Zoloft for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• San...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2022

"Please don’t give up on Zoloft! It took almost 10 weeks for 37 mg of Zoloft to help me with my major suicidal depression! I had bad side effects at first (little sleep, paranoia, anxiety, couldn’t think straight, brain zaps, chest pain). I stuck through because I had read that it can take a while to get in your system and work. Then, by around 10 weeks, I felt like a new person! I was genuinely happy (wanting to be social, singing, laughing, cracking jokes) for the first time in a year and a half! I had tried tons of different antidepressants (Remeron, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Wellbutrin… the list goes on… nothing would work without really bad side effects! Zoloft has helped tremendously, plus I’m taking 2 mg of lorazepam a day if needed! So the combination, plus I walk every day for at least ½ an hour, has changed my outlook, and I have tons of energy too! I’m 52 and feel like I’m in my 20s once again! Give Zoloft a chance to work!"

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2020

"I began taking sertraline 2 months ago for depression and social anxiety, and I’ve enjoyed its effects so far. The first couple of days on it, I had digestive issues, and I would say the main side effect I have now is hunger and dry mouth, along with really vivid and strange dreams. I started out at 50 mg, and it definitely helped with my depression, but I knew the dosage needed to be upped, and I just recently started taking 100 mg. It’s working really well, I feel like I’m finally able to do something with myself, and I’m finally able to focus and have a clear mind for once. Overall, I’m thankful for sertraline!"

• Tha...
• July 27, 2016

"I've been severely depressed for many years. I also suffer from anxiety and OCD. Zoloft has made me much more stable, the downside is that it can make you numb to life. I lost my dad in '06, and I went into an awake coma, so to speak. I lost my mom last March. I felt the pain come in like a bullet, and then I felt overwhelmingly calm-that's the serotonin doing its job. I couldn't cry at the funeral or anything. While I'm not depressed, I do feel many other effects: decreased libido and muscle twitch. I extend my legs and contort them in bed uncontrollably. I give it a 9 because it saved my life. I'm on 150 mg in the mornings and have been for over 10 years. Give it a good shot, let it have time to work. Good luck. Don't ever give up."

• Lex...
• February 8, 2020

"Zoloft saved my life for over 30 years. This SSRI enabled me to not only graduate college but then obtain my Master's in English. Zoloft gave me the energy, the clarity, and the motivation to continue my life. Last May, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals completely changed the molecular formula, pertaining solely to the 50 mg tablets. I knew something was awry the second I opened the new bottle and viewed the color. My lifesaving pale blue medication of over 30 years was now a bright aqua blue. Of course, the pharmacist informed me it was the same medication. Of course, I already knew it wouldn't be. Never have I been so sick. I have ultimately returned to the weak, pathetic, hopeless person of 30 years ago. I lost everything, including my teaching job. This new Zoloft has me out of my mind. I'm ready to commit myself. No one is to write back that the Zoloft is the same. It's sickening to see how Pfizer's new medication has completely destroyed my life. Yes, I have tried generics. Worse."

• Aja...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 6, 2020

"I would like to share my honest review of Zoloft. I was depressed, anxious, and had tremendous amounts of social anxiety since my childhood. I had no history of substance abuse, I was in a foreign land, and at the age of 23, I was diagnosed with BPD. I was in therapy too, but it didn't help much. Finally, my psychiatrist prescribed 150 mg of Zoloft with a starting dose of 50 mg. The first 2 days were a nightmare, and later on, I stuck with the doctor's advice and gradually upped my dose to 150 mg. I started to love myself a lot after 75 mg, people around me started to notice a difference, and I'm a lot happier. It has now been 6 years on Zoloft, but I cut my dosage to 75 mg. I'm married and blessed with a kid. Cons: highly lethargic, weight gain was 20 pounds, and in just 3 months, I went bald."

• Cli...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 22, 2020

"I was on Zoloft for about 3 years up until a couple of years ago when I lost my insurance and was unable to see any doctors! I have to say that while I was taking it, my depression and anxiety were pretty much held in check! It worked really well for me, and I'm definitely going to ask my current doctor to put me back on it because I haven't felt as well since! I'm currently taking Zyprexa, and it's nowhere near as good! Just saying! Good luck to everyone."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2015

"I was started on 25 mg Zoloft about 3 1/2 weeks ago for long-term anxiety and depression, and it has made a huge positive impact on my life already. For the first two weeks, my side effects included decreased appetite, shaking hands, head fogginess, insomnia, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and clenching or grinding my teeth when I slept. Except for the decreased appetite (which I am happy about), all of the side effects are gone, and it was well worth waiting them out, I promise. I did have to play around with the time I took it and found that morning works the best for me. Not having those crippling feelings of anxiety and not being so miserable all the time-I should have done this a long time ago. I'm finally getting my life back."

• zek...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 12, 2014

"I took this 2 years ago at 150mg... lost weight, great antidepressant. I'm on 60mg of Prozac. Works very well too, but thinking of going back to Zoloft because of weight gain. I give it 10. Great medicine."

• Jam...
• August 9, 2017

"I was skeptical about antidepressants for a long time and decided to take them only as a last resort. I've been on 200 mg of Zoloft for about 6 months now, and the results are fantastic. I've had a tremendous improvement in mood, energy, and all-around motivation to get up in the morning. I have also had zero side effects. Unless something changes, I will continue to take this medication and recommend it to others as well."

• leg...
• May 29, 2014

"For me, this medication did not work on a lower dose of 50 mg, 100 mg, or even 150 mg. My depression got better once I was increased to 200 mg, which is the therapeutic limit, but this may be because my depression was incredibly severe - extremely suicidal, and not functioning at all. However, after taking this medication for a little over a year, I have come to the realization that it no longer is working for me, and I am experiencing what my psychiatrist calls a 'poop out,' which is apparently something most SSRIs can do. I would recommend Zoloft (Sertraline) to anyone who has depression. It has honestly been the best medication for me, but for now, I need to try something new."

• Nic...
• October 11, 2015

"I have been taking 50 mg of Zoloft for a month now. At first, I was nauseous every day and wanted to stop so badly. I stayed with it, and I can really feel a difference. I seem to be able to think more clearly and just be in a better mood altogether. I have suffered from major depression and extreme anxiety disorder since about the age of 13. I'm almost 32 now, and for once, I actually feel good. This speaks volumes for those who know me. I'm not sure if I will need to increase the dosage ever, but for now, the 50 mg seems to be the magic happy pill I've been looking for my whole life. Also, I may be one of the few, but it seems to have increased my sex drive. Weird, huh!"

• Coo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2019

"I have major depressive disorder, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Within the first month of taking Zoloft, my depression symptoms had decreased by about 70%. I started at 50 mg a day. After the first month, it began to lose its effectiveness, so my doctor upped my dosage to 200 mg. It's helped me a lot with my mood, my sadness, and overall feeling of worthlessness. The side effects I've experienced are lack of sex drive and vaginal dryness. I did, however, find an herbal supplement that has been very effective."

• pai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 16, 2015

"I have been treated for major depression all of my adult life. Over the years, I have taken many different drugs for depression. Zoloft works best of all I have tried so far. It took about 2 weeks to really start feeling the difference, so be patient."

• Sal...
• October 10, 2017

"I’ve suffered from serious depression since I was about 11, but always refused treatment because I’m against any kind of drugs and I was afraid I would lose myself and become a zombie instead, and I didn’t want that. But now in my 30s, feeling very suicidal, waking up anxious every day, heart racing nonstop, always crying and not being able to do anything really without being panicky and ridiculously self-conscious, relationship failing because of my head, I was at the end. Started on 25 mg of Zoloft, and from the first day, no crying. No depression or anxiety, no reactive emotions anymore. From the first day. Didn’t think it would work from the first day, but it has, and I’m blown away I didn’t start this sooner. Side effect (very tired though) definitely worth it."

• JJ ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 28, 2024

"The only med I’ve taken that continues to work. 100 mg is the key. No side effects for men! Nothing bothers you, always at peace, still have energy, truly a lifesaver. Don’t give up on it until you reach 100 mg a day."

• Lri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2020

"My psychiatrist added Zoloft to my Adderall and Wellbutrin XL. It took two months for the Zoloft to take full effect. I started the Zoloft the last week of November and took till the middle of January for the full effect. In the beginning, I felt exhausted when I took it. I waited it out patiently. It's amazing when Zoloft kicked in with my Wellbutrin XL and Adderall. I feel calmer, happier, and more in control of my life and emotions. I think before I act, and my thoughts are so much clearer. It is great. I am bipolar II with ADHD. These medications may not work for everyone, but from my experience, I feel more in control of myself and my emotions."

• Owe...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 8, 2018

"I want everyone to know if you are on medication for depression and anxiety, you must find which medication works best for you. Paxil made me very shaky, and Cymbalta was a complete nightmare. I’m currently on Zoloft. Been on it for many years. My doctor calls it a maintenance drug. Zoloft works very well for me. No side effects. If you feel you need to be on medication, that life is a struggle mentally, and you have a doctor who understands you and you trust, please try a medication BUT do not stay on a medication that does not work. Work with your doctor and try a different one. It’s a long, horrible journey finding the right one, but once you find it, you will know. Seek counseling when things get rough. Talk to others who are going through the same thing. I take 100 mg of Zoloft with a fish oil supplement and vitamin D. You must eat right and take care of yourself if you want your medication to work best for you. And no alcohol. It may make you feel horrible the next day."

• GGa...
• September 25, 2019

"I’ve been on Zoloft for almost a year. At the beginning, I was on 50 mg, and it helped for a while-no weird side effects. After a few weeks, though, I noticed it wasn’t helping so much, so I got upped to 100 mg. I have been on and off of it for about 4 months, but when I have taken it, I do notice it does help me. I saw some reviews talking about the terrible side effects, and that sucks, but not every medication is for everyone. Zoloft has honestly helped me when I correctly take it. Hope all my fellow buddies find the correct meds and keep your heads up. <3"

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 30, 2021

"If you’re looking to change your life and become the person you want and used to be, this drug helps. It all started one day while driving. I had a panic attack so badly I passed out at the wheel. I thought I was dying. I continued to have terrible panic attacks so badly I had to stop working, I secluded myself at home and didn’t interact with anyone. This went on for years! I finally reached out to my doctor after trying everything organic, and she started me on 25mg of Zoloft. I was diagnosed with OCD, MDD, anxiety, and PTSD. Within a few weeks, I felt a weight lift off of me. My dosage slowly increased to 100mg. It saved me. It saved my marriage. I had my first child. My life is now mine again, and I can handle what comes my way. You also have to get outside, work out, and eat clean. But this helps give you the drive and energy to change your life."

• pin...
• January 6, 2021

"I was prescribed Zoloft and Klonopin twice in the past, both for depression and anxiety-related issues. The first time, it took about 5 months to recover, 3 the second time. I stayed on Zoloft the first time for 7 months, the second time for 12 months. During Covid, after being 3 years free of antidepressants and depression, I found myself falling back. This time, the main concern was insomnia. Zoloft and Klonopin helped me restore healthy sleeping patterns. It took a few months. I also went on a low sugar diet, worked out, went to therapy, meditated, did breathing exercises, found support, followed CBTI. Today, I am depression-free. I generally sleep fine. I am on 75mg! I am off of benzos as Zoloft took full effect in month 4. If you have been on any medication for more than 8 weeks and do not feel better or feel worse, talk to your prescriber. Again, Zoloft can be helpful to someone at 25 mg and to others at 150mg. You have to play around and give it time."

• kal...
• June 3, 2016

"I was apprehensive about trying Zoloft, but I wanted to share my experience. I started taking Zoloft 2 weeks ago primarily for major depression. When I'm less depressed, I also suffer from social anxiety disorder. I took 25 mg for the first 4 days, then upped it to 50 mg. The first few days on 25 mg, I had moments of feeling very spaced out. When I increased the dose to 50 mg, I had a few days of nausea, diarrhea, and again felt quite spaced out, but after 4 or so days, this stopped. I also experienced a few waves of anxiety, but this has since disappeared. 2 weeks in, and I'm feeling better. Not all the way there, but I feel more stable. Less hopeless, more in control. Calmer. I'm starting to feel like myself again."

• El ...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 23, 2016

"I have been taking Zoloft for 20 years. I started on 50 mg a day and remember the very overwhelming feeling of 'normality' within a month. I was at one stage, 12-15 years ago, on 400 mg per day. Since then, I have been on 300 mg per day. It is the only SSRI that seems to work for me. Of late, Zoloft has been difficult to obtain, and I have tried several generic brands. For me, contrary to the statement that they do exactly the same thing, they don't work as well as Zoloft. In fact, some are quite detrimental. I have MDD, OCD, ODD, and minor agoraphobia. Zoloft has saved my life."

• Bea...
• May 8, 2015

"I started off with sertraline (generic for Zoloft), 100 mg. It lifted my mood, I was happier, less angry, calm, and it helped with my moods before my cycle came along. After a while, it started to wear off, so I started taking 150 mg. Finally, I increased it to 200 mg with my doc's permission. I loved this dose because it seemed to suit me better, but after a while, I noticed my hair shedding really badly. So, I switched back to 150 mg, and it stopped. Everyone is different with side effects, but I recommend this drug. It has changed my life for the better, it helps my anxiety, and it helps me not to worry as much. I'm glad I tried it. It does mess with sex drive, but some may be able to work around that."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2019

"I have pros and cons with Zoloft. I suffer from MDD, panic disorder, and bipolar. I noticed my anxiety moments are not that intense as they used to be, and I don’t dwell on my thoughts as much, which is a plus. I don’t feel my anxiety deep in my gut like I used to. Some cons are my sex drive is almost completely gone. I usually don’t even like to be touched, I’d rather be left alone. My agitation is almost always at an all-time high. I also really have no motivation to get out and do things, I’d rather be inside hiding away. I necessarily don’t feel happy or sad, I just feel “blah.” As of right now, I’m on 100 mg, I just don’t feel like it’s helping me the way I’m wanting it to. At this point, I’m really wanting to wean off. I don’t feel “happy.” I feel like I’m just here, and it’s the worst feeling ever."

• Mis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 27, 2022

"This medication saved my life. Before I started Zoloft, my depression and anxiety were out of control. The depression was so bad it physically hurt, and my anxiety kept me from leaving the house except to go to work, and even that was a struggle. I had intrusive thoughts of driving my car into a tree or off a bridge every day. I noticed the benefits from Zoloft within the first couple of weeks. The first thing I noticed was it took the edge off my anxiety. I was still anxious, but it wasn't overwhelming anymore, and the intrusive thoughts started to go away. My depression started to improve about 2 months in. Stick with this medication, take it every day, don't skip doses. It's slow to help, but when it does it makes a huge difference! My only side effect was a mild decrease in appetite for the first week or so."