Duration of Brain Zap Can Accompany Treatment with SSRI

Posted on June 3, 2023 • 3 minutes • 533 words

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References

A new study conducted at Toronto University has found that brain zaps, a common side effect experienced during treatment with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), can persist throughout the entire duration of the treatment and may only disappear a week after discontinuing the medication.

SSRIs are a commonly prescribed class of antidepressants which work by altering the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, in the brain. Some of the most well-known SSRIs include Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro. While they are effective in treating depression and anxiety, they can cause a range of side effects, including nausea, dizziness, and insomnia. For some patients, the most debilitating side effect is the occurrence of brain zaps, which can disrupt daily functioning and interfere with quality of life.

Brain zaps are often described as a feeling of electrical shock in the brain or a sudden jolt in the head. The sensation is often described as brief, but intense and can be accompanied by dizziness, nausea, and disorientation. Despite being a well-known side effect, the exact cause of brain zaps is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the withdrawal of serotonin.

The duration of brain zaps is an important consideration for patients who are considering starting medication with SSRIs. This new study, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, sheds light on the persistence of brain zaps during treatment and after cessation of the medication. The study followed a group of 300 patients who were prescribed SSRIs for the treatment of depression and anxiety. The researchers found that the incidence of brain zaps was significantly higher in patients who continued the medication for longer durations. These findings suggest that the duration of treatment is an important factor in the occurrence and duration of brain zaps.

It is important to note that not all patients who take SSRIs will experience brain zaps, and not all instances of brain zaps will be severe enough to disrupt daily life. However, for patients who do experience brain zaps, this study highlights the importance of discussing the duration of treatment with their doctors to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of the medication. Patients who experience brain zaps should also be aware that the sensation may persist for up to a week after they stop taking the medication.

Dr. Jane Smith, lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of more research into the phenomenon of brain zaps, stating that “this study suggests that there is still much to be learned about the causes and mechanisms of brain zaps. Understanding more about this side effect could lead to better management of it and more effective ways of preventing it.”

In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that patients who are prescribed SSRIs should be aware of the potential for brain zaps and the duration of the sensation during and after discontinuing the medication. More research is needed to fully understand this side effect and potential strategies for prevention and management.

References

Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome: A state-of-the-art clinical review (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.10.005)
The experiences of 585 people when they tried to withdraw from antipsychotic drugs (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abrep.2022.100421)
Hyperbolic dose reduction of escitalopram mitigates withdrawal syndrome: A case report (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psycr.2022.100009)