Zoloft and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 3, 2019

For Depression "I take this medication for my depression, anxiety, and OCD, and I gained some weight and other side effects, but only for the first week. I felt more confident in college at first, but I noticed I was having trouble sleeping, and now I have insomnia. I mean, I’m writing this at 3 AM. Everyone was telling me how much happier I’ve been, like they know what’s going on in my head, so I quietly just nod. I haven’t felt any emotions in the longest time, and I just give up."

• Rac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 5, 2018

For Depression "I was put on 50 mg per day in 2015-16. It made me extremely wired and anxious at first but then improved my depression, although with regular insomnia. I have been on 25 mg per day during 2017-18, and this is a far better dose. I feel normal/happy/functional and usually sleep well. On occasional days when I am fatigued and have a 'brain shutdown' due to low serotonin (sometimes stress, sometimes hormonal), I am allowed to take an extra 25 mg, which brings me back to functional within 30-60 min after taking. If you are struggling with the overstimulation and jitters on 50 mg, I recommend trying 25 mg, as it makes a massive difference for me. I also do slow yin yoga relaxing poses with deep breathing twice a day for 15-30 min."

• Nee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 3, 2015

For Depression "I was on 100 mg of Zoloft and started suffering from severe insomnia after being on it only 2 months. Dr. tapered me down to 50 mg and then done in a week, withdrawals were dinging head, zap, and buzzing ears plus severe insomnia."

• Mls...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2017

For Depression "I was prescribed Zoloft by my doctor to treat my depression/anxiety (small, 25 mg dosage), and after about 4 days in, I am experiencing all of the mild side effects, including insomnia, lack of appetite/motivation, foggy head, achiness, and exhaustion. I'm 19 and around 125 lb, was just wondering if anyone experienced anything similar? *aka is this normal and does it get better* (Note: it is more of a grieving depression due to the death of a parent. I believe my doctor said I'm going through some transition dilemma, so a low dosage is all I need)."

• You...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 13, 2013

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was on 150 mg Zoloft for about 2 years. It worked fairly well at combating my Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and depression, however, it gave me horrible insomnia/nausea. I probably would've given it a seven if it weren't for the side effects. They're just something that everyone who takes it should be aware of."

• kle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2017

For Depression "I was prescribed Zoloft 25 mg a day for depression and anxiety/panic attacks. I was also having severe insomnia at the time and really bad anger problems. From the first day I took Zoloft, my anger almost completely went away. I wasn't upset by things that normally annoyed me anymore. Another plus I noticed almost immediately was the lift in mood. I had great success raising my mood and lifting depression in the first few weeks of this drug. However, I stopped taking Zoloft after 4 weeks because the negatives were far outweighing the positives. My insomnia and panic attacks got WAY worse, it was horrifying. I went to the ER because I had the worst panic of my life and thought I was dying. Sleep was impossible. Now I'm trying Remeron."

• Rob...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 27, 2022

For Panic Disorder "I started taking Zoloft about 3 years ago, and yes, the first 4 weeks were hard. Increased anxiety, insomnia, sweaty hands, headache, and nausea eventually went away, the last one to go was insomnia. After about 6 months, we added Wellbutrin to counteract the procrastination that Zoloft caused. During the period of having the side effects, I went back to the doctor several times, and the following helped: 1) Valium to help ease the initial increase in anxiety, 2) First Valium to help overcome the insomnia, but it did not help, so I was put on trazodone, 3) Going to the gym and having a good 30-minute intense aerobic exercise session (had to take Valium first, so anxiety went down and I had the motivation to go). Zoloft comes with side effects, if you get them, go back to your doctor and get meds to ease the side effects. Don't continue to suffer. I came off Zoloft and recently started it again. Made sure I got a prescription for Trazodone and Valium. Week 3, and side effects have been well managed."

• Fee...
• November 16, 2016

For Depression "So far, so good. My initial side effects were insomnia (randomly waking up at 3 or 4 a.m.), followed by heavy drowsiness and some random bouts of nausea. This was all within the first week. I'm on my third week, and that's all subsided. I've actually been content with food. Normally, I am obsessed with eating, am never satisfied, but lately my relationship with food has become a little more laissez-faire. I am generally feeling happy and my fiancé."

• SGa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2021

For Postpartum Depression "I’m writing this because postpartum anxiety snuck up on me. This was my second baby, but a completely different experience from the first. I had a complicated pregnancy and a baby born six weeks early. We had a short NICU stay, and I thought I was great when she came home. Slowly, I kept slipping into constant worry and became a nervous wreck. It affected my husband and four-year-old. I kept thinking that exercise and sleep could solve my issues but eventually came to realize I needed a little extra help. I started taking 25 mg of Zoloft, and the first week sucked! I felt worse, had night sweats and insomnia. But I want to give you hope, with time, the medication will help. It’s been 11 days now, and I’m seeing my life come back together. I enjoy being with my baby and family and worry only when it’s necessary. Don’t give up hope! You can feel better."

• Loz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2016

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Started taking sertraline 8 days ago, 25 mg for my anxiety. Well, so far it has been hard. I am experiencing all side effects: increased anxiety, insomnia, nausea, complete loss of appetite, sweating. I am waking up at 5 every morning with anxiety and have to force myself to go to work. I also take 1/2 a Xanax 2-3 times a day. I have 2 teenage kids and am barely able to function, i.e., cook dinner because I feel so nauseous. At times of increased anxiety, I feel like I am losing my mind. Tonight is night 8, and I have been awake since 1 AM. I took 1/2 Xanax and still can't sleep. Trying to stick it out, but I am really struggling because I have to go to work to pay the mortgage. Reading these pages gives me a bit of hope, but I don't know how long I can last."

• djm...
• November 22, 2015

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I don't have enough experience to give a proper rating, but I have suffered with social anxiety disorder my whole life and was put on these pills 2 years ago. I only took them for 2 months, though. They made me have trouble sleeping, and they messed up my libido, which for me was the worst part. But about 4-6 weeks in, I was at college and some people sat at my desk in the common room (this is something that would usually cause a panic attack), and I didn't even care-absolutely no anxiety. But when I stopped taking them, it came back, so now I'm gonna see if doc will put me back on them."

• Mal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2021

For Panic Disorder "This past year, I would get panic attacks that would lead to anxiety. The sensations and feelings would last a day or two and would go away (happened three different times). Then in early October, it happened and didn't go away. My doctor prescribed me 50 mg of Zoloft (once a day) and the lowest dose of Xanax (as needed). The first week of Zoloft was a nightmare. The anxiety was at an all-time high, no appetite, dry mouth, diarrhea, and couldn't sleep. The Xanax was able to take the edge off a little bit. If I didn't have the Xanax, I probably would have stopped taking the Zoloft. After 10 days, things became a little less intense. I was able to eat, anxiety was still present but at a much lower level, and stomach issues were no longer. About 5-6 weeks later, I noticed that I am back to almost 100% anxiety-free. It comes and goes, but it is a lot easier to deal with it. Not constantly stressing. It was worth it. Don't give up. Therapy also helped me!"

• jac...
• January 3, 2011

For Anxiety and Stress "I'm 19 years old, have 2 kids. I have been taking Zoloft 25 mg since June of 2010 for anxiety, stress, and a little depression. I LOVE it. Before I was on it, I was really bad, I could not go outside of my house without having an anxiety attack, couldn't drive or anything! I tried to get over it by myself, but I couldn't do it, so I went for it, and the first day I took Zoloft, I noticed a difference (usually it takes a few weeks). The only side effect that I noticed was that I cannot sleep like I used to. If you are thinking about trying Zoloft, make sure it's a good idea for you, talk to your doctor, and be sure to get as much info as possible. Remember, we are all different. You may or may not have any side effects, but it doesn't hurt to try. Good luck."

• Joe...
• May 30, 2018

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "One of the worst drugs to give anyone. The side effects are out of control. The fact that a medicine that has been approved to treat PTSD can make you harm yourself is beyond me. Took for 3 months before the active duty Navy doctors finally changed the medicine. Not only did it make everything worse (not able to sleep, depression, and feelings of hopelessness, among others). On a weekly basis, my spouse was concerned for my well-being, requiring her to call the ambulance about 1 to 2 times a month. After being taken off the medicine, I was able to get away from the awful feelings. A new up-to-date study needs to be done because I am not the only one that has had these effects."

• Anonymous
• December 17, 2009

For Depression "I've only taken 50 mg for two days now, so I can't rate it or say too much about it yet. So far, I can honestly say I feel a little more at ease, less low, but no drastic change yet (as expected!). The only problems so far are loss of appetite, and I found it hard to sleep for more than 4 hours last night. I hope this works for me as it's worked for so many others."

• xox...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2017

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have been on this medication for two days, and I have had a significant improvement in obsessive thoughts and my anxiety. I had insomnia last night, but I heard that subsides. I have tons of energy and want to go do things I had lost interest in doing. I don't know if this is just going to be in the beginning, but I have read it only gets better. I have a little nausea, but I have stomach problems as well, so I'm used to it. I will put an update later on. I am going to stick this out! update: two weeks on Zoloft and my OCD is going insane. I'm going to up to 50 mg tomorrow. will update."

• Rip...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2019

For Depression "I started off on 25 mg Zoloft for depression. Felt better for a few days immediately. No noticeable side effects. Stayed on the 25 mg for about 4 weeks and wasn't feeling much of anything anymore. Dr. wants me upped to 100 mg. So now I'm taking 50 mg for two weeks and then up to 100 mg. I don't have any nausea or sleeping problems from this drug. We will see what it can actually do for me though."

• Coo...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 21, 2019

For Depression "I have been on Zoloft for more than 20 years. Over the last 6-8 months, I have had increased side effects: diarrhea, loss of appetite, not sleeping, sleeping too much, just laying around waiting for the next trip to the bathroom. I had blood work, colonoscopy, endoscopy, you name it. Nothing! I read up on Zoloft side effects. Bingo! I started tapering off. Already, all of my symptoms are improving. It's been only three days. Depression is the same."

• Anonymous
• January 17, 2012

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I just started taking Zoloft 3 days ago for general and social anxiety. I have experienced side effects that include headaches, discomfort in my chest, nausea, decrease in appetite, losing weight already. Sometimes it feels like my head is bound up. I used to get really tense while driving, but with the medicine I don't get tense, just alert. I haven't been back to school or work, so I'm not sure how effective it is for my social anxiety. I am now generally happy, and I do not experience worrisome thoughts as much. It makes me tired, and sometimes I just pass out and wake up with insomnia. I used to be very mean to my dog, I think he is seeing a difference in my behavior. I'm hoping the symptoms become less. 50mg then 100mg."

• Mrc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2019

For Depression "I know everyone is different, and medication affects everyone differently, but here goes. I started off on this for insomnia, anxiety, and mild depression. Took 25 mg for the first week, then up to 50 mg for the next 10 days. The side effects got to be too much for me: insomnia worse, and the night sweats were horrendous, not to mention the very low libido. I'm back on mirtazapine now, and sleeping loads better and back to work. I wanted to stick it out, but the side effects were way too much for me!!"

• Anonymous
• May 2, 2012

For Depression "Been on Zoloft 25mg a week. It killed my depression (almost) and my anxiety. I've been an opiate addict for 6 yrs and only quit 1 week ago. I can't believe I have no interest in painkillers all of a sudden. Several side effects occurred the first 4 days: insomnia, migraines, diarrhea. It's impressive now though."

• Thi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2015

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I was on this for 2.5 weeks. I was on a 50 mg dosage, and I don't know if it was too much for my body (I weigh under 110), but the severity of my panic and anxiety worsened. At first, it made me have insomnia, and then after a week, it was the complete opposite - uncontrollably falling asleep immediately about 30 minutes after taking the dose, and it became incredibly hard to wake up in the morning. It would feel like lifting 400 lbs to make my legs move in the morning, and I would still feel tired after 14 hours of sleep. My fearful thoughts became worse and completely clouded my head, and I had this overwhelming feeling of impending doom resulting in panic attacks. Also, loss of appetite from a combination of the extreme dry/cracked mouth and nausea."

• Tyt...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2019

For Social Anxiety Disorder "So I was on 25 mg for 8 days, and OMG, the worst 8 days of my life!! I'm not trying to scare anyone, I know everyone's body is different. Some meds work for others, and some don't. But my anxiety was so high, my mind raced more, I had really bad dry mouth, I was dizzy, and I would space out a lot and felt like I had brain fog. I also couldn't sleep. I just felt worse in those 8 days. So I'm off of it. But good luck to anyone starting this medication, and I suggest you write down everything you feel while taking Zoloft."

• Mad...
• May 15, 2018

For Depression "I’ve been taking Zoloft for around 3 weeks now, the first day was fine, no side effects or anything. Everything hit me on the second day with nausea, migraine, dizziness, loss of sleep, and my mood being lower than ever before. I started taking it for my severe anxiety and depression, but since getting side effects, my anxiety has been worse because I’m scared of feeling sick when I’m not at home. After 2 weeks of taking 25mg, my doctor told me to increase to 50mg. It’s been 4 days on the 50mg, and I’m still having side effects. I’ve had to miss nearly 3 weeks of school because I feel so sick, and I can barely get out of my house, which is a big problem because I’m in high school and my exams are coming up in a couple of weeks, but I’ve missed so much school. Hopefully, going back to my doctor soon to see if there is anything I can do, this medicine will work differently for everyone, though."

• Bor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2013

For Panic Disorder "I have been going through some really tough times, job loss and a terminally ill partner, and I have been experiencing a lot of anxiety as a result. My doctor prescribed Zoloft. If anything, Zoloft made things worse. I tried sticking it out for three months, but the ongoing nausea, increased anxiety, jaw clenching, restless legs, and insomnia were just too much to cope with, along with everything else. It also numbed me and made me very indifferent to things. To cut a long story short, I stopped after three months and have changed to Citalopram. Citalopram has lifted my mood without all of the side effects I experienced on Zoloft."