Sertraline and Tiredness: What Users Say

• 246...
• February 13, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I’m 45 years old and have left my marriage experiencing anxiety. I have also experienced social anxiety, regardless of being a teacher and generally an outgoing person. After a discussion with my GP about sleep problems, she said I fit the criteria for depression. I hadn’t seen myself as depressed as I was able to enjoy life. After feeling desperate one too many times, I began the medication, reluctantly. I experienced about two weeks of shakiness, nausea, extreme tiredness, blurred vision, all of these symptoms were manageable for me as long as I had that time off work. I increased the dose gradually and took 6-8 weeks to feel the full effects. Every problem now seems surmountable, I feel confident, strong, more energised and inspired in life and I haven’t looked back. I am so grateful for that conversation with my GP. I’m writing this review for all those out there that can relate, and aren’t sure if they’re ‘bad enough’, only to find that they can benefit immensely."

• Riz...
• February 18, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Sertraline 3 weeks ago for anxiety and panic. I’ve always been able to manage it, but it got to the point where it changed and I had no control. The first 2 weeks were horrific. I had every side effect going including exhaustion, increased anxiety, restlessness, tingling, headaches, dry heaving, shakes, nausea, increased HR, and even ended up in ER for chest pain. I decided to stick with it to see what happened. From day 17, the side effects improved, and I felt my energy increase. I also have hypothyroidism, so an increase in energy and clarity is really helpful! I’m hopeful that it may improve even more. I haven’t had any panic attacks since the first few days now, and my HR has also reduced. The only thing I’ve found is that I’ve had a tickly throat and a deep dry cough triggered by it. Has anyone else experienced this? Good luck to all of you reading this, it’s so hard living with these feelings, but we can all find a way through x"

• 43...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2017

Sertraline for Social Anxiety Disorder "I have dealt with ups and downs, anxiety, social anxiety, depression, etc. for years. My life overall is normal and I managed the episodes, but I always knew they were there and didn't like feeling that way. I am married, we have children, combine that with everything else, and at times it was just too much. The doctor suggested Zoloft. I was nervous at first and really didn't know what to expect. In fact, I waited a month or two to even fill the prescription. The side effects were obvious at first: dizziness, tiredness, minor confusion. I don't want to scare anyone because I still functioned. I was still able to work, take care of the kids, everything was pretty much normal, but I could tell my mind was a bit off. After about a month, the side effects faded away. After two months, my mind became clear, and my attitude towards life improved dramatically. Little things didn't bother me anymore. I started working out, and that didn't bother me anymore. My wife would argue with me about normal marriage stuff, but I wouldn't yell back. In fact, I was able to see how foolish most of the fighting was and how pointless it was to yell back. My work life improved, my conversations with other people improved. I found myself more interested in what the person was saying and focusing more on what they were saying. At a follow-up visit with my doctor, he asked if I'd like to stay on the medication. I told him that my life has never been better and my mind never more clear, so why would I choose to stop. He agreed and was happy with my progress. He initially prescribed 100 mg, but I found 50 works well for me at this point. So, every night before bed, I take my pill and wake up the next morning feeling ready to go instead of wanting to stay in bed. For those just starting or thinking about starting this medication, I can honestly tell you it has changed my life for the better. Initially it was rough, but after a while all that fades, and you're left feeling really good. For me, it took about two months, for others, it may take longer or shorter. I hope this helps as I read a lot about this medication prior to starting and found a lot of the write-ups were negative. I honestly think those people may have other issues or conditions that this medication can't help, or they may have not been able to get through the initial break-in period."

• And...
• March 1, 2019

Sertraline for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I used to cry uncontrollably, be extremely irritable, uncomfortable in my body, lethargic, so depressed I couldn't get out of bed, have suicidal ideation, etc. Now with Zoloft, I have NONE of those symptoms anymore. My relationships are no longer being torn apart. I don't feel embarrassed by illogical mood swings or uncontrollable blabbering. I don't cry myself to sleep. I feel happy, optimistic, peaceful, and completely BALANCED. Zoloft has given me my life back. I had to stop taking it for 2 months due to a different health issue. ALL of my symptoms returned. I was basically losing my mind for two months. A couple of weeks back on Zoloft and I was again calm, happy, peaceful. I don't have any noticeable side effects. I started at 25mg for the first 5 months (still got quite lethargic and depressed) and now I am on 50mg, and I'm like all those women running through fields in white dresses in tampon commercials. Who knew, it isn't the tampons making them so happy...it's the Zoloft!"

• Jda...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 22, 2025

For Anxiety and Stress "Like many others on here, I too read the reviews religiously when I found myself stuck in a world of anxiety. What if it doesn’t work and I’m in an even worse position than I’m in right now? For me, after a few weeks, I just noticed I was more interested in the things I thought I would never enjoy again when completely consumed with my thoughts. It allows you to take a step back and get a better perspective on everything. Side effects were fine for me, just a little tired at first. Please don’t let this put you off giving them a try as everyone says you can always come off them if they don’t work well for you. I urge those with anxiety to read 'A Life at Last.' I cannot describe the relief I got from reading this book. I did not realize 90% of my anxiety was caused by constantly trying to fight/cure how I was feeling instead of just allowing myself to feel it (I know how useless that advice sounds!), but please give it a go. I truly think it can help!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 19, 2013

Sertraline for Depression "I have been on Zoloft 100mg for the last 3 years. It has been a lifesaver for me. Before Zoloft, everyone kept telling me I was depressed and experiencing anxiety. I didn't believe them. I thought that was just me. Then, at my doctor's strong recommendation, I started with the Zoloft. It did make me tired at first, but I continued to take it and am so glad I did. I no longer have crying spells or lay in bed not wanting to get up. I no longer freak out (as my kids would say) or obsess about small things that really didn't matter. I no longer have a short fuse. I am calm, relaxed, nice, and very happy. I cannot imagine my life without Zoloft. Zoloft has made me a much better mom and person."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Jga...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 4, 2019

Sertraline for Depression "Zoloft was life-changing for me. For a long time, I had doubts about starting an antidepressant. I took a chance and started with Lexapro. It was okay, but I was always so tired, and I felt like something was missing. So, I went to my doctor and switched to Zoloft, and I feel like this drug helped me in so many ways! I'm no longer worried about everything, I no longer don't want to go to work or school, I'm more social and happy. Zoloft gave me back my normal life, and I'm so grateful for it. If you feel generalized anxiety or panic disorder all the time, it is not normal. If you want to take a chance and start medication, you will see that it's not as bad as everyone thinks!"

• Blu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2014

Sertraline for Depression "On 50mg for 4 weeks then increased to 100mg for depression, panic attacks, and obsessional thinking. I had few side effects: a slight hand tremor, yawning, and difficulty sleeping. The only thing that lingered was the insomnia, but now that has settled down and I sleep okay. I feel so much better, panic attacks gone, obsessive-compulsive disorder gone, and my mood is lifting daily. I am enjoying life again, and this medicine has been so right for me."

• 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!"

• dbe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 3, 2013

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have always been an anxious person. I have done okay with life's normal challenges, but the underlying anxiety was always there, and I was constantly struggling against it. I just lived with it. If it got especially bad, I took Xanax or Ativan, but you can't use those long term. Finally, I let the doc prescribe sertraline. (My husband had been set against it-he thought if I exercised more, all this would go away... but I couldn't exercise more... my anxiety made me tired all the time). Once I got past the first three weeks and started to see the difference, I was amazed. No more repeating thoughts, mantras going around in my head, no more feeling lonely and like I have no friends, no more dread of simple things."

• Can...
• May 22, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "In my 20s, I started experiencing debilitating anxiety, onto panic attacks, which then looped into depressive episodes. I thought I was losing my mind and wasn't sure how long I'd be able to hold onto this life for. I started fantasizing about dying and realized I really needed help. When I was first prescribed this medication, I was in the darkest, scariest point in my life and I spent hours reading this thread. I was scared to take the medication for a month and finally convinced myself it was time for me to take my mental health seriously. Side effects for the first 3 days were definitely present, but I did not feel worse than I was already feeling. I was dissociated, slightly dizzy, decreased hunger, increased in tiredness, experienced dry mouth, and was emotional near the evenings. Now that I am on week 3 and the side effects have mostly subsided, I can safely say I feel more control over my life and I am hopeful this medication continues to work for me as I enter therapy in the near future."

• Jac...
• May 10, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "This medication saved my life. I suffered with severe anxiety and panic attacks. I became really down because it had taken over my life and it was a daily struggle. After two days, the medication stopped my panic attacks, but also made me very tired and zombie-like. I didn't want to do much. However, after about 2 weeks, this stopped and I got better. I improved each week. After a month, I went back to work and now I am 6 months down the line and pretty much back to the old me, anxiety-free. ❤️ I know this medication affects everyone differently, but for me, it changed my life all for the better. Just give this medication a chance because it might be horrible at first, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel, guys. I hope this can give some faith."

• bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2019

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I was so nervous about starting this Zoloft. I read these reviews over and over for days. I was experiencing extremely bad panic attacks and suffered from depression. I finally bit the bullet and took it. The first day (took it in the morning as directed) I felt really weird, super drowsy and lethargic. Switched it to taking it at night and it was much better. I was still drowsy during the day for about a week, though even after taking it at night. I didn't have much of an appetite at first either and lost some weight which I'm not complaining about. lol. Now, after almost a month of taking it, I am so glad I did. I feel like myself again. It might be weird at first, but please if you need it then try it, and if it sucks tell your doctor, but if you can handle the side effects stick with it, it really does get better and totally worth it! I'm having almost zero negative side effects now and am out and about doing the things I had a seriously hard time doing before."

• 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."

• Clo...
• February 6, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I have decided to help myself. Today is my third day of Sertraline at 7 am every morning. Weird lump sensation in my throat coupled with a sickly feeling in my tummy. I've totally lost my appetite by midday, forcing myself to eat. By midday, I'm yawning a lot, pretty tired, and achy. By evening, I am sleepy and drowsy. The main thing above all that I have noticed is that I feel flat, which is not a bad thing at all. Just days before I went on these meds, I was constantly crying, shaking, wanting my life to be over. I couldn't have a moment to myself without thinking negative thoughts. I had some bad news this morning from my energy provider which would normally send me into a meltdown, but I handled it with calmness. Very surprised and proud of myself. Bottom line: I'm bracing myself for side effects to worsen, but fingers crossed they don't. Right now they are certainly manageable, and I'm glad I didn't let the reviews put me off."

• Clo...
• February 6, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I have decided to help myself. Today is my third day of Sertraline at 7 am every morning. Weird lump sensation in my throat coupled with a sickly feeling in my tummy. I've totally lost my appetite by midday, forcing myself to eat. By midday, I'm yawning a lot, pretty tired, and achy. By evening, I am sleepy and drowsy. The main thing above all that I have noticed is that I feel flat, which is not a bad thing at all. Just days before I went on these meds, I was constantly crying, shaking, wanting my life to be over. I couldn't have a moment to myself without thinking negative thoughts. I had some bad news this morning from my energy provider which would normally send me into a meltdown, but I handled it with calmness. Very surprised and proud of myself. Bottom line: I'm bracing myself for side effects to worsen, but fingers crossed they don't. Right now they are certainly manageable, and I'm glad I didn't let the reviews put me off."

• Cha...
• August 13, 2009

Sertraline for Depression "I started taking Zoloft about 3 1/2 weeks ago. The first week, I started to feel better. Though about 5 days in, I had a really bad hot flash where I had to lay on the floor for about 5 minutes, and then I felt like I was going to throw up. Haven't had that since. I do feel tired so I've started taking it at night. Also, I feel like I have restless leg syndrome. But other than those things, I am now able to focus, and my OCD seems to have calmed down a lot. I still get anxious, but it doesn't stick around as long, and I'm able to move on from it easier. I feel like I can live in the moment and not worry about my past or present or what issue I need to stop before it happens. I am able to focus better at work too. I think my husband likes me now."

• Kri...
• May 5, 2013

Sertraline for Depression "My fiancé and I broke up, which made me depressed. Three weeks later, my mother passed away. I couldn't stop crying. A hospital was testing antidepressants on me. We decided that Zoloft worked best for me. It made it easier to cope, and I finally stopped crying. Eventually, I was able to get back to my normal life. I took it for about two months. If it makes you tired, take it before bed, which I did. I believe it saved my life."

• JOa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2019

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I started having severe panic attacks and anxiety attacks, and I was diagnosed with depression as well. They started me off at 25mg of Zoloft for my first month. The first week was... interesting. My anxiety initially got worse and my appetite was gone. I also felt so tired and exhausted, it sucked. But after the first week, I’ve felt AMAZING. I went from having so much anxiety and constantly panicking to not having any panic attacks at all. And my anxiety is very minimal. There are some days I’m not even anxious at all. I’m just super calm and mellow, it’s great. They upped my dosage to 50mg to see how I would handle it, so I’ll update this after a month of 50mg. But so far, Zoloft has positively changed my life, even though the first week taking it sucked."

• JOa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2019

Sertraline for Panic Disorder "I started having severe panic attacks and anxiety attacks, and I was diagnosed with depression as well. They started me off at 25mg of Zoloft for my first month. The first week was... interesting. My anxiety initially got worse and my appetite was gone. I also felt so tired and exhausted, it sucked. But after the first week, I’ve felt AMAZING. I went from having so much anxiety and constantly panicking to not having any panic attacks at all. And my anxiety is very minimal. There are some days I’m not even anxious at all. I’m just super calm and mellow, it’s great. They upped my dosage to 50mg to see how I would handle it, so I’ll update this after a month of 50mg. But so far, Zoloft has positively changed my life, even though the first week taking it sucked."

• don...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2022

For Borderline Personality Disorder "It ended the vicious cycle of despair, rage, and sadness for me. While I’ve selected Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), I was prescribed this for PMDD and later discovered through blood testing that I was suffering from thyroid disease. It’s uncertain if BPD, PMDD, or thyroid is the cause of my mood swings, but here is my experience either way: Pros: no longer suffering from emotional outbursts, impulsive or compulsive behavior, no negative thoughts, bitterness, fear, rage/sadness/despair, or anxiety, am sleeping better, socializing well, feeling HAPPY (omg!), noises and textures are less… sensory? (Think misophonia). Cons: a couple of weeks of diarrhea, sweats, nausea, tiredness, and ongoing but mild jaw clenching. For anyone with BPD, you may be interested to know this drug has given me the stability and emotional strength to view my relationships objectively. Identifying abuse and walking away from the toxic individuals who have kept me trapped in this cycle of dysfunction."