Have you just been prescribed sertraline for your anxiety or panic disorder? Are you unsure and, more likely, terrified of what this drug might do for you? Don’t be. I take sertraline for my anxiety and have no regrets.
I know exactly what you’re feeling. I’ve been experiencing panic attacks and Generalized Anxiety Disorder for 20 years. I know how scary and worrisome it is to start a new medication, having heard all these horror stories and not knowing if this is the right drug for you. I felt all those things too. Even though I’ve been on it three different times, I got worried all the same each time I restarted. Anxiety will do that to you!
So I’m here to let you know that you’ll be just fine. Those anxious thoughts make it hard to believe, but hang in there. Things WILL get better! But patience is necessary.
And read on to learn about my experiences taking sertraline. And spoiler alert, this is a success story! In fact, I’ll tell you 5 reasons why sertraline was the right choice for me.

This post may be sponsored or contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here. I am not a doctor, therapist or professional of any sort. These are only my personal opinions and experiences. Always consult your doctor.
So what is sertraline?
You’re probably more familiar with sertraline’s brand name, Zoloft. Sertraline is a SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), a class of antidepressants. It affects chemicals in the brain and is most often prescribed for panic, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post traumatic stress disorder (PSTD).
There are an extensive list of precautions and side effects that you’ll want to be familiar with. I’ll leave that to the professionals – talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns. Here are a couple resources that you might want to check out – RxList or WebMD.
How does sertraline work?
Sertraline is an SSRI and SSRIs work by slowing the reabsorbtion (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain, considered to be a mood stablizer. In additon, serotonin may also help with sleeping, eating and digestion.
Because serotonin is normally absorbed quickly, this slowing is allows additional messages to be transmitted between neurons, and believed to boost the mood.
Thank you Very Well Mind for providing me more information about this drug.
How long have you been taking sertraline?
Years. I’ve been on sertraline numerous times over quite a few year.
I’ll start saying that I have diagnosed Generalized Anxiety and Panic Disorder, first diagnosed in 1998, my senior year of high school. I’ve been on (and off, at my choice) sertraline for 13 years.
I hear you when you say that starting a prescription medication for anxiety is scary. I felt the same way each time I had to go back on. To make matters worse, it’s not a quick fix. It takes weeks, even months of use before you can see and feel the difference. But it’s worth the wait. It DOES get better.
So here it is, my circle of life, with anxiety.
Since my initial anxiety disorder diagnosis, I’ve gone through several cycles of:
1. mild anxiety that progresses
2. into full blown panic attacks
3. that i suffer with for months
4. before I finally go to the doctor
5. and get a prescription
6. which I take for a couple years
7. until I feel good and think I have this under control
8. and ween myself off the meds
9. and feel good for another year or so
10. then mild anxiety creeps back in
…And then I repeat this all over again.
Only now, 20 years later, have I (almost) fully accepted that it’s in my best interest to remain on medication Read on for a first hand, in depth experience.
What dosage of sertraline do you take?
One’s dosage will depend on the doctor’s recommendation, but the effective therapeutic dose is between 50 mg and 200 mg, and usually in 50 mg increments.
My dosage has varied with each round, why I do not know.
My first sertraline experience was at 50 mg. That’s the dosage I started at and it worked, so I never increased. I was on that dosage for approximately 4 years before I decided to ween myself off (with my doctor’s approval) when I got pregnant with my third child.
The second time I went on sertraline I started with 25 mg, with the intent to increase in a couple weeks, but I never did. I found that 25 mg was all I needed, and remained on that does for approximately 2 years before I thought I had kicked the issue.
The third (and current) time I started at 25 mg, thinking it would be enough once again, but it was not. I increased to 50 mg after 6 weeks and remained there for a few more months. I didn’t feel quite as well as I though I should have, so my doctor recommended I up the dosage to 100 mg. I did, and remained at that dosage for several more months. I didn’t feel “right” though, and dropped back down to 50 mg. That is where I remain today.
How long did it take for sertraline to work?
It’s noted that you may start to see improvement in 1-2 weeks, with most improvement occurring by 6-8 weeks.
This is a medication that TAKES TIME. Please be patient. While I did see minor improvement in the first few weeks, I would say it was more like 3 to 4 MONTHS before I felt back to “normal.”
Normal to me means not obsessing about every ache or twinge, panicking every time I turned onto the highway and getting through a meeting without worrying that I’d need to bolt in the middle of it. I could go about my day with anxiety and panic as a thing I used to deal with, not something that ruled my every waking moment.
Is my anxiety completely gone – no. But it’s mild and controllable. What I do not experience any more are panic attacks. No more fight or flight responses. I do practice controlled deep breathing as soon as I feel any anxious thoughts creep in. Works every time.
What side effects did you experience on sertraline?
Ah, the dreaded side effects. Yep, they are real. And not great.
Weight gain: At only 5’2″, I’ve gained about 30 pounds in the last 2 years. My diet isn’t horrible (though not the best) and I exercise semi-regularly (though not nearly enough). I’ve also signed up for Weight Watchers with little success. It’s been frustrating.
Sexual desire: This is the hardest side effect to deal with is the loss of sexual desire. We still do the deed, and it all goes well. But there is little spur of the moment activities these days. Let’s just say things take time. And lube, it’s a must.
Dulled emotions: I don’t get (quite) as bitchy, I rarely cry anymore and those feelings of longing and excitement (say…a vacation to the tropics!) just doesn’t exist anymore. Sure, I still get happy and sad, angry and excited, but not to the extremes that I used to. While it’s probably good to not get as crabby, I miss that giddy feeling of looking forward to something.
Lack of energy: This may or may not be attributed to sertraline in my case, but the timing coincides, so I’ll mention it. I struggle quite a bit in the mornings, whether or not I get adequate sleep. My motivation is lacking and I struggle with getting myself to the gym and everyday chores like that never-ending laundry.
In what ways did sertraline help?
#1 All but stops the obsessive thoughts:
I no longer obsess about heartburn that might be a heart attack, the headache that’s sure to be a brain tumor or the twinge in my leg that must be a blood clot. It’s simply heartburn from the spicy noodles. A sinus headache from my allergies. And my legs hurt because it was leg day at the gym. I feel something, note it, then I move on.
#2 Panic attacks are gone:
While I do experience minor anxiety (remember, some anxiety is human) I have not had, or even come close to a panic attack. I am able to control my anxious thoughts with deep breathing exercises or inhaling essential oils.
#3 Allows me to be a better wife:
I took too many of my frustrations out on my husband. He was always supportive and understanding, but I was short-tempered and emotional. All. Of. The. Time. He didn’t deserve that.
#4 And a better mother:
My poor girls. I wasn’t there for them. I was in my own anxiety filled world, too obsessed with my own thoughts to be present for them. I’m back to myself, able to have conversations with there where they are the focus.
#5 Back to living life:
I’ve stopped planning my life around my panic. I no longer rely on my husband to drive because panic sets in when I hit the highway. I can go out for a girl’s night because I’m no longer afraid to be away from home. It’s no longer important for me to be the first to a work meeting just so I can get a seat closest to the door.
What does it feel like to go off sertraline?
Please, talk to your doctor if you want to go off any anti-anxiety medication.
Just as it takes time to feel the effects, it also take time to ween off. It was a process, and one I never particularly enjoyed.
Taper slowly: I would no more than half my dosage for about 2-3 weeks. When I was on 50 mg, I dropped to 25 mg for a couple weeks. Then I took 25 mg every other day for a week or two. Then every few days. It was about that frequency that I would just forget and call it done.
Physical sensations: Brain zaps are the only symptom I felt. It’s not a painful feeling, but a very odd one. They were most noticed when I would close eyes tightly. Sometimes they were just in my head, sometimes they were felt throughout my entire body. These are something I also feel if I forget a dose and go more than 48 hours or so. It’s a good reminder, I suppose. There’s no way I’ll keep forgetting with zaps to remind me!
The final verdict?
The good outweighs the bad. I’m just a better, saner and calmer person on sertraline. Sure, I wish I could handle my anxiety without prescription medication. But I’ve tried, multiple times, and it just doesn’t work for me. Twenty years later, I’m ready to accept that this is what’s necessary to be that better person, for myself and my family. I’m not ashamed to need them, and am instead thankful that they exist.
Do you have any questions about what it’s like to take sertraline? Drop me a line, and know that you are not alone!
And remember, just breathe.



I’m a little bit crafty, a diy-er, a thrifter, a lover of craft IPAs and probably swear a tad too much. I’ve been living with anxiety since high school and learned a lot along the way. Just trying to live my life simple. And sane. Welcome to my corner of the web!
Thank you so much. I have an appointment Monday. My sister recommended Zoloft as she’s been taking it for years. It’s nice to know I’m not a lot with my anxieties and obsessive thoughts and hypochondria.
You are definitely not alone Kristen! I hope Zoloft gives you the relief you deserve.
Just came across your article here about sertraline. I was prescribed it 2 days ago and although I knew it wouldn’t have immediate results, I wasn’t aware it could take weeks. I’m feeling very nervous about the waiting. Ive been having panic attacks and other thoughts like you described above. Sometimes I’m even worried to be alone with my kids because what if something happens to me and there’s not another adult around to help them? So glad to read that this medicine has helped you and that there’s hope for me.
Yes, there’s hope! Before the medication took full effect, I remember that feeling of hope. It got me through the tough days. Hang onto that hope! Little by little you should feel better. Wishing you some relief!
Hi
I just started the same meds, been on them for about a little over a week. I have been doing ok but did you get racy heart or palpitations until it kicked in. I have been having off and on this palpitations in my chest / back semi racy feeling.
Racing heart and skippy beats were part of my anxiety so I was already dealing with it. Though I don’t recall it getting any worse with sertraline, and in time any episodes became much less frequent. Wishing you success, Kim!
Hi!
So I’ve just started on Sertraline, for the first time. It all started a few months ago when I was hospitalised with palpitations. The cause was unknown and it is assumed that it is anxiety and that I suffer from panic attacks. Day 2 of medication and I’ve feel like I’ve gone back to square one, I know it can sometimes get worse before it gets better just hope it doesn’t take long! I’ve suffered from 3 panic attacks today and admittedly I’m dealing with them much better than when I first started having them, I just can’t wait to hopefully see the benefits of starting with meds within a few weeks!
Hi Rachel! It’s been another week since you posted so I hope you’re trending in the right direction! It really did take many months for me before I felt like sertraline took its full effect. For the first few weeks, I didn’t notice much, if any, improvement. Then little by little, improvement. This medication really does take patience. Which stinks! But as they say, slow and steady wins the race, right?!
Hi, this is my second week on this and I noticed my palms sweat and I’m not able to sleep but I don’t really feel tired…I have some tremors when I sleep too..is this normal?
Hi there Elizabeth. I’m not a doctor, and everyone’s experience is slightly different. But what your describing doesn’t seem abnormal to me, as these are all symptoms of anxiety as well. My best advice is to be patient. In my experience, it does take all of 6 weeks – and more – to settle in. At two weeks in, my anxiety relief was negligible. Of course, if you are concerned, please contact your doc. Hang in there, you’ve got this!
This article sound like you have been living my life. I went through undiagnosed anxiety all my adolescent years. I was taken to priests and temples but never a therapist (i don’t blame my parents- they simple were not educate and aware of my options and tried what was know to them), As i educated myself I reached out to a psychiatrist when i turned 21 and had the money and know how to get there. I was given an SOS pill/ muscle relaxant that i never used . In 2009 I had a full blown panic attack. Since then i had many episodes of anxiety fuelled depression , been close to panic attacks but my practice of meditation and CBT did not let it elevate . i was on n off of medications and fighting hard that this cannot happen to me- I had no reason to be anxious of depressed and i took lowest doses of medication never reaching full recovery. After 10yrs I have decided to fully embrace myself and now I am on setralin 100 mg daily and i have never being so full of life. I feel normal- i have all emotions of happiness, anger, nervousness but never extremes and I love living this way. I don’t know if i will stop again but I will not be ashamed of going back if stopping doesn’t help. Its a pill and it works for me like it would if i had diabetes or cholesterol
I came across this quote which transformed my outlook towards mental illness
Depression without medication is like cleaning your house with a ball and chain on your ankle,” she said softly, knowing I was afraid. “When you take medication, you still have to clean the house, but without the ball and chain.”
Hi! This is my 19th day and I have sweaty palms and couldn’t sleep for the first two weeks . I had tremors as well and was scared to death! This weekend though I finally felt happy like really happy ( I was depressed and anxious before). I am still very jittery and have sweaty palms but I think it’s a side effect. I will take sweaty palms any day over being depressed and anxious. My stomach was very upset too for the first two weeks. It seems like it is finally settling down though, thank God.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and normalizing this as a mother. I just had my third child in the beginning of January and have taken numerous steps to better my anxiety without medication, but I finally decided maybe those steps along with medication would be my best bet while in this postpartum period. I was prescribed Sertraline yesterday. I just started it and I’m so anxious and can’t wait to feel the effects. I want to be the best mother I can be for my children, I want to be able to take them on outings and do fun things like kids should! Here’s to sticking it out the first few weeks!!
Hi there – I really like your article and thanks for sharing. I had my first bout of anxiety at 20 years old (I am now 30). It lasted a couple of days and then it was like a switch went and i was back to normal. This happened 5 or 6 times until a year ago from which i have been suffering constantly. Each time previously i moved on from it and thought it was just a blip and i was fine, doing my best to forget the experience.
I was put on citalopram 8 years ago which i stayed on for 6 months and mirtazipine which i had to stop after a week as it was unbearable. I have also completed various courses and spoken to therapists, which help and give me hope in the short term, but couldn’t cure me (if you can even cure anxiety).
I have very intrusive thoughts of losing my job, my home, my girlfriend and my mind, although my life is pretty much in order. I felt i had no choice but to be on a medication for a longer term. I started sertreline 6 weeks ago. It gives me energy and stops the extreme symptoms, but my brain feels cloudy and its difficult to concentrate. I have to persevere as I think it’s my only option now in dealing with this battle.
I hope everybody has had a good experience and is on their way to recovery.
Thank you so much for this. I struggle with general anxiety disorder and heath anxiety. It runs my life. My kids also fall victim to my health anxiety and it has been a nightmare to live with. I’ve finally accepted the fact that I need medication and not being on medication isn’t an option for me. Since I breastfeed, zoloft was one of the safer options. I struggle with being scared to take medication but I’ve been on for 2 weeks. I don’t think I see a change yet but hoping for the best. Thank yiu for this article.