Zoloft for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• Cas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2023

"My anxiety and panic came out of nowhere. I was terrified, but I knew I needed to start an antidepressant, so I was put on Zoloft. As with others, I promised I would come back and leave a review. I read ALL the reviews. Stop reading them. You're gonna be okay! Give it time to work. It gets better! I'm on 3 1/2 weeks and am feeling so much better. The first weeks were rough!! Increased anxiety. I had to take Xanax in the morning and at night. Now I'm off of it and just using the Zoloft. My anxiety and panic are gone. So thankful for Zoloft!!"

• ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 30, 2014

"I had my first panic attack in June 2013. Thought I was going to die. Had them every day after that. I couldn't go anywhere or do anything because I was so dizzy and scared. I went from June to September with no medicines. I was suicidal so I tried meds. First two days I was a zombie, no appetite. I felt weird but not like a panic attack weird. I could tell a difference. I have been on my Zoloft 25ml since September 2013 and I am 97% better. I have my days where I feel weird but if you have severe panic attacks like I did, you will know that even feeling 5% better would be nice, so 97% is amazing! This medicine saved my life."

• Pri...
• January 8, 2013

"I've been on 50 mg for almost 2 years now. Previous to this, my life was so difficult, with debilitating phobias, almost daily panic attacks, OCD, and constant generalized anxiety. I was very, very reticent to take an SSRI and tried every other strategy under the sun to try and manage my mental illness: therapy, vigorous exercise, yoga, meditation, natural supplements, etc., but to no avail. Yes, I did experience some side effects: mild stomach aches for about 2 weeks, and a certain amount of agitation that has diminished but not completely disappeared. But I can function as a normal human being, enjoy life, and spend time with friends. I am no longer a prisoner of my chemical imbalance. I sincerely believe that this medication saved my life!"

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2017

"I normally never post reviews of any kind, however, this review is different for me. Not only is it very personal to me, but I hope that in sharing my story, it can also help someone see the light at the end of the tunnel. After a brief medical scare, my anxiety rose to an all-time high, causing severe panic attacks and making me emotionally unrecognizable. I was afraid of doing normal, everyday things that I otherwise wouldn't have thought about and also scared myself into thinking I had some sort of heart-related issues. Long story short, Zoloft resulted in a 180-degree change for me in less than 6 weeks. I started the first week off with 1/2 of a 50 mg tablet and then a whole. Very thankful for giving this life-changing medicine a chance. Never lose hope."

• Stu...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 29, 2015

"Been on Zoloft for years and have never looked back. Although, one doctor reduced my dosage and had to up it again after several weeks. Absolutely no side effects, unless you can call being cheerful a bad thing!"

• mbm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2017

"First, let me start off by saying that I did not know which category to choose, as this medication has helped me with several (OCD, PTSD, panic disorder, antenatal depression, claustrophobia, agoraphobia, social anxiety, and GAD). For years, I debated and even fought the idea of taking medicine. After many years of struggling from a host of debilitating mental illnesses, I vowed if I was brave enough to try SSRIs, that I would come back and write about my experience in hopes that this post could help at least one individual. At first, my antenatal depression and anxiety got so much worse, and I pretty much experienced every side effect in the book (yes, even the scary ones). I cannot even believe how amazing I feel just 8 weeks later!"

• Anonymous
• February 1, 2012

"I remember looking at this website 5 or so months ago trying to find reviews on Zoloft, and I must admit it scared me to even try it. I have been struggling with anxiety/panic disorder since the age of 13. (I am now 19.) It would come and go, I would be good for a few months and then have a month of extreme anxiety. I have tried almost every medication out there, from Celexa, Paxil, Lexapro, Abilify, and many more. All of them made me feel emotionless. Yeah, the anxiety was gone but so were all my other emotions. I went a year without any medication, only to hit rock bottom. I couldn't leave the house, I quit my job, and overall lost my passion for life! Zoloft changed that, it truly saved my life! I HIGHLY recommend Zoloft!"

• LNa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 23, 2019

"A few months after I turned 19, I started to experience random panic attacks without a trigger. My heart rate would increase, my breathing became uneasy, and my thoughts became irrational, and I felt like I was out of my mind. I felt genuinely hopeless. After consultation with my doctor, I was diagnosed with panic disorder and was prescribed 50 mg of Zoloft. I will say the first two weeks were AWFUL. My appetite decreased, I was nauseous, and my depression and anxiety elevated. However, afterwards, it was like something clicked, and my thoughts stopped racing so much, and I could experience life again without fearing a panic attack. Although I still have some rough days, Zoloft has changed my life. If I can sense a panic attack coming, it’s more tolerable and not as scary. A lot of people quit this medication because the first couple of weeks of adjusting can be rough. For me, I rode it out, and I am relieved that I did. I have been on Zoloft for 10 months now, and I feel so much better."

• M K...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 10, 2024

"I was prescribed Zoloft almost a year ago now, and it has changed my life. After the birth of my son, I was experiencing intrusive thoughts, and I had severe anxiety. I had already had anxiety, panic attacks, and crippling social anxiety for many years and tried a few other medications. Zoloft is a slow burn, it doesn't work right away, but slowly, slowly you feel better and better. I feel like 'myself.' I am happy, I feel calm most of the time, and I don't stress out over things like I used to. I have gone from feeling completely out of control of my emotions to feeling happy, content, and relaxed. All aspects of my life have drastically improved. I have experienced zero side effects. I take 100 mg at the same time every day - this is key. Do not miss a dose, do not change the time. Note when you take it if you are forgetful. I also breastfeed, and my son is perfect, in the 90th percentile for all measurements. Please give this medicine a go, I really regret not trying it years ago."

• maz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2014

"I've suffered from panic disorder for over 10 years now. After a bad panic attack put me in an ambulance, I finally decided to try Zoloft. I would recommend that anyone with panic disorder start off at 12.5mg for a couple of weeks before you decide to up the dose. Mainly because the side effects can be rough when you first start. Only increase when YOU feel you need to, and not based on what a doctor feels is an effective dose. You are probably going to feel crappy the first couple weeks, this is the case for most people, and does not mean the medicine isn't working. It does eventually get better."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2022

"I have had panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, and depression. I have struggled with anxiety since I was a child. I have been in therapy since I was young, have done CBT, and seen my therapist regularly. I have done all of the things that I was supposed to do: exercise, healthy eating, sunlight, sleep, etc. I developed an intense fear of not sleeping. Literally, it consumed all of me. I was insanely depressed because I was mentally exhausted from the anxiety and obsession I developed about sleep. I was able to get through it without medication, but it took time and it was very hard. It happened again out of nowhere, nothing triggered me. That's when I realized I needed medication, as I clearly have some type of imbalance in my brain, and this isn't my fault, nor something I can control. I have been taking 50 mg of Zoloft for 5 weeks now and have improved drastically. I literally have stopped caring about the sleep. Do not give up. Do not let the negative reviews deter you."

• Lam...
• October 9, 2015

"My Dr. started me on 50 mg, then slowly went up to 100 mg, then 150 mg, and now 200 mg within 3 months. I had anxiety for about 15 years and didn't realize I was that bad. My general practitioner had me on Ativan, and I have been on that for a good 10 years. I thought that was the end-all/be-all because it took away the panic for the time being - instant fix. I'm 42 years old, like to exercise, working mom with a full life, and I hated having panic attacks at the mall, small spaces, etc. I really thought I would always be that way and just had to deal with it, but honestly, the Zoloft saved me. It makes you so positive, and you don't focus on the stuff that would bring on anxiety. I wished I would've had this long before now. Give it time, it WILL work."

• Cle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2016

"I am 6 days into Sertraline 50mg for panic disorder and want to reassure anyone who is terrified of starting this drug because they've read about all the terrible side effects, just as I was. I am a 23-year-old female suffering from this for 8 years. Various therapies have helped but I keep relapsing. Last week I gave in and spoke to my Dr about meds. The first night I panicked because I was so scared of the side effects, which turned out to be mild at worst. Insomnia the first night, day 2 mild headache + slight diarrhea, and slight nausea on day 3+4, also loss of appetite. Overall, it felt like a mild hangover. I have felt slight anxiety at times, but it subsides quickly and doesn't develop. I'm feeling calmer already not even a week in!"

• Inc...
• June 17, 2019

"So let me just say that not all medications work for everyone. That being said, when I was 15, I was put on Prozac for depression. The first few months were so awful. Soon I was switched to Zoloft, which literally saved my life. 5 years later at the age of twenty I was prescribed Zoloft again for anxiety, not depression. Again, I’m experiencing amazing results. I tend to panic, which triggers my asthma and sends my body into overdrive. Zoloft has been my lifesaver for everything. Not all drugs work, our bodies are complicated and complex. However, don’t be scared to try new drugs because you might find your lifesaver too. Also, expect the first few days to be filled with tunnel vision and headache. Your chemical levels are raising, meaning you will feel it. The second time I tried Zoloft, I felt strong tunnel vision and overall weirdness. I almost couldn’t drive, no joke. But it’s worth all the worry, and you will feel amazing afterwards. I’m 21 and still on Zoloft."

• dra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2023

"I was on Lexapro for three years to treat anxiety and depression. Throughout that time, I felt as though it had a very minimal impact, if any. Recently, I met with a psychiatrist and switched to Zoloft. I was nervous at first because I hated switching medications. I never know how my body will respond to it, and it makes me anxious. I struggle with panic disorder and would have a minimum of one panic attack per day prior to taking Zoloft. After the first week of taking Zoloft, my panic attacks completely stopped. I had some minor headaches the first week and had some pretty vivid dreams, but other than that, I didn't have any intense side effects. I am SO thankful for this medication. It is the biggest relief not having to deal with having panic attacks constantly."

• Ala...
• April 13, 2015

"I had been a marijuana smoker for many years but stopped and then found I was depressed, couldn't sleep or concentrate very well and would get panic attacks. My drug & alcohol physician put me onto Prozac but after just one tablet, I suffered anxiety and was very jittery and almost felt seasick and terrified. He then prescribed Zoloft for me. What a WONDERFUL drug! After one day, I felt focused, clear-headed and happy. I went on to attend Melbourne University as a mature aged student and studied philosophy - it was amazing. I'd never felt so intelligent or capable in my life. I eventually came off Zoloft after a few years and have never looked back. It may not suit everyone but it certainly was just what I needed!"

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 1, 2021

"For the last 12 years, I have experienced anxiety, however, I have always been able to cope without medication. Then, last March, my random bouts of anxiety and panic attacks became crippling. I suffer from health anxiety and, most recently, panic disorder. I started having panic attacks that would last days. I couldn't go anywhere. I started on 50 mg, and the first day, extreme drowsiness, tiredness, and just felt off. I really did not like the side effects, so I switched to 25 mg and took it at night before bed. The first week sucked, but the anxiety really went away. I'm on week 5 now. Last week, I went back up to the 50 mg. I feel great! I feel like my old self again. My heart rate's down, and I have had no panic attacks at all! My husband and daughter are so happy. Side effects suck, but they do get better! I promised myself to write a review because the others helped me get through that first week. It was scary, but I'm so grateful."

• Lif...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2023

"I started having panic attacks about 5 months ago, out of absolutely nowhere. I think once you have one, you are so scared to have another, and it is a ripple effect. My first one I called 911 because I actually thought I was having a heart attack. They have happened periodically since and were really consuming me. I was constantly on edge. I was on buspirone for a year or so and asked my doctor to change me since it didn't seem to help my anxiety. He decided to put me on 50mg Zoloft daily. The reviews were accurate in saying it does take time to work. Things did get worse before they got better. I was extremely anxious my first 2-3 weeks on Zoloft but decided to stick it out. I'm now on week 5 and I feel great. I was needing Xanax to sleep and haven't needed that in 2 weeks now. Definitely try to stick it out."

• Spr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 21, 2022

"So grateful to God I am finally better and gotten past the panic, obsessive thoughts, and immobilization. I am back to being myself - even better. Will keep pushing as I realize being better is not an end result but an onward process daily. It is essentially what being alive is for all of us - living and learning to find how to live with more love and thus life. So I wanted to wait until after Easter to post my success story, ready to live with peace, hope, joy, and love after the worst winter of my life. Likewise, I hope my success story can encourage others like I was encouraged by reading and re-reading the positive reviews. Especially since it took me over 4 months to get better: 1 month on 50 mg and 3 months on 75 mg. Also seems the trend of what helps from other success stories to help medicine work are: 1.) counseling, spiritual life or mindfulness if not religious, exercise, diet changes, find supportive friends, avoid anything negative you can. Healing takes time, growing each day. Blessings!"

• Mos...
• October 25, 2016

"I suffered from severe anxiety for years, particularly social anxiety. Been on 100mg a day for about six months now. I feel like a new person now, feel normal and calm, and doing things I hadn't thought possible. For me, this is a wonder medicine. Took weeks before I felt an improvement but well worth sticking with it. Don't want to stay on it long term but worried about stopping as I never want to go back to chronic anxiety again. I'm sure it's different for some people but I never felt better since taking Zoloft. Hope this helps."

• gug...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2015

"Since I'm on Zoloft, I didn't have any panic attacks, and I was in more than one trigger situation, but I reacted like normal people do. I'm so happy that Zoloft exists. I can truly say that Zoloft saved my life and improved it."

• Fi8...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2013

"For most of my life, I have felt something was wrong. Recently, my anxiety began to feel worse than usual, so I went to a new doctor. He prescribed me Sertraline. For the first week, I felt anxiety and headaches, just quite 'wired'. I was worried I was going to damage my brain, and the meds wouldn't work, but then suddenly I felt 'fixed'! I am so relaxed now. I don't feel like I'm going mad from anxiety anymore! This is how I should have always felt. Glad I've sorted this out in my twenties. I wish I'd been prescribed this medication sooner!"

• ani...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 13, 2014

"I promised to come back and do a review of the medicine if it had worked for me. About a year ago, I had constant panic attacks which eventually became fear to drive, fear to be at a restaurant, waking up and feeling that it would be my last day on this world. Doctor said I have an anxiety disorder. After trying another medicine with no results, they started me on 0.5mg of Sertraline. After a year, I can honestly say that I am 98% 'panic free'. Huge relief within the first couple of weeks, but give it some time to experience the full medicine effect (a couple of months). Noticeable side effects: Sometimes I need to focus on remembering simple things, weight loss (at the beginning), now I'm normal again."

• Hig...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 17, 2017

"Back in 2013, I started having terrible panic attacks in public. I was agoraphobic within weeks. Started taking Zoloft in Nov 2016. This month, as of May 2017, I have been able to go places by myself that I have not been able to since 2013! It's the most amazing feeling to be able to go out again anxiety-free. I think you should give the medicine longer than 4 months. At 4 months, I felt good but couldn't go out by myself or go too far from home. I'm on 100mg a day. I had extreme fear of medicine, wish I would have seen my doctor sooner. I couldn't even imagine doing what I'm doing now. My life seemed over after 3 years of basically being housebound. When I did go out, it was hell. The side effects were not bad at all, I have none now."

• Eli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2015

"Growing up, I always exhibited symptoms of OCD, however, my mother didn't believe that medication was the best route at a young age. I respected her decision throughout adolescence and tried to cope with my OCD on my own, using different vitamins such as B complex, etc. I met the love of my life last year and everything was wonderful until my relationship OCD kicked in with a vengeance. It almost ruined my relationship and my life, but I decided to seek professional help. My psychiatrist started me on Zoloft in June, and I cannot express how much my life has changed because of it. I am a kinder person, and I can focus on the people and things I love, instead of constantly worrying about my health, relationship, etc. I highly recommend it!"