HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Brain Zaps

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/12/2009 8:35 AM (GMT 0)
I read that one of the side effects of tapering off of antidepressants is brain zaps. Does it matter how long one is on the medication for?
Posted 10/12/2009 12:11 PM (GMT 0)

I understand the dosage and the length of time on the drug plays a part in the withdrawal process.  I was on Lexapro for less than two years...one of those years only 5mgs.  However I am experiencing severe brain zaps and an unrelenting headache daily and I have been totally off the drug for almost two weeks after a four month wean.

That being said, I have a friend who took three Cymbalta pills, couldn't stand the side effects so she stopped taking them and she is going through the same thing I am.

I guess the only answer is, know all the facts before starting these kinds of meds and understand you might suffer disturbing withdrawal symptoms if you don't want to, or can't take them forever.  I had to stop because it ruined my vision...permanently. This, however, is a rare side effect of the drug.

Donna

Posted 10/12/2009 1:03 PM (GMT 0)

Good Morning Joy,

I was on Cymbalta for over a year and did a slow wean off without any brain zaps.  I did feel nasty for a bit and had a headache with some dizziness but not brain zaps.

I agree it depends on each person and what other meds you may be on at the same time.

Take Care,

Kitt

Posted 10/12/2009 11:15 PM (GMT 0)

I get the brain zaps regularly and I am well medicated. I absolutely hate it and wish I knew how to make it stop-

Hang in there,

Maz XX

Posted 10/12/2009 11:47 PM (GMT 0)
 

I was on Lexapro for 8-9 months and weaned off. Had brain zaps bad for about a week. I have been taking fish oil and calcuim everyday and the zaps have gotten better in the last 2days. Not sure if it is the pills I am taking or just time that has made then less frequent. Good luck.

Posted 10/13/2009 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
I had never heard of this. I looked it up and it said its electric shock type feelings, along with sweating, tremor, confusion...on and on.
I remember BEFORE I was on any meds, I was in bed and i felt like I was plugged into an electrical socket--lucky me...is that the same thing? It was throughout my body tho.
What do brain zaps feel like?
Posted 10/13/2009 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
I have experienced these. It is quite unsettling at first, but once I knew what it was I didn't freak out.

phixgrrrl-mine would feel like a jolt/shock to my brain. I would be driving and it would literally cause my head to move/jump. It's hard to explain but when it first happens you're like WTH was that??
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply