Brain zaps: An underappreciated symptom of antidepressant discontinuation.A 2021 literature review looked into the current neuroscience research surrounding major depressive disorder (MDD). Discontinuing psychiatric medications: A survey of long-term users. Managing antidepressant discontinuation: A systematic review. Antidepressant withdrawal: A guide for primary care clinicians. Withdrawal symptoms after selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor discontinuation: A systematic review. A systematic review into the incidence, severity, and duration of antidepressant withdrawal effects: Are guidelines evidence-based? You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Learn more about safely tapering off antidepressants in this article. In many cases, however, they seem to happen without warning at any time. Some research suggests that brain zaps may occur when a person moves their eyes from side to side during antidepressant withdrawal. A doctor can help them safely and gradually taper off the medication. People should always work with a doctor if they wish to lower their antidepressant dosage or stop taking the drug. ![]() In many people who do experience them, they may last only a few weeks, according to a systematic review. Not everyone will experience these symptoms, however. In fact, a systematic review and meta-analysis found that more than half of people who attempt to decrease their dosage or stop taking antidepressants altogether experience withdrawal symptoms. Together, the symptoms a person may experience are called antidepressant withdrawal syndrome (AWS).īrain zaps and other symptoms of AWS are common. They are one of many different side effects a person may experience as they change their dosage or stop taking a drug altogether. Health professionals do not know exactly what causes brain zaps. They can also occur if a person forgets to take certain medications on their normal schedule. It can also cause flu-like symptoms, sleep problems, nausea, a loss of balance, and hyperarousal, which may cause jerkiness and irritability.īrain zaps can occur when a person decreases their dosage or stops taking antidepressants or certain other medications. Learn more about brain zaps, including causes and how they feel, in this article.īrain zaps are a part of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Once a person’s body has adjusted to the change in antidepressant dosage, brain zaps and some other side effects may decrease. There is no cure for brain zaps, and they usually go away over time. ![]() However, a person should always work with a doctor before stopping their medication or lowering the dosage.Ībruptly stopping an antidepressant may make a person more likely to experience brain zaps and other symptoms. People may be able to minimize or prevent brain zaps by tapering off their dosage of antidepressants gradually. ![]() Sensory disturbances after stopping antidepressants can lead to burning, tingling, electric- or shock-like sensations in the body and brain. There is no medical term for brain zaps, but researchers describe them as a type of sensory disturbance. However, they can be bothersome, disorienting, and disruptive to sleep. They are not harmful and will not damage the brain. A person may also notice a brief buzzing sound and feel faint or black out momentarily.īrain zaps can happen when a person decreases or stops using certain medications, particularly antidepressants. Brain zaps are sensory disturbances that feel like electrical shock sensations in the brain.
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