Zoloft withdrawals... how long do they last??

Hello everyone, I am new here and would appreciate any inputs. Here's my story:
In January I came down with a sever sinus infection, a friend recommended Mucinex DM. about an hour after taking the pill, my chest tightened up, fast heartbeat, sweating, dilated pupils, the list goes on. This lasted for about 3 hours before I finally had my husband drive me to the Emergency room. The ER doctor I saw assumed I was on drugs And said I had a panic attack and to see my primary doctor. ( our ER doctors in my town suck ) So I made the appointment and was prescribed 50mg of Zoloft and was told to make an appointment with a psychiatrist. In March I had my first therapy session,but nothing came out of that since I relatively do not have a stressful life. I was instructed to give the Zoloft 6 more weeks. Over the course of those 6 weeks I experienced de personalisation, as If I was living in a dream. I stuck it out until my next apappointment. I had a checkup with my psychiatrist on April 10. After telling him how I felt, he asked me what brought my panic attack on in January. And what does he tell me? Apparently Mucinex DM can make some people feel like they are having a panic attack and I am one of those few people that can not tolerate the drug. He asked if I was comfortable coming off the 50mg Zoloft and I said yes. To my surprise he tells me I wasn't on it long enough and I was on a relatively low dose that I did not need to wean off, just stop taking it. So on Saturday April 11, I took my last pill. Today marks 1 week of being completely off the Zoloft. The only withdrawals I have noticed is increased anxiety, nausea, and insomnia. I am horrified of the list of symptoms I can experience coming off of this drug, but I am more terrified that I was prescribed an antidepressant that I took for 3 months and apparently didn't need it. What if messed my brain up and I start having panic attacks? I want nothing more than for this phase to be over with. I feel like myself but the fear of what withdrawals I may experience are always in my head.. How long can I expect the Zoloft to be in my system, how long Will withdrawals last? I appreciate any advice, success stories, or just kind words!! Sorry this is so long.

I WL,

I agree with the above, and can just add the suggestion to check out our these links here for help with relaxation skills and keeping your stress/worries to a minimum during your transition and beyond.

Don't anticipate any panic issues, but if you should need them, coping skills for dealing with these are also here.:)

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/panic.asp

http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I

Wishing you the best, and continue to post with us if you find it helpful.

Scaredy Cat