Zoloft and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Sun...
• October 26, 2020

For Panic Disorder "I’ve been having panic attacks/anxiety since I can remember. (I’m 27). About 3 years ago I couldn’t take it anymore. I quit drinking, quit drinking caffeine, and stopped smoking cigarettes. Nothing helped. In January of 2020, after trying about 7 different medications (at this point, I was terrified after so many failed attempts), I didn’t want to try anything else. Nothing seemed to help. So let me start by saying ZOLOFT SAVED MY LIFE. Let me say it again so the people in the back can hear: ZOLOFT SAVED MY LIFE. I feel like everything is so much brighter. I gained some weight, but that is minor compared to not having panic attacks for days on end. I’m on 50mg. I started very slowly which helped with the side effects. I started at 12.5mg, and after 3 days, bumped up to 25mg, and after a week, to 50mg. I couldn’t be happier and feel like for the first time, I have my life ahead of me. I would recommend this drug to anyone. It changed my life for the better."

• bro...
• June 9, 2010

For Depression "Without Zoloft, I would probably be dead or killed. I have been taking Zoloft for 19 years. Since my daughter was born, the doctors have tried to take me off, but the depression started again. I did counseling and reduced the dose, but to be completely off makes me mean. I snap at people, easily irritated, road rage, body feels like it will explode with anxiety. It has never affected my sex drive. No weight gain can be blamed on Zoloft, probably feeling more sociable and going out to eat has caused a little weight gain. No headaches. Thanks for reading and I hope I helped."

• Lou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2015

For Depression "It's my savior. I was in severe anxiety and depression for the last 6 months. It felt like there was no hope anymore. I started taking Zoloft, and today is my 4th week. It's not that I don't feel depressed anymore, I feel happy, enjoying every moment of life. I go to work full of motivation now. I feel like nothing can stress me out, I sound very confident in front of my colleagues. I am so thankful for this medicine. It gave me my potential, my efficiency, and my life back. No significant side effects, other than weight gain."

• Kel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 10, 2020

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have been taking 100mg Zoloft daily for almost 8 years, and I find it really helps with OCD, especially the dulling of intrusive thoughts that would normally cause me a lot of distress, anxiety and were quite frankly ruining my life. I am now at a stage where I am wondering whether I should attempt to wean myself off this drug, but am increasingly anxious about coming off the drug, as it has been so successful. I've had a few side effects, such as a reduced attention span and weight gain, but all in all, the drug has helped me live a normal life, with only two relapses in the eight years I've been on them. Both times I've relapsed, I have received help from a counsellor or CBT, but have stayed on the drug throughout, maintaining a steady dosage."

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2017

For Panic Disorder "Let me start out by saying THIS IS THE FIRST REVIEW I HAVE EVER WRITTEN. I felt compelled to share my story and experience with Zoloft in hopes that it helps someone else. I agonized over the decision of whether or not to go on medication for an anxiety and panic disorder that was ruining my life. I was so fearful of side effects, weight gain, increased anxiety and all the other 'what ifs'. Finally, I submitted and figured I had nothing to lose. Let me just say 4 months on 50mg of Zoloft and I am loving life. Give this medication a chance, no one was more skeptical of me, to the point that I suffered more than 2 years before finally trying it. This medication CHANGED MY LIFE and I am so happy I decided to try it."

• Afr...
• April 19, 2012

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking Zoloft for 1 year 4 months, and at the back of my mind, I have this niggling voice that tells me I cannot be on this medicine forever. Zoloft changed my life, saved my marriage and kids, and gave me back my life and laughter. If it was not for Zoloft, I would have jumped off a bridge by now! Why I rated it 9/10 is because I have gained 9 pounds since I have been on it, and the pounds are just refusing to fall off. Very increased appetite due to being sane and happy, hanging out, having good and bad food, and having my glass of wine! I'd rather be fat and happy than thin and miserable."

• 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 ❤️"

• pra...
• March 20, 2008

For Depression "My postpartum depression, emotional outbursts, and anxiety were intense and Zoloft brought me immediate relief. In time, I felt that this medication provided me with a steady platform for me to function in life. I can still cry, but my constant sadness is gone. I still feel emotion, but my uncontrollable outbursts ended. I can't seem to lose weight, but who knows if it is related to the Zoloft. I don't think I'll take Zoloft forever, but it sure has made a TREMENDOUS difference!"

• wor...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 6, 2013

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I've suffered from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder for about 5 years. I tried Seasonique for two years and thought it was working, but every time I had blood work done, my markers for heart disease were off the charts. It was so strange, and no one could figure out why. I also gained A LOT of weight. I stopped taking the Seasonique and went on the 50 mg Zoloft, which I take from day 7 until I menstruate. It has changed my life. Before, I felt like abandoning my entire life and felt so guilty that I couldn't enjoy my children at all. But now I'm able to get perspective on things. I don't rage, and I'm able to manage my PMDD. I would recommend it to anyone suffering. It's the only thing I take now, and my blood work is all normal."

• Cod...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2015

For Depression "This medicine completely changed my life. Before I got on it, I was in deep depression and had a horrible chemical imbalance in my brain. I have been on this medicine for 2 months. This is wonderful. Now I'm more happy, smiling, and the chemicals in my brain are balanced. I did gain 3 pounds since on this, although it was supposed to decrease appetite."

• 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!"

• Rel...
• February 5, 2018

For Social Anxiety Disorder "My now 18-year-old daughter has always dealt with anxiety-type issues that we managed on our own. If she didn't want to go anywhere, it was easy to chalk it up to being an introvert. However, the loneliness and avoidance went far beyond 'being an introvert'. By the time she entered her senior year in high school, she was spiraling into a black hole. She finally agreed to therapy and medication. Prozac was awful, sertraline was great. The low doses helped with some anxiety, but at 100mg, she flourished. No more holed up in her room, avoiding going to the store, or near panic attacks for having to place a phone call. She is smiling, singing, and dancing! She is also finally able to form connections with people. Her biggest complaint is that she has put on some weight (maybe 10lbs). I asked her - do you want to be the ultra-thin, unhappy girl who hides in her room, or would you rather walk around with that gorgeous smile of yours? My only regret is waiting."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2012

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have been on Zoloft for only a week and cannot believe how immediate the positive effects are. I had been taking Effexor for two years for low-grade social anxiety. Whilst it was highly effective for the anxiety, I went from 120 lbs to 150 lbs in a very short time (very distressing as I am only 5'2'') and I completely withdrew socially. I also felt completely unhinged and even suicidal if I accidentally skipped a day. A week ago I switched to Zoloft (with only a day's gap in between my cessation of Effexor). Within an hour of taking it, I felt better. I have felt like my old self again--exercising daily, dropping weight each day, feeling social--even a little sexy (!) and laughing more. Thank goodness I switched medicines."

• zan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2023

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I have just started taking Zoloft, and I am very nervous and scared about how it will react to my body. It has taken away my major anxiety and has stopped my brain from critical and obsessive thinking. I have really bad ADHD and OCD. I now feel calmer and happier, and my relationship with my partner has improved dramatically. I relied on marijuana and alcohol to slow my mind down, and now I don't even need or want that. I am very happy! I am just worried about the long-term effects of memory, weight gain, and sexual desire being lost, etc. Can anyone share their experience with me, please?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 8, 2013

For Depression "This worked for me better than: Effexor, Wellbutrin, Cymbalta, and Lexapro. The only drawback is it made me gain about 25 lbs when the doctors assured me many people lose weight while taking it. Also, it made my muscles a bit tense for the first few weeks. I felt the need to clench my jaw and flex my ankles, but that got better as time went on. Definitely the best mood elevator. It also changed my sleeping pattern. I would wake up really early feeling ready to go which was nice, no urge to sleep in, but the drawback was sometimes I had trouble sleeping through the night."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 9, 2020

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I have had PMDD for some time. I was initially prescribed Prozac, and it did nothing. I take a high dose of 100 mg during the luteal phase of my period, and it helps. Not symptom-free, but more manageable. The side effects are tiredness (too mellow and not hyper-motivated) and weight gain, but I can live with this instead of extreme mood changes prior to Zoloft. It also helps me manage work and personal life better. It takes the edge off. My symptoms include racing, obsessive thoughts, anger, raging, paranoia primarily (general distrust of all human beings). I still get food cravings and some thoughts, but they are dramatically reduced. I try to manage PMDD with diet, supplements (magnesium), yoga, etc. Too. It is a tough mood disorder, and I wish I knew what I had years ago."

• doi...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 27, 2012

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I suffered with social anxiety for many years. My neck would get red blotches when I had to be the center of attention. Zoloft, along with alprazolam, has helped me tremendously! I always thought I had to live with this, and there wasn't a cure. After researching the internet, I found out what I had. My husband also takes Zoloft to control his depression, withdrawal, anger, and road rage, and it helps him sleep really well. One drawback is that it made us both gain weight, but that has leveled off. I hope my post helps someone else out there."

• Aja...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 6, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I would like to share my honest review of Zoloft. I was depressed, anxious, and had tremendous amounts of social anxiety since my childhood. I had no history of substance abuse, I was in a foreign land, and at the age of 23, I was diagnosed with BPD. I was in therapy too, but it didn't help much. Finally, my psychiatrist prescribed 150 mg of Zoloft with a starting dose of 50 mg. The first 2 days were a nightmare, and later on, I stuck with the doctor's advice and gradually upped my dose to 150 mg. I started to love myself a lot after 75 mg, people around me started to notice a difference, and I'm a lot happier. It has now been 6 years on Zoloft, but I cut my dosage to 75 mg. I'm married and blessed with a kid. Cons: highly lethargic, weight gain was 20 pounds, and in just 3 months, I went bald."

• zek...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 12, 2014

For Major Depressive Disorder "I took this 2 years ago at 150mg... lost weight, great antidepressant. I'm on 60mg of Prozac. Works very well too, but thinking of going back to Zoloft because of weight gain. I give it 10. Great medicine."

• Bri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 10, 2018

For Postpartum Depression "I had horrible postpartum anxiety!! I cried all day, every day, out of pure fear for no reason at all. I ended up losing almost 30 pounds in one month because I was completely sick with myself for the way I was feeling and ashamed. Went to my doctor, and he put me on Zoloft 25 mg. I’m not lying when I tell you only 2 days in I felt so much better and relaxed. I could actually breathe and start thinking straight again. After 2 weeks, I went up to 50 mg and so on until I was at 150 mg. It was great for me! I couldn’t be sad or cry if I wanted to! After almost a year, I’ve weaned myself off of them. The only bad side effects were excessive sweating at night (I would wake up soaking wet in my bed) and gaining some of my weight back (but I’d rather be fat and happy than skinny and miserable). All in all, I’d definitely recommend this for anyone that is at rock bottom right now, just start with a way low dose and work yourself up. This too shall pass!!!"

• mow...
• January 30, 2013

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have OCD/general anxiety and depression as a result. I was considered a very severe case. A few months after the worst time in my life, I am happy and healthy. I am managing anxiety/OCD a lot better and I have VERY rare bad days. I have been taking Zoloft with therapy for a little over six months. I experienced about a week of side effects (nausea, increased anxiety, fatigue) but over quickly. I get away with taking 50 mg. Apparently the most common side effects are weight gain and loss of interest in sex. I am happy to say I am experiencing NEITHER! I gained a little bit of weight (5-10 lbs) in the last few months, but I lost about 30 lbs before Zoloft due to anxiety-linked anorexia. Now without depression/OCD, I finally have my sex drive!"

• Twi...
• November 5, 2016

For Depression "I've been on Zoloft for 2 months for depression and anxiety. The reason I don't give it top grades is that I don't have anything else to compare it to. Started 1 week on 25 mg and then moved to 50 mg. The first two to three weeks, the side effects were the same people describe: headache, tiredness, stomach issues, death thoughts, lack of appetite. After that, the first sign was no more tears, less anxiety for eating, my emotions went away, social anxiety too, fear and death gone too. Calmness, ability to focus on the now, lower PMS, ability to focus and interact. Some days are still hard, but it takes less for me to cope with them. I didn't know life could feel this way. Side effects: lower sex drive and return of big appetite and weight gain."

• Anonymous
• May 27, 2009

For Depression "I've been on Zoloft for almost a year now. I will be changing medicines in 4 days, which makes me really anxious. This drug worked well for my depression and anxiety. However, I've been completely unable to have a good time while on this medication. I can't bring myself to go out, hang out with friends. I do nothing. I have no motivation. The biggest problem I've had with Zoloft is extreme weight gain. I've gained 50 lbs in the year."

• Tip...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 15, 2018

For Social Anxiety Disorder "Don’t give up! It took 8 weeks for it to work for me! I was on Paxil since I was 18 (I’m now 43), but the older I got, the worse weight gain got, so I switched to Zoloft. I had morning anxiety and loss of appetite for the first 7 weeks. By week 8, I noticed it was going away. I’m on week 10, and I’m feeling myself again. I take 200 mg."

• Mad...
• December 23, 2014

For Panic Disorder "Been on it for 3 months. At first, it was worse. The panic attacks and anxiety. Then it was like my brain flipped the switch. I feel so much better. I'm 30 and started getting anxiety at 22. I never wanted meds. Fought hard and tried everything natural. Finally, I gave in. I'm so happy now. I am not afraid of my own shadow anymore. I think I may have put on 3 lbs from it, but as long as it stops there. Or it could be all the cookies. Give it a try. I'm not cured, but I NEVER want to go off Zoloft."