Encephalon zaps are electric shock sensations in the brain. They tin happen in a person who is decreasing or stopping their use of certain medications, particularly antidepressants.

Brain zaps are not harmful and will not damage the brain. However, they tin be bothersome, disorienting, and disruptive to slumber.

People may be able to minimize or prevent brain zaps by tapering off their dosage of antidepressants gradually. Nonetheless, a person should e'er work with a doctor before stopping their medication or lowering the dosage.

Abruptly stopping an antidepressant may make a person more probable to experience brain zaps and other symptoms.

In that location is no cure for brain zaps, and they ordinarily get away over fourth dimension. Once a person'southward body has adjusted to the change in antidepressant dosage, brain zaps and some other side furnishings may decrease.

Learn more nigh brain zaps, including causes and how they feel, in this article.

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Other symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal syndrome can include headaches, anxiety, and nausea.

Brain zaps can occur when a person decreases their dosage or stops taking antidepressants or certain other medications.

They tin can also occur if a person forgets to take sure medications on their normal schedule.

Researchers have linked the following drugs to encephalon zaps:

  • antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
  • benzodiazepines, which are mutual anxiety medications
  • amphetamine salts (Adderall), which doctors apply to ease the furnishings of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
  • ecstasy, or MDMA, which is an illegal drug

Health professionals do not know exactly what causes brain zaps. They are ane of many unlike side effects a person may feel equally they modify their dosage or stop taking a drug birthday.

Together, the symptoms a person may experience are called antidepressant withdrawal syndrome (AWS).

Encephalon zaps and other symptoms of AWS are common. In fact, a systematic review and meta-analysis found that more than than one-half of people who attempt to decrease their dosage or finish taking antidepressants altogether experience symptoms of withdrawal.

Some other symptoms of AWS may include:

  • changes in sleep
  • anxiety
  • headaches
  • difficulty with emotions
  • nausea
  • fatigue
  • flu-like symptoms
  • visual changes
  • confusion
  • tremors

Not everyone volition experience these symptoms, however. In many people who do experience them, they may last only a few weeks, according to a systematic review.

People should always work with a dr. if they wish to lower their antidepressant dosage or stop taking the drug. A doctor tin help them safely and gradually taper off the medication.

Some research suggests that brain zaps may occur when a person moves their eyes from side to side during antidepressant withdrawal. In many cases, however, they seem to happen without alert at any fourth dimension.

Larn more nigh safely tapering off antidepressants in this article.

In a study that surveyed people who were experiencing brain zaps, people described them as:

  • a cursory, electrical shock-like feeling in the encephalon
  • a brusque period of blacking out or losing consciousness
  • dizziness or vertigo
  • a zap paired with a buzzing sound
  • "hearing their eyes move"
  • feeling disoriented (a "brain blink")

Some people as well reported a painful awareness, headache, or seizure-like feeling, simply these were less common than other symptoms.

The best manner to minimize or prevent brain zaps is to gradually taper off medications rather than stopping them abruptly.

All the same, some bear witness has found that tapering does not guarantee that a person volition not experience brain zaps or other symptoms of withdrawal. That said, it can make information technology easier to cope with the change.

Experts recommend a gradual taper of antidepressants to minimize withdrawal symptoms and ensure that a person maintains good mental health as they stop taking the medication.

Some prove suggests that undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) while tapering off medication may too be helpful.

In a systematic review, those who underwent CBT while they tapered off antidepressants were more likely to successfully finish taking the medication than those who tried tapering solitary.

A meta-analysis constitute that people experiencing antidepressant withdrawal found the following self-care measures helpful:

  • learning more most antidepressant withdrawal
  • existence outdoors
  • getting enough slumber
  • expressing their feelings
  • spending time with pets or animals
  • getting enough exercise
  • receiving support from friends and family
  • joining online support groups

In that location is no definitive way to forbid brain zaps. However, people have tried some supplements, with mixed degrees of success. These include:

  • omega-iii fat acids
  • B-complex vitamins
  • magnesium

E'er ask a doctor earlier taking whatsoever vitamins or other supplements, as they may interfere with other medications a person is taking or cause unpleasant side furnishings.

People who want to decrease their dosage or stop taking antidepressants should speak with a doctor. Do not stop taking antidepressants or other mental health medications without first consulting a doctor.

If the side furnishings of antidepressants are intolerable, a doc may be able to recommend a different medication.

If a person feels that they do non need the medication anymore, they can work with their doctor to gradually decrease the dosage.

Although withdrawal symptoms are mutual, information technology is important to tell a doctor about them. At that place may be ways to aid minimize the symptoms of withdrawal and help a person feel better as they get through the process of reducing or stopping their medication.

If a person is experiencing severe symptoms or thoughts of self-harm or suicide, they should seek emergency medical intendance.

Brain zaps can be bothersome, but they will non cause damage to the brain.

Nonetheless, antidepressant withdrawal can be challenging. However, the symptoms will usually go away on their own after a few weeks.

A person should work with a dr. to find the right dosage, and they should e'er take their medication exactly every bit the physician prescribes. If side effects or withdrawal symptoms are interfering with daily life, it is important to tell a doctor.