Klonopin brain zaps

I had these sometimes. I think it may have been from the Wellbutrin SR. I have taken Klonopin for a couple years now and haven't had them from it. But yes is can be pretty scary. It would sometimes trigger a panic attack for me. I would think I was going to die or something and my mind would just start racing, all negative unrealistic thoughts though. Thanks to therapy and CBT I have been able to cope well and live a somewhat better life. Good topic!! Thanks

And yes, they are so scary that almost everytime they happen I get a mini panic attack, and feel I'm dying of a stroke/anneurysm, etc. (which then makes me take klonopin)...ugh, is there no solution??  How does one cope w/these things? 

Greenway here, got new doc. not happy litterally told me last doc prescribed zoloft way to often and was a big proponent.  New guy does not like to prescribe, does not like medication.  Gave me Remeron and clonazaepam.  Biggest complaint, Brain Zaps!  I cant take any more, nearly debilitating.  Olus one of the side effects of Remeron are the flu and flu like symptoms, fever shivering hot/cold flashes.  Guess what I got it.  Running a 102 for two days now. Doc. justy told me it is one of things that go along ith the meds.  As far as the brain zaps he tells me it is two hard to nail down as to where they are coming from...anxiety, meds, withdrawl increase in dosage ETC.  I told him that was a rerdiculous statement.  I told him if he cant tell me what is going on who can.  He told me that antidpressents are a two sided sword.  The good eventually overpowers the bad.  I am angry and am tired of feeling like garbage.  I will never drink again, but will always say alcohol has been my best drug.  I know I will not drink top feel better, but I am fed up.

 

Greenway
I am so sorry that it has come to this for you
But like Kitt I too am so proud of you ofr not going back to the booze ...it would be your biggest downfall IMHO
When you get to feeling like you are post plz start a thread of your own and what is going on with you if you want ........WE are here for you and will continue to be ........
STAY with us plz......
LYN

Feedo
Hello and Welcome to HealingWell. I have never heard of brain zaps from using benzodiazpines. That does not mean it could not happen.

Edit: I have found info that says you may have brain zaps from withdrawal of benzos. Kitt

Brain zaps, also known as "brain shocks," "brain shivers" or "head shocks" are a fairly common withdrawal symptom experienced during discontinuation (or reduction of dose) of SSRI and SNRI antidepressant drugs. The symptom is described as brief but repeated electric shock-like sensations in the brain and head. The effect is not only confined to withdrawal periods for all sufferers, but also are experienced while actually taking the prescribed medication (although less commonly), and have been known to continue for years after withdrawal from the associated medication.

The phenomenon is most commonly associated with Paxil, Prozac, Effexor, Zoloft, Cymbalta, Luvox, Celexa, Lexapro and Ultram.

Again welcome

Kitt

Hi Feedo,
I am sorry I posted the best I know on which meds produce brain zaps. Perhaps this is a question you may ask your physician as we cannot replace the professionals in answering these types of questions.
Take care.
Kitt

Pya,
Welcome to HealingWell. People do experience Brain Zaps when increasing the dosage of their medication. Also alcohol can interfere with the actions of your SSRI.
I hope you are feeling better soon.
Kitt

I've felt this burning sensation around my face and shoulders. Like an electric current.
It's only like once or twice every week or two. But it worries me.

I was concerned that maybe my body is wanting more of the benzoate I started taking 6 months ago to help me sleep.

I went through a really stressful period at work & wasn't sleeping.
I've realised that people pressure is a huge anxiety trigger for me. Wish I'd know that before I took that team leader job.

The secondment ended so did the stress but I'm left feeling like I'm addicted to this Murelax tablet which is a benzoate. I'm only taking 15 mg once before bed but when I've tried to stop I can't drop off to sleep. Tried using herbal remedites. I stopped taking Dopthep months ago. It sounds like that could be what is causing it instead.

When I had some nights where I still couldn't sleep the doctor prescribed it. It kind of helped but left me feeling like a zombie. When I stopped I started feeling happy again.

Benzo tolerance withdrawal(body is used to certain amount of benzo and needs more to function..just like tolerance to pain killers) and benzo interdose withdrawl(you can withdraw from xanax 3-4 hours after you take it because the drug is eliminated, leading to rebound anxiety/zaps withdrawal symptoms) for drugs with short half lives(ativan,xanax) can cause brain zaps which can be severe and last a while even after you've been off the drug for months. I believe its due to your brain learning to function again without the synthetic gaba(benzo,alcohol) which causes an increase in electrical activity in your brain. I know that coming off benzo drugs or alcohol cold turkey or too quickly after long term use can lead to seizures, so i would not be suprised if these brain zaps were in the seizure family.

Brain zaps are also common coming off of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and certain pain meds like ultram(due to it increasing seratonin) but they don't usually last nearly as long as long term tranquilizer use. They can rarely happen goin on to and staying on antidepessants.

As long as the zaps are caused by tranquilizers/benzos, the only way to alleviate them is by raising your dosage(tranquilizers/benzo) or using your last known working dosage where you were stable(tranquilizers/benzo) and hoping you don't get tolerance withdrawal in time. If you ever want to wean off tranquilizers... you have to do it over a period of months to potentially even years depending on your dosage/time on to prevent hardcore withdrawal symptoms. Some people can cold turkey it and be ok.. but many people take months - years to recover this way.

For coming off antidepressants, usualy the worst is over in 2-4 weeks but there can be residual effects a few months later on.

Other central nervous illnesses(such as MS, lyme disease, syphillis, certain viruses, metal poisoning, etc) can cause brain zaps so if you havent been exposed to any of the meds/drugs, it would be advisable to be tested for the above.

In the meantime, to alleviate symptoms temporarily, sitting still or lying down without turning your head fast seems to work.  I am not sure of any herbs/suppliments that will work consistently.

Vin

Thanks for you comments and I have to disagree with the information you posted, also we do not generally use the forums to encourage people to file law suits.

Draziom said...
If anybody has been harmed by a psychiatrist and you are having terrible symptoms which impacts your daily living, i suggest you file a lawsuit against the psychiatrist or file a criminal complaint about him/her to your local Police. and have him/her imprisoned for crimes against humanity.

This is a peer support group.
Brain Zaps, Brain Shivers or Electrical shocks are a fairly common symptom from all Antidepressants, but also can occur with Benzodiazepines and Sleeping Pills. The symptoms are described as brief but repeated electric shock-like sensations in the brain and head, or originating in the brain but extending to other parts of the body. Sometimes it is accompanied by disorientation, tinnitus, vertigo and lightheadedness. ^{Reference: The Journal of Neuroscience}
Respectfully,
Kitt

I found an SSRI withdrawal forum.  There are over 1.5 MILLION members.  These horrific side effects are not rare.  They are normal even though Forest Lab(makers of Lexapro) states that only 2 people in 1000 with suffer ANY withdrawal.  THAT is a crock. 

I should have never looked at that forum but I was just trying to find some info on how long the zaps will last as I cannot even drive a car.  Here is my favorite.  "Hoorah...after two years I am only getting about ten shocks a day...I think I am finally recovering!"  OMG...is all I have to say.

I honestly do not think it is totally fair to blame psychiatrists for this. Even on the official Lexapro site it does not mention withdrawal...only what to expect when starting the drug.  It DOES say not to stop without consulting your physican...who knows nothing, in my opinion, because they have not been sufficiently informed about the dangers.  Lexapro is the most highly distributed SSRI by drug reps in the country.  You can walk into almost any doctors office and they have boxes of free samples.  I have never paid for it and have about $500 worth of blister packs with NO info on them in my medicine cabinet. (except to keep stored at room temperature).

And what stops that zaps...going on another SSRI.  That's like curing an alcoholic with the DT's who has been drinking vodka for twenty years  by offering them a bottle of wine.

I posted this to you before and yet you continue to want to bash and debate the ethics of Psychiatrists as well as medications.

11. No posts of an overtly political or religious nature OR posts promoting advocacy of particular personal, medical, legal, religious, political, or non-profit causes.  The forums are intended for offering mutual personal support.  Debating controversial subjects should be taken elsewhere.

Any further comments along this line and I will delete your posts.

If you are in need of support for you own anxiety or wanting to support the members here in HW please do continue to post............but NO more scare tatics and physician bashing.

This is a PEER SUPPORT forum.

Kitt

 

I'm not bashing i'm stating the truth you want to deny. "ethics of psychiatry"? You got to be kidding me. My posts were nothing of political nature but a warning to those suffering Withdrawals from dangerous mind altering psychiatric drugs. I'm not using scare tactics i am stating the FACTS and TRUTHS. I have evidence to back up what i say. I hope you have evidence to prove to me that psychiatry is "ethical" as you claim. Psychiatric drugs destroyed my LIFE!.

Post Edited (Draziom) : 10/12/2009 10:20:06 AM (GMT-6)

 

11. No posts of an overtly political or religious nature OR posts promoting advocacy of particular personal, medical, legal, religious, political, or non-profit causes.  The forums are intended for offering mutual personal support.  Debating controversial subjects should be taken elsewhere.  Limited religious references are allowed (ie. "my prayers are with you" or a brief quote as part of a larger post), but the forums should not be used to convert others. 

Administrator notified.

Post Edited By Moderator (stkitt) : 10/12/2009 9:50:58 AM (GMT-6)