Zoloft and Loss Of Appetite: 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2019

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Been going up slowly on Zoloft to help my OCD. I started on 12.5 mg for 2 weeks, 25 mg for 3 weeks, 37.5 mg for 2 weeks, then 50 mg for 3 weeks, now 62.5 mg. Overall, I’m feeling better. Intrusive thoughts related to harm OCD have gone. General anxiety is still there but not constant. When I started this medication for OCD and panic attacks, I was literally having panic attacks every hour due to the OCD. My anxiety was at a 10, now, most days it’s 0-2. Every day I do have some sort of anxious feeling, but for the most part, it’s a fleeting feeling. BEST THING ABOUT THIS MEDICATION... I LOST 20 lbs and continue to not want to eat junk food. I also started working out. Good luck! I wish you the best and hope to continue getting better with time."

• Anx...
• October 4, 2019

For Panic Disorder "I never ever review anything but after being on this drug for now 4 weeks, I felt the need to review. I was previously on Zoloft (25mg) for 2 years before going off of it, and it was AMAZING. 6 months after stopping it, I could feel my anxiety slowly coming back and decided to go back on Zoloft (25mg). The first 3 weeks were horrible. I would wake up every morning with extreme anxiety, nausea/vomiting, and felt really out of it. For those 3 weeks, I had no energy or appetite (lost 10 lbs) which is hard when you need to work and go to school! I was living in a foggy state of 24/7 anxiety and felt like I couldn't escape from it. I knew it was the medicine making it worse, but I wanted to ride it out since I had positive experiences before. FINALLY after 4 weeks, I am starting to feel back to normal. I can get up in the morning without crippling anxiety and dread, attend school, and enjoy my relationship. Please give this medication AT LEAST 6-8 weeks to work. It eventually gets easier!"

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• May 9, 2009

For Depression "I was crying over the weirdest things and didn't want to get out of bed. Then I started taking Zoloft 50mg daily, a month ago. I felt relief an hour after taking it. The side effects for me were stomach upset, decrease in appetite, and sleepiness. That only lasted a week. After three weeks I increased the dose to 100mg which my doctor suggested in the beginning. I have been on many different antidepressants since I was a teenager and this is the first one that I feel 'normal' on. I don't feel emotionless or stay on a fake happiness high. I feel relieved and can deal with the day-to-day stresses."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2019

For Panic Disorder "I was so nervous about starting this Zoloft. I read these reviews over and over for days. I was experiencing extremely bad panic attacks and suffered from depression. I finally bit the bullet and took it. The first day (took it in the morning as directed) I felt really weird, super drowsy and lethargic. Switched it to taking it at night and it was much better. I was still drowsy during the day for about a week, though even after taking it at night. I didn't have much of an appetite at first either and lost some weight which I'm not complaining about. lol. Now, after almost a month of taking it, I am so glad I did. I feel like myself again. It might be weird at first, but please if you need it then try it, and if it sucks tell your doctor, but if you can handle the side effects stick with it, it really does get better and totally worth it! I'm having almost zero negative side effects now and am out and about doing the things I had a seriously hard time doing before."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 6, 2017

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have been on Zoloft 25-150 mg for over 2 years. This has been the BEST 2 years of your life. Let me say that it took at least 90 days to really kick in and side effects to abate. If you have spent YEARS obsessed about your every action and thought, fearful and angry, depressed the 90 days of side effects is NOTHING. NOW if you want to keep living the way you are living because of dreams, diarrhea, INITIAL loss of appetite and weight loss then so be it. Improvement takes time. I was a 10-year Paxil user. Have TRIED lithium, Prozac, Luvox, tegretol, Xanax, Valium, Alcohol, illegal drugs, supplements, buspar, Klonopin and on and on. ZOLOFT gives me a chance at life. I am still me with growing up issues at 50 plus but man, this ZOLOFT is the deal."

• Win...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2015

For Panic Disorder "I have suffered from severe anxiety and panic attacks for almost 13 years. Literally every day, I was anxious from the time I woke up until I went to bed. Racing thoughts, constant anxiety, and at one point, I would hardly go out in public fearing a panic attack. Zoloft has changed my life COMPLETELY! No more racing thoughts or anxiety! Feeling like a normal person again and actually enjoying life and even laughing! Took two months to start feeling full results. Main side effect was sleeping all the time and loss of appetite. Highly recommend!"

• Kor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 23, 2015

For Depression "I've always experienced social anxiety growing up. I thought this was normal but it became clear to me during college that I shouldn't be feeling so shy all the time. I was afraid to be myself. I was constantly going back and forth between anxiety and depression for years. I tried meditation, yoga, running, a different diet... But nothing seemed to be working good enough! Enough was enough! I researched Zoloft for a few weeks and finally decided to try it out. WOAH! Other than the initial side effects such as decreased appetite and restlessness, this medication changed my life!!! I feel very comfortable talking to people in social settings.. I could finally be myself! The biggest thing is being patient--- it works!!!!! Good luck everyone!"

• Sie...
• January 15, 2013

For Depression "I have been on Zoloft 50mg for about 6 months now. I got on it because I could not control my anger. I would go from okay to completely angry in just a matter of moments. Everything and anything would set me off, and I couldn't control it. So, I went to the doctor and he put me on Zoloft. I have lost close to 40 lbs since being on the medicine because I have no appetite anymore. I do not feel like a zombie, instead, I am able to control my anger better. I still get upset and angry, but I don't lash out like I used to. I feel like I have control of my life now."

• Nik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2019

For Depression "This drug changed my life. I feel better than I ever could have imagined after starting Zoloft. I had suffered with depression, unmedicated, since childhood. Finally, I got a doctor who would give me the antidepressants I needed. I was started on 25 mg for the first week, then 50 mg. I've been on 50 for 5 months now and so far so good. I've noticed drastic changes in my mood and my stress levels. Things that would've sent me into a panic attack before now only get me mildly stressed. I don't have random crying fits anymore. I'm not angry. The main side effect I had upon starting was no appetite. I felt nauseated every time I ate and had no desire to eat either, other than just to stop feeling hungry. That lasted about a month. Other than that, I haven't experienced any negative side effects."

• 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."

• 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."

• JOa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2019

For Panic Disorder "I started having severe panic attacks and anxiety attacks, and I was diagnosed with depression as well. They started me off at 25mg of Zoloft for my first month. The first week was... interesting. My anxiety initially got worse and my appetite was gone. I also felt so tired and exhausted, it sucked. But after the first week, I’ve felt AMAZING. I went from having so much anxiety and constantly panicking to not having any panic attacks at all. And my anxiety is very minimal. There are some days I’m not even anxious at all. I’m just super calm and mellow, it’s great. They upped my dosage to 50mg to see how I would handle it, so I’ll update this after a month of 50mg. But so far, Zoloft has positively changed my life, even though the first week taking it sucked."

• Mor...
• July 9, 2021

For Panic Disorder "My friend recently lost her child, and as a mom, it hit me very hard. I constantly worried and had irrational thoughts that something would happen to my daughter. I couldn’t drink caffeine or work out. I felt anxious, shaky, dizzy, and I had palpitations all the time for nearly three weeks prior to starting Zoloft. I could not do anything that I normally did without anxiety, my heart racing, and panic attacks nearly every day. I felt hopeless and heavy, as though I would never get out of my funk. I started taking Zoloft around two and a half weeks ago. Initially, I had terrible nausea, belly pain, shakiness, light-headedness, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. That has slowly subsided over around one and a half weeks. My appetite is still not back 100%, but I am so much happier, no panic attacks in over a week. Slowly, I am feeling more like myself and as though the wall between myself and the world has lifted. This medication takes time and patience, but it is so worth it. God bless!"

• Ang...
• January 5, 2016

For Panic Disorder "I promised myself I would share my experience after I gave it at least 5 months and especially if Zoloft worked. I was so afraid to take it for reasons I read such as bad side effects. Well, I suggest to start low. I started out at 12.5mg, half of the 25mg, and I did have side effects for 5 days: nausea, no appetite, and night sweats. After 5 days, that part was over. I noticed around 3 months that my panic attacks and anxiety were almost gone. I have 2 young kids and I spent so much time worrying, scared of passing out behind the wheel or in grocery stores. I am feeling a lot better now, just living my life and enjoying my kids. I'm grateful for Zoloft, it really does help."

• 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."

• ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 30, 2014

For Panic Disorder "I had my first panic attack in June 2013. Thought I was going to die. Had them every day after that. I couldn't go anywhere or do anything because I was so dizzy and scared. I went from June to September with no medicines. I was suicidal so I tried meds. First two days I was a zombie, no appetite. I felt weird but not like a panic attack weird. I could tell a difference. I have been on my Zoloft 25ml since September 2013 and I am 97% better. I have my days where I feel weird but if you have severe panic attacks like I did, you will know that even feeling 5% better would be nice, so 97% is amazing! This medicine saved my life."

• Tab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've been taking Zoloft for Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety for going on 5 months now. The first two weeks taking it were genuinely the worst two weeks of my life; all I could do was sit in bed all day, every day, and even that was too much for me. I completely lost my appetite, lost 15 lbs in two weeks. I constantly had diarrhea, an increased heart rate, anxiety 100% of the time. Week 3 came around, and I felt a shift start; things started to get better, slowly. By week five, I was able to do things I hadn't been able to do in years! I've had pretty bad anxiety surrounding making phone calls my entire life, and now I don't! Not every day is totally great; no pill can guarantee that, but my life feels livable again. I promised myself that if Zoloft worked for me, I'd come back to this website and write a review. During those first two weeks, I used to scroll through this website for HOURS, and reading positive reviews is what got me through it."

• 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!"