Zoloft and Headaches: What Users Say

• Was...
• September 3, 2020

For Depression "About 6 weeks ago, I started Zoloft at 25 mg for GAD, mild depression, and some PTSD and OCD symptoms. Before you continue reading, please understand that my experience likely will not be yours, as is the case with every single review you'll read. Do not be scared to start. It absolutely helped. My overall mood didn't change much, but it helped the physical symptoms of my anxiety and helped me cope with my life stresses. I began to enjoy doing things I love again. I still had bad days, but I was overall functioning well and productive, although I still had not the best outlook on life. Side effects I experienced: insomnia, daily headaches similar to hangovers, shakiness, increased depression the first week, decreased appetite, menstrual changes, and decreased libido. Again, this is just my experience. Do not be afraid to give it a try, people are much more likely to leave negative reviews, I just wanted to leave a review to help others. Best of luck, you've got this!"

• Gra...
• October 2, 2019

For Depression "Just like all of you, I scrolled these reviews for hours both before and during my Zoloft treatment. I’ve been on Zoloft for 5 weeks now (7 weeks if you include the first two weeks on 25mg, which is below the therapeutic dose). I tried two SSRI’s before Zoloft, and each made me violently ill or suicidal. The side effects of Zoloft have been minimal - just a mild headache as I up my dosage. I have currently moved up to 100mg, week 6!! My experience has been incredibly positive. I let go of things easier, such as fights with my partner, and I don’t have horrible recurring thoughts. I have still had a total of about 8 bad days over the course of Zoloft, but that is life!! This is not a magic pill. In fact, my anxiety has subsided so much that I’ve become incredibly bored! What do I do with all this free time?! It has made me reach my life’s purpose, and it has given me hope. Please don’t give up. I wish I tried Zoloft sooner. Sending love and hope to you all x"

• 140...
• December 25, 2014

For Depression "Zoloft has been a life saver for me. I honestly don't know how I would've gotten through the past year without it. I had anxiety and depression, but after I started taking Zoloft, I was finally starting to feel myself again and my headaches have gone away. If you have moderate to severe anxiety and depression, I would highly recommend this. It truly saved me."

• Mir...
• September 9, 2018

For Panic Disorder "I promised myself that I would write a review and try to help someone else if the medicine worked, and boy did it!! This is truly a miracle pill. It helped me with everything, including my panic attacks, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and OCD rituals. I’m free again, able to live a calm life. I will say the first few weeks were brutal. I had every side effect: nauseous, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, some minor hair loss, and more. I prayed this pill would help me, and it did. Before it, I had no quality of life and, to me, the side effects were worth it. I stuck it out for 3 months, and I’m back to my old self and even better. I had very dark days. The fear was paralyzing, and I couldn’t function. I couldn’t get through the day without my Xanax 0.25 frequently and now Xanax free! I started with 50mg for a month and then 100mg for 8 weeks. Today, I’m working, exercising, being the mom I want to be, and taking stress better. My panic suffering is over. Thank you Lord and Thank you ZOLOFT!"

• Ren...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2022

For Panic Disorder "I’m a 32-year-old female that started taking Zoloft a week ago! Your comments really helped me to even start taking it, so thanks to everyone that left a review because I’m scared of medicine. I am to leave a review in hopes to help someone like me! I started on 25mg but broke it in half to get it into my system for one week, and I will move up to my 25mg. But my experience so far: I have had sleepless nights, headaches, diarrhea. I haven’t really been hungry, but y’all, don’t let that scare you like it did me. I’m telling you, even on a small dose I can tell a small adjustment already, and I will be back in another week to update y’all on the dose increase, but take a leap of faith and try it. I can already tell I’m feeling somewhat better just in a week! We are all in this together!"

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2015

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Headaches and a little nausea at the start, now 4 months in, I don't know how I coped before. The anxious 'bad butterflies' that I thought were normal have gone away. Obsessive overthinking and cringing after I got home because what I may have said, has gone away. Feeling almost hyperactive and intense when in a group situation, almost gone. Road rage... work in progress! Hahaha. Sex drive has diminished but this might be a good thing as was obsessive about it before. Less pressure. Wish I had started a lot earlier. Thought my anxiety was part of my personality, but the reality is, without it, I'm back to me again."

• Mea...
• November 7, 2019

For Depression "I’m onto my second box of Zoloft. I took the entire first box over a month at 25mg. I had headaches pretty much every day but they weren’t extreme, just a dull ache. There were also a couple of times where I was feeling nauseous, the pharmacist told me to eat before taking the pill, and that actually helped. So after the first month, I reached my prescribed dose of 50mg daily. No headaches at all now, and no negative side effects at all. My mood is so much better, I actually catch myself laughing at things online or on TV. I am so much more calm and patient with my kids. My husband and I were having huge verbal arguments every couple of days, which I now am capable of refusing to do despite his pushing. I can repeatedly say, 'I’m not going to argue with you,' and stay calm for a long time now, which is obviously new to my husband who is so used to getting a big reaction from me. I honestly feel absolutely fantastic with this medication. Going to ask my doctor about upping my dose for better results!"

• 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!"

• I...
• December 7, 2012

For Depression "I started using Zoloft on Wednesday the 5th of December 2012. Today's date is the 8th of December 2012. Four days, it has only taken four days for me to feel like a new person. I have been on it before, therefore I know what side effects to expect. Everybody is different, but I suffered from loss of appetite, headaches, nausea, feeling a bit dizzy, lower back pain, and trembling hands. This only lasts for a week or two. I used to cry for no reason (even at work), snap at my partner for stupid things, I was paranoid over everything, socially scared (I always wanted to stay home). I haven't cried since being on Zoloft, nor snapped at my partner. I am a new person now. I'm so happy and look forward to my new life. 100/100."

• BAa...
• May 22, 2015

For Depression "Absolutely changed my life. I am a 20-year-old female who has struggled with depression and irritability since roughly 13. I tried meditation, I tried the 'power of positive thinking', I tried listening to podcasts, I tried counseling. Nothing helped me until Zoloft. I've been taking Zoloft for 5 weeks. I had minor side effects for the first couple of days (looser stool, headaches, stomach aches) but nothing I couldn't handle, and they went away after 2-3 days as I got used to the medication. I'm currently taking 50 mg and don't plan on increasing. I feel overall happier. I'm not as irritable, and things that I used to hate (going to work) are no longer even bad. I feel more myself, and like I'm not afraid to be outgoing. Highly recommended."

• jay...
• September 1, 2013

For Depression "I have been taking Zoloft for 8 weeks and the result has been amazing. The beginning was rocky with nausea, heavy head, and fatigue, but it gets better. I am more confident, better at my job, I enjoy socializing far more, my relationship is saved, and I generally feel more balanced. I have had anxiety since childhood and struck depression in late teens, I am now 27. Not sure how long I will or should take Zoloft, but I am hugely relieved."

• Wee...
• January 28, 2013

For Depression "Zoloft is amazing. I was put on Lexapro when I was about 18, gained about 20 lbs and felt like a numb zombie for about a year. Tried Celexa for about a year - a little better, but I was still getting very depressed. Then I tried Zoloft (50mg for a month and 100mg since). I've been on it for about 2 years. Depression and anxiety are minimal. I rarely have to use my Xanax. The only side effect I've had is dry mouth, but it's minimal at worst. My appetite and sleep patterns are normal. As with the others I've tried, my sex drive is very low and I had moderate headaches for the first couple of weeks, so I won't pick on Zoloft for that. Overall, extremely satisfied, I can't imagine my life without it."

• ano...
• February 2, 2014

For Depression "I'm 16, and over the course of a few months, I started becoming more and more depressed and anxious. After trying a few other medications along with none at all (only therapy), I started taking Zoloft as it has helped others in my family. The first 10 days (started at 25mg) were horrible - suicidal thoughts, no appetite, headaches, and terrible anxiety. But once I hit 2 weeks, I felt so much better. I'm now 6 weeks in and on 75mg. I feel amazing, still get headaches but I'm not sure if it's related. I feel almost 100% myself. I'll give it a few more weeks and see if I need to maybe get to 100mg, but honestly, this medication saved my life."

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 16, 2015

For Depression "I think Zoloft for me is great. The only downfall I have with it was headaches. They started right when I began taking Zoloft daily. They were intense and hurt like hell. Lasted about 2 weeks. Then bam, they were gone. I took it at night before bed. I thought they made me tired. Since I've been on it, I've lost about 20 lbs. I don't have the munchies at all & honestly I have to tell myself to eat because it curbs my appetite. I don't feel bloated like I did on Lexapro, that's why I switched. Zoloft really works for me and I'm on a low dose. Headaches suck the first few weeks but what a difference from Lexapro. Everyone's different."

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

For Panic Disorder "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!"

• The...
• August 8, 2013

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have struggled with depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder since I was 11 years old. I'm now 21, and this is the second time that I have taken Zoloft. It has worked wonders for my obsessive and anxiety-ridden nature. Originally, during my trial and error phase of trying medications, I stopped taking Zoloft at one point because I experienced the numbness, headaches, etc., that are typical of SSRIs. However, after finding that no other medicines (including other SSRIs, antipsychotics, and even anti-seizure medications) reacted as well to dull my OCD, I resumed Zoloft to give it a second shot. I could not be happier with its results so far. I would recommend this to absolutely anybody who had difficulty with OCD or depression. It has saved my life."

• Inc...
• June 17, 2019

For Panic Disorder "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."

• per...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2014

For Depression "I am 24 years old and have a 14-week-old son. I have fought with depression most of my life due to childhood and whatnot. After having my son, everything came crashing down. I was on the brink of a divorce and suicidal. So I asked my doctor, he put me on 50mg of Zoloft, and I'm now on day 4. Side effects for me are headache, tiredness, dizziness, and nausea. But I'm sticking to it, hoping those will go away. My mood is so much better."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2017

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I thought I would share today my experience with Zoloft. Two months ago, I was the anxious one on here reading all the reviews on medications. Every one had positives and negatives. I was so worried about taking an 'antidepressant'. I suffered daily with SEVERE anxiety and panic attacks to the point where I would have a panic attack for hours. It was awful. Because I felt like that so often, I would say I had mild depression. Just felt hopeless. Could anything help my anxiety? This medicine has changed my life for the better. I started at 25mg and still felt bad, no improvement even after five weeks. My doctor upped me to 50mg and within a week, I felt 100 times better. I had no side effects other than two to three headaches. My advice to you, try it."

• Sig...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 27, 2014

For Depression "Generic Sertraline gave me some relief, but it made me jittery and gave me headaches. After reading testimonials, I insisted on the name brand Zoloft, so glad I did. It's like a completely different medicine. More relaxed and not full of negative thinking. I still get overly anxious if something stressful happens, but it doesn't last long. Side effects are more tolerable, though it does make me tired."

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

For Panic Disorder "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!"

• Bri...
• September 29, 2015

For Panic Disorder "I promised myself I'd come back to this site and share my experience since it has helped me so much. About four months ago, I had my first panic attack, a week after a very serious surgery. My doctor suggested it was from the anesthesia. I went two weeks without another one, then boom, full-blown panic disorder. I thought I was losing my mind. I had to drop out of school and take time off work. I went to see a psychiatrist who gave me Zoloft. I started on 25mg for 2 weeks, then increased to 50mg where I'm at currently. I've been on the full dose for 2 months now, and I finally feel 'that switch' that people talk about go off. The side effects were HORRIBLE. If I didn't need to stick with it, I wouldn't have. I experienced headaches, insomnia, palpitations, and excessive yawning. They eventually went away."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 11, 2012

For Panic Disorder "Zoloft has been a life saver! I have been on this medicine for about 7 years now. Two kids (3 and 6 months) later, I still have to use this medicine, and it works miracles. My husband deployed to Afghanistan, and I do not think I could have made it through that time while taking care of our kids without this medicine. The only side effects I had were loss of appetite, tiredness, and mild headaches, but that only lasts about a week. If you're just starting this medicine, hold on, I promise this will help you feel like yourself again!"

• goo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 12, 2013

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I was diagnosed with PMDD and prescribed cyclical Sertraline. I can remember the day I started my period thinking how did that happen without all the stress, anger, and drama. I liken it to having gas and air during labor. It just takes the top off the emotion and prevents the explosive outbursts of uncontrollable anger. I honestly thought I just had normal PMT until I saw my doctor, who upon asking me a list of questions, said the only one I'd replied no to was suicidal thoughts but it probably wouldn't be too long before I got there. Apart from a nasty headache on day 2/3, this drug has literally saved my family life."

• Rip...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2013

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "After 1 month of losing my girlfriend and her mom in a horrible head-on collision and bawling my eyes out every day, feeling so lost, I needed help!! Doctor put me on Zoloft 50mg for the first week, then upped it to 100mg thereafter... I'm on day 4 & feel much better already, not thinking so much of my loss. The only side effects I've felt are a slight headache & slight nausea, but now I have put down the box of Kleenex from crying so much & can relax better... I'm going to continue to take it because thinking of my loss constantly was nothing less than the worst time of my life."