoloft daily which I believe is the lowest dose. It has worked wonders for me. PLEASE GIVE IT A TRY. The first night I took it without food and I was up all night, extremely nauseous with a crazy amount of energy. Definitely take it in the morning. The only annoying side effects I've experienced are mild nausea if I take it without food and lower libido. This pill has changed my life and honestly saved my life. I am so much more productive and energetic, I no longer have racing thoughts and cry for hours every night. I feel like myself again, and I feel like my best self. I wish you all the best luck on your journey. You are so loved!"

• NP9...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2017

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "Half the reviews on here are a load of garbage. They range from 'the side effects are too awful' to 'It gives me more anxiety.' Do yourself a favor and do not read to any review from anyone who has taken this drug for less than 8 weeks. If you are serious about reducing your anxiety, then grow some balls and give Zoloft time to work. Yes, you're going to have a number of side effects in the beginning, ranging from drowsiness, nausea, sexual dysfunction, loss of appetite, and even increased anxiety. Guess what, nearly all of these are going to disappear after the first two weeks. In fact, all of the side effects disappeared for me, and it wasn't until around week 8 that I felt the glorious power of this drug. GIVE IT TIME."

• Was...
• September 3, 2020

Sertraline for Depression "About 6 weeks ago, I started Zoloft at 25 mg for GAD, mild depression, and some PTSD and OCD symptoms. Before you continue reading, please understand that my experience likely will not be yours, as is the case with every single review you'll read. Do not be scared to start. It absolutely helped. My overall mood didn't change much, but it helped the physical symptoms of my anxiety and helped me cope with my life stresses. I began to enjoy doing things I love again. I still had bad days, but I was overall functioning well and productive, although I still had not the best outlook on life. Side effects I experienced: insomnia, daily headaches similar to hangovers, shakiness, increased depression the first week, decreased appetite, menstrual changes, and decreased libido. Again, this is just my experience. Do not be afraid to give it a try, people are much more likely to leave negative reviews, I just wanted to leave a review to help others. Best of luck, you've got this!"

• Jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 8, 2020

Sertraline for Depression "I started taking Zoloft after 8 months of post-concussion syndrome symptoms. My anxiety and very low mood were affecting every aspect of my life. I was suicidal. I started with 50mg for the first month. Only side effects for me were a bit of nausea the first week and a lack of appetite. By week 4, we went up to 100mg and everything has improved significantly! I can separate emotions from facts, which I couldn't do before. The people I thought were 'against me' don't seem to bother me whatsoever now. I've gotten my life back. I have energy and an optimistic attitude. My friends and family have noticed in big ways. It's been a life-changer for me. The only things I would say are side effects: Low libido, Shortened Sleep. I usually wake up in the middle of the night now."

• Hea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I started 25mg sertraline at the end of June 2020. I was depressed as well as anxious. I used to feel like life was pointless as we all die anyway, and although I wasn’t suicidal, I didn’t want to continue living this way. The first few days I had an upset stomach and was waking up at random times through the night, but this quickly went away. I increased my dose to 50mg, which I am on now. My main side effects are vivid dreams and lack of sex drive. I still experience anxiety every so often, but it’s much better and easier to get over. I am considering increasing my dosage to 100mg to see if it helps with this. I am far less on edge and jumpy, I feel like I used to be on constant high alert, and that’s definitely reduced. My depression, I would say, is completely gone. I feel happy again and excited for the future, which I thought was impossible. I no longer think that life is pointless. I wouldn’t have thought that medication could help with these thoughts, but it definitely has."

• Tro...
• February 14, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Debilitating anxiety, depression for ten months. Panic attacks and an inability to keep high blood pressure under control. Resisted doctor's recommendation to take medication, began more exercise, regular meditation, and prayer – to no avail. Sought out a therapist but I am as suspicious of that industry as I am of Big Pharma and found no one suitable. Gave in to taking daily sertraline (25 mg dose). First days difficult: head swimming in strange, desperate emotions. But by day five I felt remarkably better, much more my normal self, capable of thinking clearly. Blood pressure also restabilized. Side effects: some decrease in sexual drive and difficulty in achieving orgasm, but well worth it as sex has become more 'real' and less 'escape,' and orgasms far more powerful. Appetite diminished, I have lost three pounds in the last weeks, without effort. Temptation to have one more swig of whisky before bed gone! Would be dead of heart attack without it."

• 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!"

• Joh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 28, 2023

For Anxiety and Stress "I've had moderate anxiety all my life. Six months into the pandemic, however, my anxiety went through the roof, accompanied by obsessive worrying, depression, and insomnia. It was so bad I had to stop working. I thought about suicide-not that I wanted to, but I worried I might, if that makes any sense. I was terrified of taking an antidepressant. Initially, it made my anxiety worse. But about two weeks in, the anxiety started to lift. I remember walking past a bakery and suddenly having the desire to buy a cinnamon bun-just to enjoy one of life's little pleasures. I am tearing up as I remember this because it was a turning point. My obsessive thoughts, GAD, and depression gradually eased, and I began to enjoy life at a deeper level than I ever had, without anxiety or obsessive worries getting in the way. I'm taking 100 mg. The main downside is delayed orgasm, but I can manage by temporarily reducing the dose. To anyone suffering right now, there IS hope! I am living proof."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2015

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "Headaches and a little nausea at the start, now 4 months in, I don't know how I coped before. The anxious 'bad butterflies' that I thought were normal have gone away. Obsessive overthinking and cringing after I got home because what I may have said, has gone away. Feeling almost hyperactive and intense when in a group situation, almost gone. Road rage... work in progress! Hahaha. Sex drive has diminished but this might be a good thing as was obsessive about it before. Less pressure. Wish I had started a lot earlier. Thought my anxiety was part of my personality, but the reality is, without it, I'm back to me again."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2022

Sertraline for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "For those suffering from OCD, bad thoughts, overthinking, depression, and terrible headaches, give Zoloft a chance. The first month, don't expect much. I am on 100 mg. This medicine has helped me so much. It helped get rid of my rituals and ruminating thoughts. I found peace with the help of Zoloft. You can't make it alone. It is very hard. I had no major side effects, just some night urination and a lower sex drive. But mind peace is so important. I was ready to collapse! Zoloft helps your neurotransmitters. It is not our fault, just brain 'malfunctioning.'"

• Pyr...
• January 8, 2020

For Depression "Sertraline has changed my life for the better. It was a living nightmare getting through the first 8 weeks of side effects. I almost gave up several times, they were so bad. I experienced explosive diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, overeating, extreme tiredness, insomnia, loss of sex drive, inability to orgasm, loss of all emotion, and severe anxiety. I had to take time off work to deal with the physical and emotional side effects of this drug. I also had to have someone come and stay with me. Despite the terrible side effects, it has made me feel like myself for the first time in 10 years. Thanks to this drug, the negative thoughts in my head are locked away in a dungeon somewhere, and crying no longer rules my life. I feel happy, strong, confident, motivated, and finally at peace with myself. I know this drug is not for everyone, but it works for me, and if I can encourage anyone to just buckle down through the side effects...you'll make it to the other side."

• Pyr...
• January 8, 2020

For Depression "Sertraline has changed my life for the better. It was a living nightmare getting through the first 8 weeks of side effects. I almost gave up several times, they were so bad. I experienced explosive diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, overeating, extreme tiredness, insomnia, loss of sex drive, inability to orgasm, loss of all emotion, and severe anxiety. I had to take time off work to deal with the physical and emotional side effects of this drug. I also had to have someone come and stay with me. Despite the terrible side effects, it has made me feel like myself for the first time in 10 years. Thanks to this drug, the negative thoughts in my head are locked away in a dungeon somewhere, and crying no longer rules my life. I feel happy, strong, confident, motivated, and finally at peace with myself. I know this drug is not for everyone, but it works for me, and if I can encourage anyone to just buckle down through the side effects...you'll make it to the other side."

• Lol...
• September 5, 2019

Sertraline for Depression "I put down I have depression, but I also have anxiety and panic attacks and OCD. Everyone is complaining about the nausea. IT GOES AWAY. Moreover, usually after like two days. PLUS this time round, my doctor prescribed me nausea meds for it (I went off it but am going back on because I’m depressed again). Y’all, there is literally medicine that will remove the nausea. And to be honest, for me, it is not that bad as I have IBS as well. Zoloft basically made me chatty, happier, and gave me the inability to cry or feel sad even when I was supposed to be very sad. The inability to feel sad seems pretty good to me. And I was able to feel happy, just not sad. I quit for the sexual side effects. Don’t listen to the people complaining about nausea. I was in bed unable to move for two days from the nausea, and I’m still 10/10 recommending it, so trust me it’s fine."

• Bla...
• October 27, 2009

Sertraline for Depression "I was prescribed Zoloft for depression. I had tried Wellbutrin and Lexapro in the past with little results. With Zoloft, at first, the side effects were tough. Also, I was having sexual side effects. Lacking desire (which is not normal for me), and the inability to achieve orgasm. I decided to try taking my pills in the morning, rather than at night like I had been doing. After a couple of days passed with my new schedule, the sexual side effects subsided, and I'm back to normal with that. I never knew an antidepressant could help so much, but it has REALLY helped me!"

• MAK...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 4, 2024

Sertraline "I was extremely apprehensive to try another SSRI. I had tried others which had not worked or had given terrible side effects (lightheadedness, high weight gain, no libido). After being addicted/dependent on a benzo for over 5 years, I didn’t want to be ‘dependent’ on another drug just to function. After having a baby last year and experiencing some postpartum anxiety/depression, I decided that I wanted to do this for my child and my husband. In the past and for many years, I have been highly stressed, very depressed at times, extremely anxious often, and suffered panic attacks - with all the sides - irritability, intrusive thoughts, rage, etc. I did lots of google research and decided Zoloft was my best bet. I am SO glad that I did. Zoloft has given me my life back!! Other things I do/done; eat well, exercise, EMDR therapy, CBT therapy, HYPNOTHERAPY. I take 100mg every day. Start slow!! You will feel TERRIBLE initially. It gets better!! You’ve got this ❤️"

• Abb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2017

Sertraline for Depression "I took Zoloft (generic) shortly after my anxiety got horribly severe. I took Lexapro a few years ago but didn't like the sexual side effects. My doctor put me on Prozac, but that appeared to put me into a deep depression. I had never had depression, just anxiety, but I couldn't get out of bed, I was just paralyzed. After a few weeks of that, I decided to try Zoloft. Within the first three weeks, I felt tremendously better. By 6 weeks, I felt totally back to normal and NO sexual side effects! This has been my miracle drug."

• Wee...
• January 28, 2013

Sertraline for Depression "Zoloft is amazing. I was put on Lexapro when I was about 18, gained about 20 lbs and felt like a numb zombie for about a year. Tried Celexa for about a year - a little better, but I was still getting very depressed. Then I tried Zoloft (50mg for a month and 100mg since). I've been on it for about 2 years. Depression and anxiety are minimal. I rarely have to use my Xanax. The only side effect I've had is dry mouth, but it's minimal at worst. My appetite and sleep patterns are normal. As with the others I've tried, my sex drive is very low and I had moderate headaches for the first couple of weeks, so I won't pick on Zoloft for that. Overall, extremely satisfied, I can't imagine my life without it."

• Esw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2014

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I have suffered with generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder since I can remember. I got prescribed these at 50mg 3 weeks ago. The first few days I got a horrible cold nausea feeling in the pit of my stomach. I had no appetite and I noticed straightaway that it took me longer to orgasm. 3 months into them, I still feel anxious, but for the first time since I can remember, I was able to present to a group without shaking, losing my voice, and my heart beating rapidly. It almost feels like a small weight has been lifted which gives you that control back over my thoughts. I was able to say 'put your best into it. You will be fine' and I believed it. This is only a small step to overcoming my anxiety but this medication has helped me a lot."

• Cni...
• March 5, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "Sertraline saved my education and my life. I had the side effects of mild dizziness for 3 days, decreased appetite for 3 weeks, and decreased sex drive for 3 weeks. Both came back though. I'm in my final year of high school, and I have struggled so much for the past 4 years due to severe panic disorder and MDD. I came very close to completely dropping out and being uncontrollably agoraphobic. I cried almost daily, things hit me harder than they did other people, my dad was at a loss. I was a straight A student until my severe mental illness almost ruined me. Sertraline 50mg has helped me learn to cope. I haven't missed a day of school due to anxiety this year, no unexpected full-blown panic attacks, I barely ever cry. I'm stronger."

• Anonymous
• January 11, 2010

Sertraline for Depression "Thank God for Zoloft! I wish I knew about depression decades ago! For the first time in years I see the world in color, have patience, and actually care. Zoloft makes me a better me, a better parent, and a better person. I take 100 mg in the morning and 100 mg at night. NO SIDE EFFECTS! Sure wish I had weight loss, though! A smidge of loss of interest in sex, but can still enjoy."

• Ali...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 24, 2013

Sertraline for Depression "I went through a bad period of depression after a job loss, and I tried Lexapro first for treating it. The Lexapro made me extremely tired all the time, so my doctor switched me to Zoloft. Zoloft ended up being much better for me. The main things it has helped me with are getting back to actively participating in life and being able to be more level-headed in stressful situations. The side effects I have had are reduced libido and slightly reduced appetite. Also, the first week or two after I started and after a dosage increase, I had more significant side effects, like being more depressed and anxious than usual and being angry. But once I got through that, I started feeling better than I had felt in a long time."

• Chr...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 18, 2021

Sertraline for Major Depressive Disorder "I have been taking sertraline/Zoloft for about 3 years now. Started off at 50 mg simultaneously with individual therapy, then increased it to 100 mg. It took about 3 or 4 weeks to begin its effects. I will never forget the day I felt the change, and it was like night and day! Rumination, social anxiety, obsessive thoughts, depressive symptoms have all lightened since starting Zoloft, thankfully. Better quality of life overall. Do not discontinue abruptly - that will be dangerous! Side effects for me are decreased libido, weight gain. I hope you can find a therapist and medication that helps you, hang in there and don't give up!"

• kri...
• June 15, 2015

Sertraline for Depression "Love this medication. I'm a 28-year-old mother of two and have suffered from anxiety on and off for the past 9 years. I have tried different meds throughout the years, and the only one that has ever worked for me was the generic Zoloft! Like... wow! This medication does its job so well that I feel 'normal,' not high or zombified! Side effects for me have been loss of appetite, difficulty reaching orgasm, clenched jaw, hot flashes, and rapid heart rate, but I was told these would subside. But I still give this medication a rating of 9 because the benefits for me outweigh the side effects by far. I've been taking it for a couple of weeks, and if it's working this great now, I can't wait to see in a couple more weeks."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2018

Sertraline for Depression "I was placed on Zoloft after being on citalopram for 3 years. I was on 25 mg of Zoloft for about a week and bumped to 50 mg for 21 days. Then bumped to 75 mg where I’ve been for 3 weeks, so about 7 weeks total. My anxiety is gone & I’m way more mellow. I had two job interviews and didn’t have any panic or meltdowns, so that’s great. I noticed I’m way more apathetic and that my libido is gone. I still have days where I’m feeling empty (even though I have tons of friends and family that I adore) and where I cry. I also feel very spacey at times. I function okay I think and I am able to take care of errands, the household, and my child. I may lower back down to 50 mg if I continue to feel numb on 75 mg after 8 weeks. This medicine isn’t scary, don’t be afraid to try it. Please also remember that it takes months for it to start working and some people stop taking this medicine early before it could have begun to help."

• Nai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2017

Sertraline for Depression "After a little over two months taking 50mg of Zoloft, I feel happier, calmer, less anxious about things. I look forward to things again, I enjoy things I had forgotten I cared about. I laugh more, I enjoy sex more (when I am depressed, my mind is on other things whenever I want to have sex). I sleep whole nights, I used to wake up in the middle of the night EVERY night and stay awake for 1-2 hours before falling asleep again. I wish I had tried it sooner. Part of me wants to quit taking it now to see if I feel better still without the side effects (such as crazy vivid dreams, lower libido than when I am not depressed, yawning, etc.), but I think I am fooling myself. It is not perfect, but so much better than I could've hoped."