In SSRI Withdrawal, Brain Zaps Go from Overlooked Symptom to Center Stage

A sensation unofficially known as “brain zaps” has caused concern in patients stepping off of their SSRIs. Until recently, physicians have widely been unaware or dismissive of the symptom. 

“There was an emphasis both within the [psychiatric] profession and pharmacological companies to make these medications sound not addictive,” [Alexander Papp] told Psychiatrist.com. Therefore, when SSRIs first became popular, very few systematic studies were conducted on antidepressant discontinuation effects.

I went through opiate addiction when I was in my 20s and that was nothing compared to how… off I felt when my doctor pulled me off of Cymbalta cold turkey a few years ago. She switched me to a completely different class of antidepressant and said I shouldn’t have any noticeable side effects or withdrawals.

I felt fucking insane after about two days. I was getting brain zaps every time I’d look in a different direction and I literally did not know who I was at times. I spent most of a week in bed and quit my job. The absolute worst thing I’ve ever been through. Needless to say I found a new doctor.

They really do downplay all of the negative side effects and withdrawal symptoms of antidepressants. Glad to see people are starting to take this stuff seriously. Finally.