Zoloft and Insomnia: 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!"

• KGr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2018

For Depression "I suffer from SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, depression, and anxiety. All of my symptoms have increased as I've gotten older. Last year I took Lexapro, which was too numbing, affected my executive function, focus, short-term memory, and libido in a bad way. This fall, I decided to be proactive and got on 50 mg of Zoloft. Completely life-changing experience! Side effects were nothing compared to Lexapro. Maybe 1 or 2 days of mild nausea, slight insomnia for the first 2 nights. Now, at 5 weeks, I feel clear, happy, functional, and optimistic. Libido intact. Takes a bit longer to orgasm, but it's kind of amazing because it prolongs the intensity. Zoloft has truly changed my life for the better, hopefully it will continue to work, will take it forever if possible! Wanted to leave this positive review because there are so many negative ones out there, which don't paint an accurate picture of any drug. Negative experiences are always reported more than positive ones. :)"

• Muc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 29, 2013

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have now been on Zoloft for a solid 12 months (50mg). It has changed my life. I was prescribed it for depression, anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - it has almost completely resolved issues I have had for most of my life. I hesitated in taking it due to side effects, mostly because I have always been obsessed with my weight. I'm happy to report that if anything, I have dropped weight in the last year. I no longer am tempted to binge eat and just lead a healthy and active lifestyle because I am happier. I really wanted someone to read this who was in my position - who was too scared to try it because of side effects. My only side effects are dry eyes, I need to sleep 8 hours a night (instead of 5-6) and that's the worst of it!"

• Car...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 12, 2021

For Panic Disorder "I started having panic attacks/anxiety since I was 16 years old. Things got real bad in my late 30s/early 40s. I would drink alcohol at night to self-medicate. I tried therapy and my doctor would always try to put me on an antidepressant. I was too scared, thinking it would make it worse! After having a nervous breakdown and being hospitalized 6 years ago, they put me on Zoloft 50mg and Lamictal 25mg, and I finally have my life back! It was like a light switch finally came on in my head! So much more calm, not worrying all the time, not wanting alcohol to cope. I haven't had a drink in 6 years! It has truly been a lifesaver for me, and I give God all the glory. Side effects were minimal, 1st week - insomnia and night sweats, after that, completely fine! I wish all of you the best of luck, and it will get better! Trust me, I thought I was hopeless!"

• 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!"

• pia...
• October 15, 2008

For Depression "I'm writing this post because I spent a lot of time researching online about Zoloft side effects before I finally decided to try it for my OCD/depression. I made a mental note to let other people considering this drug know what it was like after I tried it as well. I was worried that it might cause weight gain and that there may be sexual side effects. I was on this medication for 2 years and DID NOT experience weight gain or sexual side effects. The first few months I was on it, I had some stomach upset and trouble sleeping, but that disappeared shortly after. I have maintained a consistent body weight (within 5 lbs.) for years, and Zoloft did not seem to affect my weight at all. I lost a few pounds at first because of the stomach upset."

• Jim...
• August 18, 2013

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I went years without getting help until about 8 months ago when I finally broke down, saw a doctor, and was prescribed Zoloft. This pill has given me my life back. I was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, specifically intrusive/disturbing thoughts and obsessions. This disorder occupied all of my time and energy, to the point where life was unbearable and hopeless. About two weeks after starting Zoloft, there were noticeable improvements. After 6 weeks, I was a different person. Anxiety-0, OCD still there but more of a minor inconvenience than life consuming. Side effects were typical at first: nausea, diarrhea, lightheadedness, and insomnia. All of which subsided after a few weeks. I highly recommend that if you are diagnosed, ask for Zoloft."

• 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."

• Blu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2014

For Depression "On 50mg for 4 weeks then increased to 100mg for depression, panic attacks, and obsessional thinking. I had few side effects: a slight hand tremor, yawning, and difficulty sleeping. The only thing that lingered was the insomnia, but now that has settled down and I sleep okay. I feel so much better, panic attacks gone, obsessive-compulsive disorder gone, and my mood is lifting daily. I am enjoying life again, and this medicine has been so right for me."

• Blu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2014

For Depression "On 50mg for 4 weeks then increased to 100mg for depression, panic attacks, and obsessional thinking. I had few side effects: a slight hand tremor, yawning, and difficulty sleeping. The only thing that lingered was the insomnia, but now that has settled down and I sleep okay. I feel so much better, panic attacks gone, obsessive-compulsive disorder gone, and my mood is lifting daily. I am enjoying life again, and this medicine has been so right for me."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Wan...
• March 20, 2014

For Depression "Zoloft. You made me REALIZE, I've been locked out of HEAVEN for too long (I've been dancing and cleaning on this Bruno Mars song all morning). That's how I feel on my medication! I'm on day 4 of 50 mg and I'm supposed to increase it to 100 mg after 10 days. I have been having side effects since the first day such as shaking, abdominal pain, insomnia but nothing too major compared to what the 'Beast' (yes! I call my anxiety the beast hehe) had me endure before. So I really don't mind those side effects because I know what's ahead of me is going to be spectacular. I've never had so much faith in my life before, at least not that I remember."

• New...
• January 29, 2009

For Depression "I just started Zoloft 3 days ago, and the side effects so far have been very clear. For me, I haven't been able to eat. I've never been a good eater, but I don't need to lose weight, and I am eating maybe half of what I used to just a few days ago. Nothing seems to taste very good, and I feel full after very little food. I get nausea for about 10-15 minutes about 4-5 times a day, that I didn't have before. My head feels really weird, like I can feel the chemicals running through my brain. It's really weird. I had problems sleeping before taking Zoloft, so not sure if that is a side effect. A lot of good reviews - going to stick it out."

• 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!"

• Kit...
• June 21, 2017

For Depression "20-year-old female, prescribed 50 mg for major depressive disorder, social anxiety, and just overall generalized anxiety. Been on 50 mg for 3 months now. Side effects were minor, which consisted of insomnia, loss of appetite, and nausea, though they subsided within the first few weeks and I now experience none. I love Zoloft! I can live again! I'm laughing and going out with friends, not laying in bed all day. I can finally breathe, my surroundings seem so much brighter, I don't harbor hate anymore, I'm me again. More ambitious and creative like I was before I fell into this self-destructive path of depression two years ago. I no longer have the desire to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. I wish I got on Zoloft a long time ago."

• Myl...
• April 21, 2019

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I've been on Sertraline for two years now. I was prescribed it for social anxiety, which I suffered from for as long as I can remember. It took around 3 months to start to work. The first month or two was hard. The side effects were difficult to get through. Feeling out of it, dizzy, unable to sleep, clenched jaw at night, but I stuck it out and they went away. I have no anxiety and feel comfortable in social situations now. I'm happier and get less angry. It's completely changed my life."

• Lou...
• September 5, 2016

For Depression "I've been on the generic sertraline 50mg for about two weeks, and I feel so much better. I was very depressed, irritable, had insomnia, and felt like a total failure at life. I had a little diarrhea at first, but then I also have IBS so I wasn't surprised. After a few days, that stopped. I feel like my old self again, like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I'm even singing again, I haven't done that in about a year. I was in denial for a long time, I told myself I could handle the depression - I was wrong. This is the first antidepressant I've been on, and I am very pleased with how much it has helped me."

• Chr...
• October 9, 2015

For Postpartum Depression "Zoloft saved my life after having postnatal anxiety after the birth of each of my children. I had severe anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia which led to depression. I was fearful about being alone. I was hospitalized for 8-12 weeks each time. Anxiety and depression are heightened when you first start this medication, so don't give up on it. Give it a chance to work. It took at least 8-10 weeks to start feeling like myself again, then 12 weeks for symptoms to disappear. Don't be afraid to take a sedative at the start to ease the bumpy side effects. Stick it out. It will be worth it in the long run. I frantically googled reviews on here just like you, so I wanted to write my story to encourage another mom experiencing similar symptoms."

• Anx...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 1, 2013

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have struggled with anxiety for years, and I've improved Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in a way that would increase my quality of life. I've been taking 50 to 250 milligrams of Zoloft for the course of almost 7 years, and I've been getting 5 to 8 hours of sleep every day. I was going from C's and D's in school to mostly A's and B's, and my memory was becoming crystal clear. When I decided to go down to 25mg, I began to experience more anxiety, more depression, more insomnia, and more OCD-like symptoms. Even if I had a good day under 25mg of Zoloft, I wasn't confident about myself and didn't like the person that I was becoming. I'm telling you, this medication does work to treat your anxiety, it just takes time to work."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2015

For Depression "I've been on Zoloft for 3 months now. Initially, I suffered from side effects such as shivering, loss of appetite, drowsiness, and insomnia. These symptoms lasted for about three days. I was scared at first and planned on trying another medication for anxiety. However, I called my cousin who is a nurse, and she told me to try cutting the pill in half. I took my cousin's advice and cut the pill in half, taking only 25mg a day, which works really well for me. I'm 5'4, 130 lbs. I no longer suffer from anxiety. After taking Zoloft, I realized that I was suffering from depression. Zoloft alleviates my anxiety and has greatly helped with my depression. I now feel happier and more motivated to do things right away without procrastinating. Life-changer!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2014

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have tried other anti-anxiety medications but they gave me terrible side effects. Zoloft has almost completely taken away my anxiety, and the only side effect I have is sleep loss that is corrected by a sleep aid. I am so much happier, and my life has been so much better since being on this medication. I experienced this almost right away after starting the medication. I didn't realize how much my anxiety had really been affecting my life until I started using Zoloft."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2014

For Depression "I started taking Zoloft about a month ago. In the first week, I had some diarrhea and experienced some insomnia, but it soon disappeared. Within three weeks, my depression and anxiety subsided. This medication changed my life."

• Sav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2012

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I felt the change after the first dose, and now I can live again. I was always so scared to even leave the house. I was always so jealous of my wife, thinking she would cheat or that someone was talking about me, always afraid of what people thought. I look back now and think, who was that person? Now with all kinds of energy, my sex life is so much better. I am losing weight, I was an emotional eater. That's gone. I am a new man, I am a better person. Zoloft saved my life and my marriage. I am so focused now, I have accomplished more in 6 months than in 6 years. Not really any side effects that are bad, other than a little tremble once in a while, and I can't sleep sometimes."