Brain Zaps anyone? Getting off of an SSRI

[Sarasmiles]

Hey Folks,
I was wondering if anyone else has had disturbing symptoms after discontinuing an SSRI. I went off of Prozac about three weeks ago, after a gradual taper, and in the last few days I've had these strange "zaps"...like little, painless but annoying electrical shocks in my head. I'd had it before, a few years ago, when I went off of Effexor, so I'd researched it then and I know it's a common phenomenon. Back then, I ended up quickly going on Prozac, and it went away. My question is, if I don't go back on an SSRI, how soon will it go away on its own? Is there anything else I can do to minimize it?

Also, I've been taking supplements that supposedly boost serotonin levels, like L-Tryptophan. If L-Tryp really works, I'm wondering why I'm still having this symptom. And I've heard that St. John's Wort is like a very low dose of Prozac, so should I try that to combat this?

I know, I should seek a medical professional's opinion. I fear my doctor will either say "nonsense", or "go back on Prozac, you crazy lady" (the latter being implied in his tone of voice). I don't want to hear either. I'm beginning the search for a new doctor, but in the meantime, if anyone knows anything about this, I'd love some feedback. Thanks! Sara

[Beaches]

Brain Zaps anyone? Getting off of an SSRI

Hi Sara,
When I went off prozak, I didn't have the zaps,but I wasn't in the nicest mood either. St. John's Wort is good. Have you tried True Calm or any of the other things in the health store here?

Good luck

[startingover]

Brain Zaps anyone? Getting off of an SSRI

Hi Sara,
I have heard of this too. I gather its most common with effexor..I am on prozac but havent yet got to the stage of coming off it..
I found loads of informatiion about all sorts of SSRIs here
Depression Forums - A Depression & Mental Health Community Support Group

Hope this helps a bit...

[lushy]

Brain Zaps anyone? Getting off of an SSRI

Hi,

Yes I have had those. I had a horrible withdrawal period trying to get off of Paxil which included the brain zaps. I slept as much as I could and it went away after about four days. However, you said you went off the Prozac a while ago so I am curious as to why the delay in the withdrawal symptoms. L-tryptophan is another supplement that is supposed to be good for increasing serotonin which might help. Hope they go away soon!

[Cinders]

Brain Zaps anyone? Getting off of an SSRI

Hi,

I am absolutely positively not a medical doctor BUT, you also might want to look into SamE?? Some studies suggest it is better than Prozac for depression AND it has the added benefit of being good for the liver.

I tried it and did NOT get good results but everyone is so different, and many do get great results with SamE.

I never stayed on an SSRI long enough to get any benefit so never went through the withdrawal. They always made me nervous. (My own fears, not from the drug.)

Cindi

[Sarasmiles]

Brain Zaps anyone? Getting off of an SSRI

Thanks Everyone:
I wondered about the delay, too, Lushy. Then I read that since Prozac has a long half life, it takes a while for it to completely leave your system. For some people that means that getting off of it is easier...Kind of a natural taper. But some people (and apparently I'm one of them) have the withdrawal symptoms after 2 weeks or so.

Thanks for the link, Starinover, I'll check that out now.

I also just read that Fish Oil can help, so I think I'll try that before I try to play around with my serotonin levels any more.

When I googled "brain zaps" there was loads of information...It seems to be very common. I still don't know how long it will last though. More research to do. Thanks again. Sara

[hart]

Brain Zaps anyone? Getting off of an SSRI

(((Sara))))

I had horrible side-effects when I went off Effexor cold turkey. Even after missing a few days, NOT THE DRUG FOR ME! I thought I was going crazy (and since it aint far........) I will never go on it again, the side-effects are worse than any benefit to me!

[Sarasmiles]

Brain Zaps anyone? Getting off of an SSRI

Thanks hart, Effexor was not for me, either. I've always been partial to Prozac, but am now anxious to try life without...I'm hoping that without ingesting too much alcohol to depress me, I'll be okay.

By the way, I just scanned my journals and realized it's only been 2 weeks since I went off of Prozac, not 3...Last one (10mg.) taken December 30. Sounds like I should have cut back to 5mg. for a week first. But now that I'm off of it, I'd rather not go back on...Unless a very low dose for a week or so would eliminate these brain zaps. Any thoughts?

[A Work in Progress]

Brain Zaps anyone? Getting off of an SSRI

Sara, from what I know about Prozac, going back on it, whether at a low dose or a regular dose, right now, won't make your situation any better. I've experienced those brain zaps and they are quite unnerving and unpleasant... but they do go away. Seems to me, that when I did it, they did keep on happening for 2 weeks or so...

[Sarasmiles]

Brain Zaps anyone? Getting off of an SSRI

Thanks, WIP!

It sure is nice to know I'm not the only one with what feels like little volts of electriticy going through my head.

[A Work in Progress]

Brain Zaps anyone? Getting off of an SSRI

Yeah, Sara, it scared me to death, the first time! My doc had not warned me... It does feel like electrical shocks inside your brain, doesn't it? I am determined NEVER to go on an SSRI again! Regular exercise is just as effective, as an antidepressant... not to mention NOT DRINKING!!!

[Lila]

Brain Zaps anyone? Getting off of an SSRI

Yes - I actually just went off St Johns Wort, and joined a women's gym. I am very happy about it. It makes me feel like I am in control of things, and I always leave in a positive mood. This is new to me, I am not the athletic type. But weights, and then increasing your weights - very fun!
I have taken SSRIs, and never will again, after those brain shivers!

[Cinders]

Brain Zaps anyone? Getting off of an SSRI

Man oh man. You guys have put me off taking any those ever again.

I never gave them much time (I am not a patient person) but these stories tell me that they are doing some strange things to our brains. Eeek. Haven't I done enough with the alcohol?

Cindi

ps I am glad to hear you all have come through it okay, though. So many reports of suicide from them.

[j-vo]

Brain Zaps anyone? Getting off of an SSRI

I've been on about a thousand antidepressants in my life, and I've always had some kind of withdrawal symptom from going off. Same as al, our bodies need time to adjust with the drug. And YES! I've had those zaps too! I thought I was just a crazy lady - nobody had to tell me that.

[Sarasmiles]

Brain Zaps anyone? Getting off of an SSRI

Well thank God for my friends at MWO!! Now I'm feeling comfortably understood, not isolated and crazy.

But if you're reading this and SSRIs have changed your life in a really positive way - don't worry about the withdrawal just yet! Everything in its time...And I think a very careful, gradual taper is probably what it takes. Sara