brain zaps
Withdrawal electrical sensations
Brain zaps are brief, sudden sensations in the head often described as electrical jolts, shocks, or shivers.
They typically occur when discontinuing antidepressants, especially SSRIs, and are a hallmark symptom of withdrawal: The brain zaps were worst in the first week off the medication.
They may also accompany anxiety or sleep deprivation.
The sensation is startling but generally harmless.
Formal ending of something
- taperingProgressive decrease in width
- antidepressantsMedications treating clinical despair
- SSRIsSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- PaxilBranded SSRI antidepressant
Lexapro · Zoloft · rebound · cold turkey · weaning · half-life · reinstatement · serotonin
Abrupt forceful shake
- electric shockCurrent passing through body
- shiverInvoluntary trembling sensation
- whooshingSound of rapid movement
- tinglingSlight stinging sensation
buzzing · pulsing · flickering · lightning bolt · shivers · head rush · dizzy spell · disorientation
Shifting of one's gaze
- falling asleepBeginning to slumber
- waking upEmerging from sleep
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
missed dose · sleep deprivation · anxiety · dehydration · caffeine · alcohol · lying down · standing up
Marine-derived nutritional supplement
- omega-3Polyunsaturated dietary fat
- reinstatementReturn to previous position
- hydrationBodily fluid replenishment
- restCessation of activity
reassurance · patience · tracking · journaling · support group · supplements
discontinuation
Formal ending of something
- taperingProgressive decrease in width
- antidepressantsMedications treating clinical despair
- SSRIsSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Paxil · Lexapro · Zoloft · rebound · cold turkey · weaning · half-life · reinstatement · serotonin · norepinephrine
jolt
Abrupt forceful shake
- electric shockCurrent passing through body
- shiverInvoluntary trembling sensation
- whooshingSound of rapid movement
tingling · buzzing · pulsing · flickering · lightning bolt · shivers · head rush · dizzy spell · disorientation · vertigo
eye movement
Shifting of one's gaze
- falling asleepBeginning to slumber
- waking upEmerging from sleep
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
fatigue · missed dose · sleep deprivation · anxiety · dehydration · caffeine · alcohol · lying down · standing up
fish oil
Marine-derived nutritional supplement
- omega-3Polyunsaturated dietary fat
- reinstatementReturn to previous position
- hydrationBodily fluid replenishment
rest · reassurance · patience · tracking · journaling · support group · supplements
- withdrawalwithdrawing, cash withdrawal, ATM withdrawal, early withdrawal, fund withdrawal
brain zapsmental stillness
Absence of mental noise
clear-headedness · mental clarity · calm mind · steady state · remission
brain, brains, brainy, brainier, brainiest, brainless, brainstem, brainwash, brainwashed