Brain zaps?

deborahscinder

Veteran Member

Joined : Jun 2014

Posts : 1535

Posted 8/2/2014 5:19 PM (GMT 0)

I have heard of many people describe a symptom called brain zaps and wonder what that is? I might have had it and didn't know that's what I'm feeling. Anyone get these?

Scaredy Cat

Elite Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 28868

Posted 8/2/2014 10:26 PM (GMT 0)

D.S.

I don't think that I have ever had a true brain zap. I have heard that they occur mostly during discontinuation or withdrawl of an Rx...

...but can also just occur as an anxiety symptom.

I have had most of the anxiety symptoms, I swear...but am glad to not have had this one, as it sounds really uncomfortable!

Some others who have experienced this may chime in...or you can do a search (upper right toolbar) and get some info from the archived threads for sure.

S.C.

Kismay

New Member

Joined : Aug 2014

Posts : 1

Posted 8/3/2014 4:55 AM (GMT 0)

Hello, this is my first post here. I decided to make an account to respond to your thread.

I used to have brain zaps from withdrawals from Paxil as a teenager. I remember getting them upon quitting Prozac as well. I'm sure you might be able to get them from coming off of any SSRI. Basically, it feels like someone is pulling a static-filled blanket over your brain for a second or two, and it happened to me multiple times throughout the day at random times.

Scaredy Cat

Elite Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 28868

Posted 8/3/2014 3:24 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Kismay and welcome!

Thank you for describing this for us! It was really thoughtful to take the time to sign-up and help our member out with her question!

Now that you are a member...please feel free to post with us anytime.:)

This is a great place to both receive and give support and encouragement!

Scaredy Cat

deborahscinder

Veteran Member

Joined : Jun 2014

Posts : 1535

Posted 8/3/2014 3:54 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Kismay, thanks for your response. I have heard them described like that and other ways to.

pattygirl

Regular Member

Joined : May 2014

Posts : 84

Posted 8/3/2014 4:34 PM (GMT 0)

My friend described them as an electrical shock in the head. She was withdrawing from Paxil also. I haven't had this in my lifetime and hope I never do

stillme

Veteran Member

Joined : Aug 2011

Posts : 556

Posted 8/4/2014 1:18 PM (GMT 0)

I used to have them often. I can hear a zzztt sound at which time it seems that something is disconnecting for a second. I hated that feeling. I don't get them like I used to. Just a faint little zzt usually associated with a sudden noise. I guess it happened more when we were trying to get me to an even state of mind. I took many different meds and lots of it before we found something to work.

HeplMeh

Regular Member

Joined : Aug 2014

Posts : 30

Posted 8/4/2014 2:53 PM (GMT 0)

From time to time I get this strange tingling sensation on the right side of my forehead all the way across my scalp to back to my neck. It's very quick only lasts about 1 second. Does this sound similar it what you all are describing?

Scaredy Cat

Elite Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 28868

Posted 8/4/2014 9:17 PM (GMT 0)

Hi HelpMeh,

I have had that sensation before! For me, it is more on the surface, like a sensation of my 'skin crawling'...

...however, from what I understand, brain zaps are felt more internally...like something that is actually going on in your brain.

Either on of these sensations however, is considered a known anxiety symptom.

Keep utilizing those coping skills everyone!! :)

S.C.

stillme

Veteran Member

Joined : Aug 2011

Posts : 556

Posted 8/4/2014 10:41 PM (GMT 0)

I feel nothing on the outside. It is all inside my head like the wires become disconnected for a second. It sounds just like a zap.

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