What Causes Brain Zaps?
Experts arent entirely sure why weaning from antidepressants can cause unpleasant bodily sensations for some people.
Additionally, certain people may just be more sensitive to the effects of stopping antidepressants, the researchers suspect.
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Symptoms can resolve sooner if you go back on your medication or take a new, similar antidepressant.
Besides brain zaps, antidepressant discontinuation syndrome can cause:
How Do Brain Zaps Feel?
Everybody experiences brain zaps a little differently.
But in a nutshell, they are usually described as an electric-like sensation felt in the brain.
They have also been described by some people as tingling, shock-like, and burning.
Researchers looked at almost 600 online posts between 2014 and 2016 by users describing their experience with brain zaps.
These findings were shared in the study published inThe Primary Care Companion For CNS Disorders.
These people may be looking for relief.
Thankfully, you are not helpless when it comes to managing your symptoms.
There are things that can be done to treat, prevent, and cope with brain zaps.
Heres what to know.
Treatment
If you are experiencing unpleasant symptoms after stopping antidepressants, you should contact your healthcare provider.
Research published inPsychiatry Onlinesurveyed 250 people who had discontinued their antidepressant.
The researchers looked at what support helped the most.
In some cases, it may take 6-8 weeks to wean off an antidepressant to minimize side effects.
Your provider may also suggest switching to a different antidepressant while you taper off.
But you should also contact your doctor if you are having challenging symptoms during the weaning process.
Symptoms that are severe or that last more than one to two weeks should be reported to your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, brain zaps are not the same as seizures.
Talk to your physician immediately if you think you are having symptoms of a seizure.
Stress or anxiety can cause a variety of strong physical sensations, including symptoms likeshivers and trembling.
Some people may experience something like a brain zap during times of anxiety or panic.
There is no published data on how prevalent brain zaps are in particular.
But many people experience withdrawal symptoms after coming off antidepressants.
Papp A, Onton JA.Brain Zaps: An Underappreciated Symptom of Antidepressant Discontinuation.
Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders.
2018;20(6):18m02311.
Gabriel M, Sharma V.Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.
Canadian Medical Assocation Journal.
2017;189(21):E747.
doi:10.1503/cmaj.160991
Papp, A., & Onton, J. https://doi.org/10.4088/PCC.18m02311
National Health Service.Epilepsy Symptoms.
