Zoloft and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• lil...
• July 2, 2021

For Depression "I promised I would come back and leave a review after trying Zoloft. I am female (21) and I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder from a car crash. I read SO many reviews talking about their horrible crazy experiences so I was super scared to try this. I’m on 25mg of Zoloft daily which I believe is the lowest dose. It has worked wonders for me. PLEASE GIVE IT A TRY. The first night I took it without food and I was up all night, extremely nauseous with a crazy amount of energy. Definitely take it in the morning. The only annoying side effects I've experienced are mild nausea if I take it without food and lower libido. This pill has changed my life and honestly saved my life. I am so much more productive and energetic, I no longer have racing thoughts and cry for hours every night. I feel like myself again, and I feel like my best self. I wish you all the best luck on your journey. You are so loved!"

• 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!"

• Jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 8, 2020

For Depression "I started taking Zoloft after 8 months of post-concussion syndrome symptoms. My anxiety and very low mood were affecting every aspect of my life. I was suicidal. I started with 50mg for the first month. Only side effects for me were a bit of nausea the first week and a lack of appetite. By week 4, we went up to 100mg and everything has improved significantly! I can separate emotions from facts, which I couldn't do before. The people I thought were 'against me' don't seem to bother me whatsoever now. I've gotten my life back. I have energy and an optimistic attitude. My friends and family have noticed in big ways. It's been a life-changer for me. The only things I would say are side effects: Low libido, Shortened Sleep. I usually wake up in the middle of the night now."

• 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."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2022

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "For those suffering from OCD, bad thoughts, overthinking, depression, and terrible headaches, give Zoloft a chance. The first month, don't expect much. I am on 100 mg. This medicine has helped me so much. It helped get rid of my rituals and ruminating thoughts. I found peace with the help of Zoloft. You can't make it alone. It is very hard. I had no major side effects, just some night urination and a lower sex drive. But mind peace is so important. I was ready to collapse! Zoloft helps your neurotransmitters. It is not our fault, just brain 'malfunctioning.'"

• Lol...
• September 5, 2019

For Depression "I put down I have depression, but I also have anxiety and panic attacks and OCD. Everyone is complaining about the nausea. IT GOES AWAY. Moreover, usually after like two days. PLUS this time round, my doctor prescribed me nausea meds for it (I went off it but am going back on because I’m depressed again). Y’all, there is literally medicine that will remove the nausea. And to be honest, for me, it is not that bad as I have IBS as well. Zoloft basically made me chatty, happier, and gave me the inability to cry or feel sad even when I was supposed to be very sad. The inability to feel sad seems pretty good to me. And I was able to feel happy, just not sad. I quit for the sexual side effects. Don’t listen to the people complaining about nausea. I was in bed unable to move for two days from the nausea, and I’m still 10/10 recommending it, so trust me it’s fine."

• Bla...
• October 27, 2009

For Depression "I was prescribed Zoloft for depression. I had tried Wellbutrin and Lexapro in the past with little results. With Zoloft, at first, the side effects were tough. Also, I was having sexual side effects. Lacking desire (which is not normal for me), and the inability to achieve orgasm. I decided to try taking my pills in the morning, rather than at night like I had been doing. After a couple of days passed with my new schedule, the sexual side effects subsided, and I'm back to normal with that. I never knew an antidepressant could help so much, but it has REALLY helped me!"

• MAK...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 4, 2024

"I was extremely apprehensive to try another SSRI. I had tried others which had not worked or had given terrible side effects (lightheadedness, high weight gain, no libido). After being addicted/dependent on a benzo for over 5 years, I didn’t want to be ‘dependent’ on another drug just to function. After having a baby last year and experiencing some postpartum anxiety/depression, I decided that I wanted to do this for my child and my husband. In the past and for many years, I have been highly stressed, very depressed at times, extremely anxious often, and suffered panic attacks - with all the sides - irritability, intrusive thoughts, rage, etc. I did lots of google research and decided Zoloft was my best bet. I am SO glad that I did. Zoloft has given me my life back!! Other things I do/done; eat well, exercise, EMDR therapy, CBT therapy, HYPNOTHERAPY. I take 100mg every day. Start slow!! You will feel TERRIBLE initially. It gets better!! You’ve got this ❤️"

• Abb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2017

For Depression "I took Zoloft (generic) shortly after my anxiety got horribly severe. I took Lexapro a few years ago but didn't like the sexual side effects. My doctor put me on Prozac, but that appeared to put me into a deep depression. I had never had depression, just anxiety, but I couldn't get out of bed, I was just paralyzed. After a few weeks of that, I decided to try Zoloft. Within the first three weeks, I felt tremendously better. By 6 weeks, I felt totally back to normal and NO sexual side effects! This has been my miracle drug."

• 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."

• Esw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2014

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have suffered with generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder since I can remember. I got prescribed these at 50mg 3 weeks ago. The first few days I got a horrible cold nausea feeling in the pit of my stomach. I had no appetite and I noticed straightaway that it took me longer to orgasm. 3 months into them, I still feel anxious, but for the first time since I can remember, I was able to present to a group without shaking, losing my voice, and my heart beating rapidly. It almost feels like a small weight has been lifted which gives you that control back over my thoughts. I was able to say 'put your best into it. You will be fine' and I believed it. This is only a small step to overcoming my anxiety but this medication has helped me a lot."

• Anonymous
• January 11, 2010

For Depression "Thank God for Zoloft! I wish I knew about depression decades ago! For the first time in years I see the world in color, have patience, and actually care. Zoloft makes me a better me, a better parent, and a better person. I take 100 mg in the morning and 100 mg at night. NO SIDE EFFECTS! Sure wish I had weight loss, though! A smidge of loss of interest in sex, but can still enjoy."

• Ali...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 24, 2013

For Depression "I went through a bad period of depression after a job loss, and I tried Lexapro first for treating it. The Lexapro made me extremely tired all the time, so my doctor switched me to Zoloft. Zoloft ended up being much better for me. The main things it has helped me with are getting back to actively participating in life and being able to be more level-headed in stressful situations. The side effects I have had are reduced libido and slightly reduced appetite. Also, the first week or two after I started and after a dosage increase, I had more significant side effects, like being more depressed and anxious than usual and being angry. But once I got through that, I started feeling better than I had felt in a long time."

• Chr...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 18, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been taking sertraline/Zoloft for about 3 years now. Started off at 50 mg simultaneously with individual therapy, then increased it to 100 mg. It took about 3 or 4 weeks to begin its effects. I will never forget the day I felt the change, and it was like night and day! Rumination, social anxiety, obsessive thoughts, depressive symptoms have all lightened since starting Zoloft, thankfully. Better quality of life overall. Do not discontinue abruptly - that will be dangerous! Side effects for me are decreased libido, weight gain. I hope you can find a therapist and medication that helps you, hang in there and don't give up!"

• kri...
• June 15, 2015

For Depression "Love this medication. I'm a 28-year-old mother of two and have suffered from anxiety on and off for the past 9 years. I have tried different meds throughout the years, and the only one that has ever worked for me was the generic Zoloft! Like... wow! This medication does its job so well that I feel 'normal,' not high or zombified! Side effects for me have been loss of appetite, difficulty reaching orgasm, clenched jaw, hot flashes, and rapid heart rate, but I was told these would subside. But I still give this medication a rating of 9 because the benefits for me outweigh the side effects by far. I've been taking it for a couple of weeks, and if it's working this great now, I can't wait to see in a couple more weeks."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2018

For Depression "I was placed on Zoloft after being on citalopram for 3 years. I was on 25 mg of Zoloft for about a week and bumped to 50 mg for 21 days. Then bumped to 75 mg where I’ve been for 3 weeks, so about 7 weeks total. My anxiety is gone & I’m way more mellow. I had two job interviews and didn’t have any panic or meltdowns, so that’s great. I noticed I’m way more apathetic and that my libido is gone. I still have days where I’m feeling empty (even though I have tons of friends and family that I adore) and where I cry. I also feel very spacey at times. I function okay I think and I am able to take care of errands, the household, and my child. I may lower back down to 50 mg if I continue to feel numb on 75 mg after 8 weeks. This medicine isn’t scary, don’t be afraid to try it. Please also remember that it takes months for it to start working and some people stop taking this medicine early before it could have begun to help."

• Nai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2017

For Depression "After a little over two months taking 50mg of Zoloft, I feel happier, calmer, less anxious about things. I look forward to things again, I enjoy things I had forgotten I cared about. I laugh more, I enjoy sex more (when I am depressed, my mind is on other things whenever I want to have sex). I sleep whole nights, I used to wake up in the middle of the night EVERY night and stay awake for 1-2 hours before falling asleep again. I wish I had tried it sooner. Part of me wants to quit taking it now to see if I feel better still without the side effects (such as crazy vivid dreams, lower libido than when I am not depressed, yawning, etc.), but I think I am fooling myself. It is not perfect, but so much better than I could've hoped."

• Alb...
• June 11, 2019

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I left my country at 18 and got diagnosed with suicidal OCD. I was having extreme anxiety and thinking all the time. I had never taken drugs, but I saw a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with pure O (especially suicidal OCD, a type of harm OCD) and taught me ERP (exposure response prevention therapy), especially CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy). It's important to combine therapy and medication, OCD is more about practice, accepting, and dealing with thoughts than drugs, but the drugs helped a lot! I accepted my obsessive thoughts and the monster kept getting smaller and smaller. I sometimes had side effects, but they were minimal (sexual side effects and dizziness), and they went away after some time. Zoloft gave me my happiness back, but it was the ERP, CBT, and ACT that helped me live with it. It's important to seek help from psychiatrists who specialize in anxiety disorders. About the best time to take Zoloft: Zoloft made me feel like a zombie when I took it in the morning, so I started taking it at the same time every day (around 22:00), and the results were great."

• Sky...
• October 17, 2014

For Depression "Zoloft has helped me a lot. I suffered from mild depression and mild anxiety for years. I'm a 38-year-old male. I requested Zoloft from the doctor and I'm on the 50mg dose. It started working right away. I felt effects the first night. I was sick the next day, but that was the only time. I had some euphoria during the first couple of weeks. Next to impossible to orgasm. I have zero anxiety, it's amazing. Not as depressed but didn't fully take it away, but really helped. It was the right choice for me. Highly recommended. I would make the same choice."

• Ali...
• June 10, 2015

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I've struggled with anxiety & depression my entire life, & I was wary of starting sertraline (at age 20) but 50mg a day has changed me for the better. I'm happier, less anxious overall, I got a job, I can do all the things my anxiety wouldn't allow, like answering the phone, going shopping alone, making small talk with people. There have been some unpleasant side effects, alcohol puts me right to sleep now. I have no appetite (lost about 15 lbs) and my sex drive is noticeably diminished. Whatever you do, do not stop cold turkey. 50mg is a very small dose but the withdrawals are hell. I ran out and couldn't get a refill for a week, I was cold sweating through my clothes 24/7, shaky, suicidal, dizzy, and my anxiety was worse than before."

• twi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 19, 2013

For Depression "I have been on antidepressants since I was 23. I started on Paxil which made me a zombie and felt suicidal. Then switched to Effexor which worked for a while but made me have unconscious behaviors a lot. I have now been on Zoloft for almost a year and I feel clear-headed, not as reactive or erratic. I do have headaches and trouble sleeping, and a low sex drive. Overall, a better life on a daily basis. I feel happier."

• Tee...
• June 6, 2011

For Depression "When I started taking Zoloft I lost 40 pounds in three months, which was GREAT. My depression got better, anxiety was better. I did lose my sex drive, but who cares, my self-esteem was GREAT. Zoloft saved me."

• Tha...
• July 27, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've been severely depressed for many years. I also suffer from anxiety and OCD. Zoloft has made me much more stable, the downside is that it can make you numb to life. I lost my dad in '06, and I went into an awake coma, so to speak. I lost my mom last March. I felt the pain come in like a bullet, and then I felt overwhelmingly calm-that's the serotonin doing its job. I couldn't cry at the funeral or anything. While I'm not depressed, I do feel many other effects: decreased libido and muscle twitch. I extend my legs and contort them in bed uncontrollably. I give it a 9 because it saved my life. I'm on 150 mg in the mornings and have been for over 10 years. Give it a good shot, let it have time to work. Good luck. Don't ever give up."

• man...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 3, 2024

For Panic Disorder "Zoloft was the only medicine that worked for my general anxiety and panic attacks. I started on 50mg and after a few weeks of mild side effects, I started feeling much better. I was able to sleep and wake up fresh. The anxiety and worry that came for no reason was clearly going away and it was noticeable. After about 2 months on 50mg, I noticed it changing my life but I was still having panic attacks if I was going to a major event. My doctor upped it to 100mg, which is the perfect dose for me. I can live my life how I want without any unnecessary worry. I can plan trips, meet friends, go out, take risks without any worry. The biggest downside for me was decreased libido / sexual functions. The thought of sex didn't arouse me, I also noticed weaker erections and some ED issues. This does improve over time but will linger. There are ways to treat this, so don't let that stop you. The only other downside is you feel a bit emotionless and numb when you start taking it for a while."