Head Shocks

[edit] "Brain zaps" and "electric shock sensations"

Withdrawal symptoms, in case reports or manufacturer warnings, have been described for serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as well as atypical agents such as venlafaxine, mirtazapine, trazodone, and duloxetine.[6]

Symptoms described as "brain zaps", "brain shocks," "brain shivers" or "head shocks", are a withdrawal symptom experienced during discontinuation (or reduction of dose) of antidepressant drugs.[7][8] The symptoms are widely variable in description and of unknown etiology;[8] common descriptions include dizziness, electric shock-like sensations, sweating, nausea, insomnia, tremor, confusion, and vertigo.[8][7] The preferred medical terminology for the symptoms is paraesthesia.[9]

In a 1997 survey, a "sizable minority" of medical professionals were not confidently aware of the existence of antidepressant withdrawal symptoms.[10] A 2005 review of adverse event reporting showed that descriptions of "electric shocks" from patients on paroxetine had been reported more frequently than some other symptoms.[9]

I get them. I need them to stop. Ugh.