Zoloft and Anxiety: What Users Say

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

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."

• But...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2020

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have GAD. I knew I was needing support emotionally. 15 years ago, I had used Zoloft and it worked well, so I asked my doctor if I could use it again. So I started on 25mg and after 2 weeks, I upped to the 50 mg my doctor prescribed. Honestly, week 3 and 4 were the worst for me because I couldn't eat, and I felt so much worse with anxiety and lack of peace of mind. Because I was working from home, and others mentioned that the first month was bad, I felt like I was being pushed under emotionally. I had to do a lot of self-talk like 'I am not my feelings, this will pass,' etc. I took my Zoloft at night, and it seemed by evening, I always felt better, but mornings were so difficult. But right at the end of week four, a cloud lifted, and I felt peaceful and calm. So I appreciate others sharing their experience because that's exactly what happened to me. And I pushed through it, and I'm glad I did because I feel much better. Hope that helps someone in week 3. It does get better. Hang in there."

• May...
• October 10, 2019

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I’ve dealt with anxiety since I was 22 (now 28). At the start of this year, my anxiety got bad. At my lowest, I decided to make an appointment to see a doctor. I was sobbing after I got off the phone to book the appointment because I felt my anxiety had defeated me. Little did I know that I was finally choosing to take control. I was prescribed 50mg of Zoloft on 4/1/19 and have stayed there. The beginning was rough. I felt jittery, nauseous, and “weird”. It took a month before I started to notice a difference. My generalized anxiety started to fade, and it felt amazing! Intrusive thoughts began to settle down too! I was sleeping better, handling stress better, I could socialize better, overall I had a lot more confidence. I take my pill at the same time every day. I can’t believe how much better I feel today, it can bring me tears. I needed to feel better to see how bad I was. Please don’t be afraid to try it. Give it time! Don’t judge it after 2 or even 3 weeks. Be patient and allow it to work."

• bro...
• June 9, 2010

For Depression "Without Zoloft, I would probably be dead or killed. I have been taking Zoloft for 19 years. Since my daughter was born, the doctors have tried to take me off, but the depression started again. I did counseling and reduced the dose, but to be completely off makes me mean. I snap at people, easily irritated, road rage, body feels like it will explode with anxiety. It has never affected my sex drive. No weight gain can be blamed on Zoloft, probably feeling more sociable and going out to eat has caused a little weight gain. No headaches. Thanks for reading and I hope I helped."

• LS2...
• October 12, 2020

For Postpartum Depression "My baby is 9 weeks old today. I have been on Zoloft for the past month. I promised myself that if this drug helped me, I would come on here and give a review. Just after my 3rd child was born, I hit absolute rock bottom. I cried at least 30 times per day. I couldn’t face going into the nursery or making dinner. I felt short-tempered and despair. My doctor gave me Zoloft. I started on half a tab at night (now 1 tab). The first 3 nights I was ill. I was rocking with anxiety. I was gasping for breath and I swore black and blue that I was not going to continue with the tablet. Then the morning would come and I felt a bit better. I have not cried once since. I am strong in the mind. I can enjoy my kids. I can put makeup on, do my hair, do groceries, bathe all kids, have dinner. I am me again. I do not feel lowly. Do I feel elated and like I am living on cloud nine? No. I feel strong. I feel capable and calm. I wish you all the best in recovering from and seeing the good side of life again."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2019

For Social Anxiety Disorder "On Zoloft for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The first few weeks were honestly so bad. I had such bad brain fog, more anxiety, depression, wanted to sleep all the time, etc. I couldn’t eat and lost about 7 pounds within a few weeks. Things were not looking good but I pushed through it. One morning I woke up and my life had been changed. I found out what it was like to feel like everything would be okay. I am so happy I take this medicine and I recommend it for anxiety if you’re willing to push through the beginning. I have a new view on life and it feels so good."

• Tha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2019

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I feel so obligated to leave a review. I was sitting where you are now almost 4 weeks ago. I was terrified after reading the reviews, however, I knew I needed help. I had postpartum depression and let it go unchecked for a long time. When that seemed to subside, I was hit with debilitating anxiety that really started to rob me of my life. I had severe insomnia as a result. I started on 25 mg for a week, then went up to 50 mg where I am currently at now. It was a very difficult med to get on. I had increased anxiety, panic, still fought insomnia. After about two and a half weeks and help from my family, I felt like the world felt brighter. Every day since has been getting better. I can’t tell you enough that if you can weather the first 2-3 weeks, you will not regret it. I am getting back to my old self and it feels so good. I am so thankful, and feeling so blessed. You got this!"

• Dom...
• March 16, 2016

For Panic Disorder "I read these reviews, body tingling, shaking, concentrating on every breath or I would choke to death, using all of my will to focus on these reviews with tears in my eyes imagining that some of these success stories could happen to me and promised to write one if I could make it out alive. I'm 22 and started having severe panic 2 years ago. Don't worry about the side effects. If your experience was like mine every day, side effects would be a break from the dread and torture I felt every second. Zoloft brought me right back to the person I remember being before the panic. Just try it and give it time. It gradually got better over 3 weeks along with klonopin for attacks in that time. I hope this gives someone the hope and courage to try it."

• Lis...
• February 10, 2020

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!"

• San...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "5 years ago, I was a mess due to a bad breakup, drug & alcohol abuse, and family issues. 8 months later, I stopped all substances and decided to go clean. That made me face reality. I suffered from PTSD, deep depression, severe anxiety, panic attacks, and OCD. I was suicidal. I couldn't stop overanalyzing every single thought. My brain wouldn’t stop, and I had the craziest thoughts ever that I was so sure that I am going crazy. Finally, after 5 years, I decided I need help. I tried many meds and NOTHING worked! I really believed that no med would do. Tried citalopram, seroquel, olanzapine, and others. Finally, Zoloft was the last solution. I started with 25 mg for 4 days, then up to 50 mg for 6 weeks. I noticed the change! Then on the 7th week, 75 mg, then finally 100 mg. The side effects are horrible, yes: increased anxiety and panic, loss of appetite, and all. 6 weeks after increasing to 100 mg, I swear I can jump and scream from happiness! I am full of energy and hope! Please give Zoloft time to work!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2022

For Panic Disorder "I promised myself that if this drug made my life better, I would come back to comment on this thread. I'm a 21-year-old male and started Zoloft about 3 months ago after being on Remeron for 4 years for GAD and Panic Disorder. I had no appetite, lost 20 pounds in about 2 weeks, throwing up twice a day, multiple panic attacks, and was in a dark place. My doctor suggested I try Zoloft to which I reluctantly agreed. I was titrated up to 150mg in about a week. My first week was awful. It spiked my anxiety, I felt extremely tense, racing thoughts, nausea, pacing around, etc. The second week I felt extremely numb, emotionless, and just out of it. My least favorite side effect was brain fog. Eight weeks later and I felt amazing, I'm back to my old self but a lot more confident and happy. My advice is don't look at your progress day to day but rather week to week, you'll see the improvement. I came on here every day my first few weeks looking for hope that things would get better, and now they are. :)"

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2017

For Panic Disorder "Let me start out by saying THIS IS THE FIRST REVIEW I HAVE EVER WRITTEN. I felt compelled to share my story and experience with Zoloft in hopes that it helps someone else. I agonized over the decision of whether or not to go on medication for an anxiety and panic disorder that was ruining my life. I was so fearful of side effects, weight gain, increased anxiety and all the other 'what ifs'. Finally, I submitted and figured I had nothing to lose. Let me just say 4 months on 50mg of Zoloft and I am loving life. Give this medication a chance, no one was more skeptical of me, to the point that I suffered more than 2 years before finally trying it. This medication CHANGED MY LIFE and I am so happy I decided to try it."

• Rin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2020

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."

• Mar...
• October 30, 2013

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Zoloft has changed my life. I used to feel like I wanted to stop living. I had anxiety with racing thoughts, feeling short of breath, social anxiety, and obsessive bad thoughts. I no longer feel suicidal and my irritability has gotten 100% better. I still get short of breath sometimes and worry about things but overall just feel so much more even keeled. I waited a month before taking it after getting the prescription because I didn't want to take meds and felt like it was a cop-out. I'm so happy I decided to give it a try. I haven't gained weight and don't feel like my emotions are dulled. I feel happier and more hopeful. Strongly recommend."

• Ros...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 10, 2019

For Depression "I have been on Zoloft and the generic sertraline on and off for many, many years, on 50 mg. Recently, I developed symptoms of depression, panic, etc., due to health issues. I have a great GP who encourages me to manage my depression, so with his agreement I increased my dose to 100 mg and suffered every symptom for weeks. Anxiety, nausea, shaking, insomnia. After 10 weeks, these symptoms have all but disappeared. After reading all the reviews, I vowed to share my experience too. Remember, the symptoms WILL go away. It may take longer for some people than others to feel better. You may feel good one day but not the next. Hang in there. It takes time. I now feel almost ready to go back to 50 mg."

• MBM...
• June 2, 2020

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I started with Zoloft for GAD and derealization. I started with 25mg for one week and then I upped to 50mg, but the side effects were too bad, so I went back down to 25mg. My God, the beginning was terrible! Anxiety was so much worse, feeling terrified, depressed, feeling guilt, crying, brain fog, and nausea. I lost almost 8kg in 2 weeks because I couldn't eat. My psychiatrist told me to take 0.5mg of Clonazepam until the side effects lift. After exactly 4 weeks, I can say that all the side effects are gone. I feel a bit sleepy, but I am much more calm, no anxiety at all, no guilty feeling. Derealization is still here but much less, and I don't care about her, so she will go away with time too. I went back to work and started socializing again. I take only 1/8 of Clonazepam now. I will up my dose in a few days, but slowly. I PROMISE you that the starting side effects will pass. Trust me! I know how hard it is. This is a reminder for me too if the upping brings back the side effects."

• Tre...
• September 6, 2016

For Panic Disorder "Never written a review in my life. Was often on these sites reading people's experiences and hoping 1 day I would be me again. I'm not me, I'm happier than I can remember. When you're used to living with anxiety daily, you don't realize how it actually feels to be 'normal'. Suffered panic attacks at night that came from absolutely nowhere, no warnings or triggers and gradually affected my day-to-day life. Started 50mg, first 2 weeks side effects were pretty harsh: insomnia, increased anxiety, nausea. Was having second thoughts at 4 weeks as didn't see much improvement. Week 5 felt like a switch was turned on in my head. Give this drug 6-8 weeks minimum. It has been life-changing for me."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 30, 2017

For Panic Disorder "Life saver. Few side effects initially (increased depression and anxiety, decreased appetite, insomnia and agitation), no side effects long term. Push through those horrible first two weeks. At week three my depression was GONE, agitation completely gone, panic attacks gone. Some general anxiety, But that subsided after a couple of months. I was on this medication for a year, and got off it with little to no withdrawal symptoms. I STRONGLY recommend starting as low as 12.5 mg for a week, then 25 for a week. Cut the 25 mg tablets in half. This eases those horrible initial side effects, especially anxiety and agitation. Big hugs and high five to all of you anxiety/depression sufferers out there. You can and you Will get better!"

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 30, 2017

For Panic Disorder "Life saver. Few side effects initially (increased depression and anxiety, decreased appetite, insomnia and agitation), no side effects long term. Push through those horrible first two weeks. At week three my depression was GONE, agitation completely gone, panic attacks gone. Some general anxiety, But that subsided after a couple of months. I was on this medication for a year, and got off it with little to no withdrawal symptoms. I STRONGLY recommend starting as low as 12.5 mg for a week, then 25 for a week. Cut the 25 mg tablets in half. This eases those horrible initial side effects, especially anxiety and agitation. Big hugs and high five to all of you anxiety/depression sufferers out there. You can and you Will get better!"

• Wil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2015

For Panic Disorder "I've been on sertraline for just over 7 weeks. I started out on 25mg, then 50mg, and then worked my way up to 100mg. I had every side effect going, but I did not give up. I suffered from severe anxiety, could not leave the house, and my husband had to take time off work to look after me. But now, I am nearly back to my old self, going out. If you are just starting out on sertraline, please please give it time to work and hold on in there. It will get better."

• Dyl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2023

For Anxiety and Stress "Unlike a lot of people on here, I was lucky enough to avoid having really any anxiety at all up until about 5 months ago when I suddenly started suffering from the worst health anxiety you can imagine. Every single day for 3-4 months was miserable, all I did was think about my health and check my heart rate and Google my symptoms nonstop. I started Zoloft at the start of April, and let me tell you the first few weeks were hell. Headaches, nausea, increased anxiety, you name it. I read these reviews every single day, only focusing on the ones with positive reviews, and just reading everyone say it eventually gets better was what kept me taking the medicine, or else I would have stopped, but I’m so glad I didn’t. I’m now on about week 7, and I feel better than I have in the last 6 months, most days, my anxiety doesn’t even cross my mind now (and I’m on a very low dose of 50mg). You got this!"

• Lul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2019

For Depression "Week three, I am feeling amazing and back to doing the things I enjoy. The first two weeks were horrible with nausea, fog, and anxiety. But I read on the link that you need to stick it out. So I did, and I’m glad. 50mg perfect dose. I no longer dwell on my situation, and I see all the positives. I noticed I find it very hard to cry. The dog across the road died, and it was heartbreaking, but I couldn’t cry. I can still think, feel, and be creative."

• Lau...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 4, 2018

For Panic Disorder "I am 21. I have taken this medicine for 6 months. Here’s my story. 7 months ago I was having severe anxiety, with panic attacks and some mild depression because of it. I just wanted to feel better. I read review after review because I was scared to take an antidepressant, since I wasn’t depressed, and because I’m a natural person I question everything. All I can say is try it. There will always be negative comments on any medication. This one saved me. I started on 25 mg, it wasn’t enough. It took 6 weeks to feel 100% and week 1 my anxiety was worse (didn’t know that was possible). I hope this helps you all because I was that person searching for what ifs."

• Kad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2024

"I used 20 mg Lexapro (escitalopram) for 3 years, but I believed that it stopped working after 2 years, so I talked to my GP, then switched to Zoloft (sertraline) with a rapid tapering off. Started with 50 mg for the first week. This transition skyrocketed my anxiety for the first couple of weeks and I lost my appetite, but then started to feel better each week slowly. After being on 100 mg for 5 full weeks, I felt my anxiety and depression reducing slowly but surely. Please try to be patient and give the medication at least 6-8 weeks to see real benefits. Don't check your symptoms daily, focus on weekly improvements. I know how hard it is, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel! All the best to you all."

• Anonymous
• October 21, 2013

For Panic Disorder "Just like you, I was reading these reviews a few months ago when I finally made the decision to give medication a try. I hope this review helps and gives you comfort. I've been on 50 mg for seven weeks now. Started at 25 mg for the first seven days. The first two weeks saw a spike in anxiety, just like I figured. But I stayed with it, and I'm so glad I did. I had a pretty intense panic attack the first week, but I noticed something: I didn't stress out about having another one like I usually do. By the third week, the panic attacks and panicky feelings were pretty much gone. I've also noticed that my mood has lifted, and I can fall asleep much better at night. This is my first SSRI, and I really regret not seeking help sooner."