Zoloft for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 5)

• Ddc
• April 28, 2016

"Zoloft has helped me tremendously! I am going on week 6. I kept going on the Internet reading the terrible side effects. I kept putting it off even though my sister-in-law is a pharmacist. I was scared. Terrified. I'm in my 40s, very fit. I kept thinking I would feel better. I thought it was hormones. I kept having panic attacks which didn't last long, but it still happened. There was a lot that happened over the course of the months, and I believe my body just said enough. So once I experienced the panic attacks, it fueled the fire, worry set in, and it was a terrible cycle. I started it after my friend opened up. I didn't feel alone. The first week I experienced diarrhea three days. No insomnia, no weight gain. I'm calmer for sure!"

• Mia
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2023

"This really has saved my life. I had a breakdown in January and was in a really bad place for over a month. I had panic attacks almost daily and couldn’t leave my room without experiencing extreme paranoia. I was going to drop out of college, break up with my long term boyfriend, and move back home. I started taking this and within two weeks felt like myself again. I feel so much better. Still have some issues of course, but Zoloft combined with therapy and meditation has been a game changer. I was nervous about side effects, and for the first two weeks my stomach was pretty messed up and I had bad headaches. But it all cleared up after two weeks. If you feel you really need it, give it a try. I’m so glad I did."

• Jenn
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2019

"I was so scared to try this medication, and I read all of the negative reviews thinking it would do the same to me. My therapist told me that it was my anxiety causing me to feel this way. So, finally I was at the end of my rope and felt like I had nowhere else to turn, I bit the bullet and started taking 50mg every night. At first it did increase my anxiety and panic attacks as it says it would. I am a female vocalist and I sing in front of a lot of people, so, that being said you can understand how much my panic and anxiety multiplied at first...."

• Quest
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 31, 2017

"Hello world, writing a review because I'm just like you scrolling through. I wanted to share my experience with this medicine. First things first, this does not work right away, it takes about a month or two for me, at least, to kick in, so do not stop after just a week unless you have horrible side effects. I started from 20mg all the way to 100mg. It helps a lot with social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, and depression, as well as agoraphobia. Panic attacks are gone, still get anxious but a normal nervousness, not overwhelming. No more crying spells. This medicine won't cure mental illness, but it definitely helps! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Give it a try, and always keep your head up! If it doesn't work, you can always keep trying other SSRIs that will help your everyday life!"

• bvans
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 11, 2012

"Long story short, I've had panic/anxiety disorder for about 4 or 5 years. Lots of things have happened through my experience... I've taken it all: Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, Buspar, Trazodone. Zoloft is the only thing that works for me without upping the dosage every month and then having withdrawals. I've been on Zoloft (50 mg once a day) for about 7 months, and it just works. Other anxiety medications work, but they're not meant for daily use. Zoloft is an everyday medication that makes me smile and proud of what I've been through."

• ALD
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2023

"I was just like all of us on here looking through the comments, scared to death to start. I have had panic disorder, anxiety, and OCD issues for the past 5 years. I could not drive far, I never went to social gatherings, stayed home for work, and made every excuse for why I could not drive to the office. At one point I could not even walk my dog down the street. I was always at the doctor's and emergency room. I have been in therapy for 2 years. I finally gave up my tactics that were not working and started Zoloft. I was originally prescribed 50 mg and I was supposed to titrate up to 100 mg. I started at 12.5 mg. I stayed on that dose for 3 weeks. I had awful side effects and you will too. I was so tired and had awful headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. The worst part about it was it made my anxiety and panic go through the roof. I am now on 37.5 mg and my anxiety and panic are almost gone. Take it. It’s going to suck at first but It will change you for the better."

• Kaveh
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2023

"This medication has completely changed my life. I cannot be more grateful for the way it has completely eliminated my self harm urges, aggressive outbursts, and panic attacks. I used to be explosively reactive, constantly in a state of fear and negativity. I would scream and yell and cry for hours, I would hit myself and self-harm. I would take everything personally and feel that everyone is out to get me, and everything felt like the end of the world all the time. Since taking this medication, I feel calm, focused, and at peace. Even if there is a stressful situation, I do not react poorly, but instead, I am clear-headed, and I can feel my hurt but handle it much better. My self-esteem has soared, I can now determine how I should be treated rather than accept disrespect due to my bad self-image. I can stand up for myself but be understanding towards others at the same time. My dosage is 20mg and the only side effects I have experienced are nausea, fatigue, and headache.(first 2-3 weeks)"

• Smiling
• February 28, 2011

"I have been on Zoloft for a year and I can honestly say it changed my life. I had suffered with anxiety and panic attacks since I was in the first grade, and I hated my life. I felt cursed. I felt weird because of it. It got to a point of hopelessness and depression. I did counseling, exercise, journaling, all-natural vitamins, everything. Nothing helped. I didn't want to rely on medication to help me get through life, but after talking to my doctor, I decided I had to. My doctor put me on a low dosage of Zoloft and I can honestly say, I've never been more calm, focused, content, and determined. Zoloft helped me relax and deal with problems rationally. It changed my life for the better, and recommend it to any teenager who needs help."

• Narelle...
• July 20, 2014

"Anxiety spiraled out of control over just a month following 18 months of grief, job loss, and moving. I couldn't leave the house and was prescribed Zoloft 12.5mg. The side effects were pretty bad (no appetite, trembles, and night sweats) but within two weeks these side effects passed and I began returning back to my old self 6 weeks later. I slowly built up to 175mg over 6 months and stayed at that dose for 1 year. Now, two years later, I have almost forgotten about anxiety and have begun reducing very slowly (about 12.5mg every couple of months). I'm now taking 137.5mg and feel good. Thank you, Zoloft."

• Bella...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2014

"My 18-year-old son was diagnosed with panic disorder after an episode occurred on his second day of college. The attacks began to come regularly after that, not only in class but even at home. He would panic when he was outside and wanted to just stay in his room. It got very bad, so bad we had to withdraw him from his classes so he could get some treatment. We initially started him on a low dose of Klonopin to help ease some of the symptoms, which helped for a couple of weeks, but he needed to begin increasing and also had some bad breakthrough panic attacks. We switched him to Zoloft 25mg for 1 week and then 50mg the second week. It is truly the best medication ever! He is back to being and feeling like himself and is able to do everything!"

• Claud
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2021

"This medication honestly saved my quality of life. The first two weeks on it were honestly rough! I thought about stopping the medication because I was having such bad side effects. I would get terrible nausea, stomach pains/diarrhea , panic attacks and insomnia. However, after about the 3rd week my side effects went away. I went from someone who had almost daily panic attacks to having none at all. My anxiety has pretty much completely gone away. I feel as though I have my life back and can live normally again. Without this medication I was unable to function properly and enjoy life. Thanks to Zoloft I am my old self again. The first 2 or so weeks may be rough but hang in there I promise it is worth it!"

• Aaron
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 7, 2019

"I've been taking Zoloft 25mg for almost 10 months and all that time I was feeling so good no problems no fear. Then so I would feel 100% better my doc increased my dosage to 50mg and now I feel way better, he told me you need to be on this medication at least for 1 year and he said you can take it for your whole life no problems"

• 4Kano
• July 19, 2013

"I am male, 53 years old, and have been on Zoloft (Sertraline) 75mg for 1 year. My problem was with anxiety, and I became very sick. I first tried Celexa, but I felt worse. After 3 weeks, I switched to Zoloft and quickly noticed an improvement. It took about 3 to 4 weeks for Zoloft to start working effectively. By the 3rd month, I felt even better and any side effects stopped - they are: trouble sleeping. I took Ativan to relax me and fall asleep. After 3 months, my sleep returned to normal. As for sex, maybe slightly longer to orgasm but no sexual dysfunction. As for alcohol, I still drink and feel fine. There was sweating, but this went away. Zoloft works, good luck!"

• Jack
• January 22, 2017

"Ok so this is my first review. I had been suffering from severe anxiety and panic attacks for about 5 months it completely changed my life for the worse. I stopped all the things I used to enjoy I didn't go to the gym and I wasn't physically active. I felt safe in my room not socialising as this did not cause me to panic. However it was a downward spiral from there. The reason that I felt safe at first was because my anxiety was from my heart beating fast and I was always aware of it ( weird right.) I wanted to avoid all things that would trigger my panic attacks. gotta cut it short so I took 50 mg zoloft and after the first day I haven't had one single panic attack and feel 10x better. I still have a little anxiety but only on my 5th day."

• Gem
• April 10, 2015

"I have had anxiety, panic attacks, and obsessive thoughts for years on and off. About 5 months ago, I started to get horrible non-stop intrusive thoughts. I knew the thoughts, fears, and worries were nonsense, but I couldn't turn them off. I was in a panic attack from the moment I woke up to the moment I fell asleep. I would wake up several times at night in full-blown panic... it was horrible. I never ever wanted to take medicine; I was so afraid of it not working or it making me worse. Zoloft has helped me so much. At first, I had a good day, then a bad day, and I wasn't sure if that was normal. After 2 months, the doctor upped my dose. Then, a month later, I felt better than 100%, still a little anxious during my period but very mild and manageable."

• Starg...
• January 10, 2016

"I am working on a cross-wean from Lexapro to Zoloft after Lex pooped out after ten years. Up to 50 mg now and 5 mg of Lex and feeling so, so, so much better. No more panic attacks, no more waiting in bed until my Klonopin kicks in, sleeping better, depression drastically decreased and feel I have a purpose in life again. Mild GI distress, but I'd take that forever over where I was. Wish I had had the guts to do this sooner."

• Tiffany
• May 12, 2013

"Anxiety hit following 18 months of anger/grief. I was 36 years old and over a period of just 1 month, anxiety spiraled out of control - developing a fear of driving and being alone - nearing not leaving the house. Shrink prescribed Zoloft, the first week was bad. I remember massive weight loss, insomnia, and excessive yawning. These side effects soon disappeared, and six weeks later, this miracle pill started to kick in. Started on 12.5mg and have slowly increased over nine months to 175mg. Now 1 year later returning back to normal, anxiety did get worse at every increase of dose before getting better. Give it time, it will work. Exercise and CBT also helps heaps."

• anxious...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 7, 2015

"I had a huge phobia when it came to taking pills and refused ssris altogether for at least 15 years. My panic disorder was so out of control. I finally made some changes in my life and started on zoloft. I was so afraid I started on literally 6.25 mg and next week 12 next week 25. I stopped at 75mg for a long while. It changes my life completely. I wish I'd done this so many years ago. I think of all of the time I wasted and its so sad. I'm up to 150mg now, my only fear is that it's effectiveness is wearing off. In almost at max dose. I'm going to talk to my psychiatrist and hope we can figure out what to do. I know that I feel alive more than I had for years. I suggest no matter how scared you are, try an SSRI. It can change your life."

• Steph...
• October 26, 2016

"I've had wicked panic attacks, anxiety and now panic disorder. I've tried the breathing, distractions, calming music and all that. Only thing that really worked was praying and listening to Christian music. But that didn't do it completely so I went back to the Dr when my latest one caused me to lose my job. I was scared to death to try Zoloft after all the reviews saying things get worse before better and I naturally freak out any time I try any new medication. But, I've been on the 25 mg for about a week and just went to 50. I've had absolutely no side effects other than my brain trying to lie to me, if you know what I mean. I also take .50 mg Xanax with it and I take it at night so I believe that helps. I feel so much better."

• Denta...
• March 23, 2017

"These reviews helped me so much when I first started Zoloft over 5 weeks ago that I wanted to post my experience. After several weeks of increasingly worsening panic attacks at work, I ended up in the hospital. A year ago my psych Dr switched me from cymbalta to a mood stabilizer and things were good until November as stress at work increased. I was depending on too much bromazepam to get through the day. My GP started me on 50 mg of Zoloft and my anxiety was so bad also tremors for 4 weeks I was sure I would have to quit working or cut my hours. But this Monday on week 5 was amazing. I still have some anxiety but I seem to be able to handle it now. It's like I have my confidence back. Good luck!"

• Sameol
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 10, 2022

"My worst Christmas and New Year was 2019 one. I was saddest person, crying 24 hours, wanted to kill myself but didn’t because I remembered my mom, dad, siblings,and wife.Went to emergency room and doc prescribed me with zoloft. I was so sad didn’t saw any hope. At first I had more anxiety but after 4 or five weeks I could see a light very far away then I became little hopeful but not 100%.A fter few months it was like someone turn on the switch in my life was back."

• Kristin
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 25, 2016

"I've been on Zoloft since I was 21 and I'm now 31. One day I woke up with intense crying, depression, anxiety , fear of family and friends dying and self harm . My personality is one of a very happy go lucky girl and I refused to live with this nightmare. So my doctor put me on 50mg Zoloft. It took about a month for it to work and I had the tiredness, yawning , feeling completely out of it , to waking up and feeling amazing . I have tried to come off Zoloft throughout the years and man the side affects suck ! Intense anxiety, feels like your brain is exploding and vertigo. If you do decide to come off make sure you're under the supervision of your doctor. To this day zoloft has helped me and I will be on this for the rest of my life."

• Yasi
• February 5, 2009

"I have been on Zoloft 100mg for a few months now for my anxiety/panic disorder. It has completely controlled my panic attacks, which is awesome. When I first started this medicine, I became depressed, had suicidal thoughts, and no appetite. But those have since gone away as well. The only issue I have noticed still is I have no sex drive. Just wondering if this is normal with this drug and if it will eventually go back to normal."

• CMP
• March 17, 2014

"My Dr. put me on 25mg to help me sleep and stop unwanted thoughts as a result of marital stress. I was experiencing a knot in my stomach and episodes of weeping. Since starting this medication, I feel so much happier, rested, relaxed. I had diarrhea for the first 2 days, but it was mild. I am not feeling out of control anymore. I think when my marriage issues are over, I will stop taking it. This medicine has really come through!"

• zolof...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2013

"Zoloft has really helped my life a great deal. You never understand how much you needed help until you get treatment and are able to see such a better difference in your life. But it all starts with you, and yes, it's a journey, but it's one worth taking."